Exploring Health Professions
Comparison Chart of several Health Professions
- Naturopathic Medicine
- Optometry
- Oriental Medicine
- Osteopathic Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Physician Assistant
- Public Health
- Podiatry
- Veterinary
- Web Resources
Naturopathic Medicine
Books
- Fundamentals of Naturopathic Endocrinology by Michael Friedman (2001)
- Fundamentals of Naturopathic Medicine by Fraser Smith (to be published Jan. 2003)
- Naturopathic Medicine: Treating the Whole Person by Roger Newman Turner (1991)
- Pocket Guide to Naturopathic Medicine (The Crossing Press Pocket Series) by Judith Boice (1996)
Organizations
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
http://www.naturopathic.org/
The Naturopathic Medicine Network
http://www.pandamedicine.com/
Oriental Medicine
Organizations & Resources
American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM) http://www.aaom.org/
AAOM's list of Oriental Medicine Programs
http://www.aaom.org/schools.asp
Acupunture and Oriental Medicine Alliance
http://www.acupuncturealliance.org/
The Pulse of Oriental Medicine
http://www.pulsemed.org/noframes4.htm
Osteopathic Medicine
Books
- The Lost Art of Healing by Bernard Lown (2002)
- Opportunities in Osteopathic Medicine Careers by Terence J. Sacks (2001)
- Osteopathic Medicine: A Reformation in Progress by R. Michael Gallagher (2001)
- The D.O.'s: Osteopathic Medicine in America by Norman Gevitz (1991)
Student Doctor Website: Osteopathic Medicine
http://www.studentdoctor.net/do/
Optometry
Books
- Self Study Course for Optometric Assisting by American Optometric Association (1997)
Organizations
The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
http://www.opted.org/
The American Academy of Optometry
http://www.aaopt.org/
The American Optometric Association
http://www.aoanet.org/
The National Optometric Association
http://www.natoptassoc.org/
Pharmacy
Web Resources
Pharmcas: Pharmacy College Application Service
www.pharmcas.org
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTs examine patients and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Treatment programs often include exercise and/or training on how to use adaptive devices, such as crutches, prostheses, and wheelchairs.
Some PTs treat a wide range of ailments; others specialize in areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, orthopedics, sports medicine, neurology, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy. Their patients include accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions such as low-back pain, arthritis, heart disease, fractures, head injuries, and cerebral palsy.
Books
- Careers in Physical Therapy (Career Resource Library) by Trisha Hawkins (2001)
- Physical Therapy Professional Foundations: Keys to Success in School and Career by Kathleen A. Curtis (2002)
- Medical Rehabilitation: A Student's Textbook by J. V. Basmajian (1984)
Organizations and Other Resources
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA): http://www.apta.org/
Schools
Commission on Accreditation in Physical TherpaCAPTE Accredited PT Programs: www.apta.org/capte
Application Process Information
Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service (PTCAS): http://www.ptcas.org/
Graduate Record Exam (GRE): www.gre.org
Journal
Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association: http://www.ptjournal.org/
Volunteer Work & Internships
Hospitals
Independent Physical therapy clinics
Athletic trainers (high school, college, sports teams)
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in all states can write prescriptions. Within the physician-PA relationship, physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. A PA's practice may also include education, research, and administrative services.Many PAs work in primary care specialties, such as general internal medicine, pediatrics, and family medicine. Other specialty areas include general and thoracic surgery, emergency medicine, orthopedics, and geriatrics. PAs specializing in surgery provide preoperative and postoperative care and may work as first or second assistants during major surgery.
Definition adapted from the Occupational Outlook Handbook and the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants
Organizations
American Academy of Physician Assistants: http://www.aapa.org/
Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants: http://saaapa.aapa.org/prepa/geninfo1.htm
Schools
Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA)
Accredited Program List: http://www.arc-pa.org
Application Process Information
Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA): https://portal.caspaonline.org
Graduate Record Exam (GRE): www.gre.org
Journal
Physician Assistant Journal: http://www.pajournal.com/
Volunteer Work & Internships
MIT EMT: http://ems.mit.edu/
Podiatry
Podiatrists, also known as doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs), diagnose and treat disorders, diseases, and injuries of the foot and lower leg. To treat these problems, podiatrists prescribe drugs and physical therapy, set fractures, and perform surgery. They also fit corrective shoe inserts called orthotics, design plaster casts and strappings to correct deformities, and design custom-made shoes.
Most podiatrists have a solo practice, although more are forming group practices with other podiatrists or health practitioners. Some specialize in surgery, orthopedics, primary care, or public health. Besides these board-certified specialties, podiatrists may practice other specialties, such as sports medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, radiology, geriatrics, or diabetic foot care.
