Doctors of medicine may focus their energies in many different areas. For instance, in a clinical setting, they would see patients, diagnose their ailments and treat them. Other doctors might focus on surgery and correct such problems as heart defects or repair crushed limbs. Another avenue available is to go into the field of research, in order to come up with new ways to treat diseases and conditions. Even within these areas of concentration, the focus can be narrowed. Some surgeons specialize in plastic surgery or reconstruction whereas others may only do organ transplants. Others may wish to treat only cancer or to specialize in pediatrics.
A medical degree in dentistry allows graduates to provide dental care to patients. Doctors may practice general dentistry or specialize to provide care to a specific part of the population. Some specializations include endodonics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry and periodontics. Specialization in a certain area of dentistry takes extra coursework and time, just as it does with a doctor of medicine. This prepares graduates for their chosen field, so they can provide the best care possible. For instance, pediatric dentists promote the oral health of children from infancy through adolescence.
A student who earns the degree of doctor of optometry can provide medical eye care to patients. Optometrists are trained to diagnose and treat eye problems. This includes vision correction as well as diagnosing diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. Some optometrists choose to treat only specific parts of the population, from pediatrics to the elderly, whereas others choose to be general practitioners.
A veterinary doctor is a medical degree that permits the doctor to practice medicine on animals. As with doctors for people, veterinarians can choose to specialize in a variety of areas. Just some of the specialties include being a general veterinarian, wildlife vet or an equine vet. A veterinarian's goal is to promote animal health, ease suffering and to educate pet owners about proper care and nutrition. Graduates can focus on the impact of ecological changes in regards to wildlife or how a growing human population impacts the wildlife population. Other vets may choose to specialize in dental health or in working with special needs animals.