Specialty examinations are usually performed by specialists. Specialists are physicians, such as pediatricians and gynecologists, who have taken additional training beyond medical school and their required residencies to become board-certified in their respective specialties. Physicians who wish to become board-certified must pass rigorous examinations in their chosen specialty and be elected by the board for that specialty.

As a medical assistant, you may be employed to assist with examinations in the basic specialties. This chapter introduces you to the basic specialties of internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology. You will learn about the types of examinations and diagnostic tests used in these specialties and about the common diseases and disorders seen in these specialities. You will also learn to watch for the signs of domestic violence and child abuse.