Definition adapted from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
Organizations
American Podiatric Medical Association: http://www.apma.org/
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine: http://www.aacpm.org/
Schools
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine: http://www.aacpm.org/
Application Process Information
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM) 2003 AACPMAS web application: http://www.e-aacpmas.org/
MCAT: (www.aamc.org/students/mcat)
Traditionally the MCAT has been the only standardized test required for admissions to the colleges of podiatric medicine. However, some colleges will accept the GRE or DAT in lieu of the MCAT.
Journal
Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association: http://www.japmaonline.org/
Volunteer Work & Internships
Podiatric Mentor Network: http://www.aacpm.org/contactpod
Books
- Principles and Practice of Podiatric Medicine by Leonard A. Levy (1990)
- Advances in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery by Stephen Kominsky (1996)
- Review Text in Podiatric Orthopedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine by Marc Benard (1997)
- Public Health and Podiatric Medicine by Arthur Helfand (1987)
Public Health
Public Health is the practice of preventing disease and promoting good health within groups of people, from small communities to entire countries. Public health professionals rely on policy and research strategies to understand issues such as infant mortality and chronic disease in particular populations.
Rather than being a single discipline, public health includes professionals from many fields with the common purpose of protecting the health of a population.
Definition adapted from the American Public Health Association
Organizations and Other Resources
American Public Health Association (APHA): http://www.apha.org/
Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE): http://www.sophe.org/Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH): http://www.asph.org/
Schools
Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH): http://www.asph.org/
Application Process Information
Schools of Public Health Application Service: http://www.sophas.org
Graduate Record Exam (GRE): www.gre.org
Journal
American Journal of Public Health: http://www.ajph.org/
Volunteer Work & Internships
Hospitals, health clinics, non-profit health organizations, local health departments, U.S. federal agencies (http://www.usajobs.gov/STUDENTS.asp ), public service organizations such as www.peacecorps.org, www.americorps.org, www.idealist.org or www.teachforamerica.org
Books
- Introduction to Health Services, 6e by Stephen Williams (2001)
- Public Health: What Is It and How It Works by Bernard J. Turnock (2001)
- Opportunities in Public Health Careers
- Introduction to Health Services, 6e by Stephen Williams (2001)
- Public Health: What Is It and How It Works by Bernard J. Turnock (2001)
- Opportunities in Public Health Careers by Terry W. Pickett (1994)
Veterinary
Veterinarians care for the health of pets, livestock, and animals in zoos, racetracks, and laboratories. Some veterinarians use their skills to protect humans against diseases carried by animals and conduct clinical research on human and animal health problems. Others work in basic research, broadening our knowledge of animals and medical science, and in applied research, developing new ways to use knowledge.
Most veterinarians diagnose animal health problems; vaccinate against diseases, such as distemper and rabies; medicate animals suffering from infections or illnesses; treat and dress wounds; set fractures; perform surgery; and advise owners about animal feeding, behavior, and breeding. Some veterinarians contribute to human as well as animal health by collaborating with physicians and scientists to research ways to prevent and treat various human health problems, and others are involved in food safety and inspection.
Definition adapted from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
Organizations & Resources
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): http://www.avma.org/
Schools
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC): http://aavmc.org/
Application Process Information
Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) Web application: http://www.aavmc.org/vmcas/vmcas.htm
Graduate Record Exam (GRE): www.gre.org
Veterinary Medical School Admissions Requirements Guide (VMSAR): http://www.aavmc.org/vmcas/VMSAR_publications.htm
Journal
The Journal of Veterinary Medical Education (JVME): http://www.jvmeonline.org/
Volunteer Work & Internships
New England Aquarium: http://www.neaq.org/community/index.html
Museum of Science: http://www.mos.org/support_mos/volunteering
Franklin Park Zoo: http://www.franklinparkzoo.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&pageID=829&stopRedirect=1
Externships: http://www.aavmc.org/students_admissions/StudentsAdmissionsExternshipsExternshipBank.htm
Books
- Public Opportunities in Veterinary Medicine Careers by Robert E. Swope (2001)
- Veterinary Medical School Admission Requirements in the United States and Canada: 2001 Edition for 2002 Matriculation by Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (2001)
- Opportunities in Animal and Pet Careers by Mary Price Lee (1993)
- Manual of Natural Veterinary Medicine: Science and Tradition by Susan G. Wynn (2002)
Web Resources
Explore Health Careers
www.explorehealthcareers.org
U.S. News and World Report Health Program Rankings
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/grad/rankings/hea/brief/vet_brief.php
Last updated on Monday, November 17, 08 at 01:51:07 PM EST.
