Pre-Health Student Advising

Physicians support and manage the health care of people of all ages. They take medical histories, perform physical examinations, conduct diagnostic tests, recommend, and provide treatment, conduct research, and advise patients on their overall health and well-being. While there are many different types of physicians, they can usually be divided into three broad categories: primary care physicians, surgeons, and specialists.

There are two types of fully licensed physicians that can practice anywhere in the U.S. One is an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) and the other is a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine).

Professional Organizations:

• American Association of College of Osteopathic Medicine
• American Medical Association 
• American Osteopathic Association
• Association of American Medical Colleges

Veterinarians provide medical care for domestic animals, livestock, working animals, wildlife, exotic, zoo, and aquatic animals. Every community needs veterinary professionals to provide animal health care, but veterinarians also do many other kinds of jobs. They make sure the nation’s food supply is safe. They work to control the spread of diseases. They conduct research that helps both animals and humans. Veterinarians are at the forefront of protecting the public’s health and welfare.

Professional Organizations:

• American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges
• American Veterinary Medical Association

Dentists evaluate the overall health of their patients while advising them about oral health and disease prevention. They also perform clinical procedures, such as exams, fillings, crowns, implants, extractions, and corrective surgeries. They identify, diagnose, and treat oral conditions. Dentists perform general dentistry or practice one of many specialties.

There are two types of fully licensed dentists. One is a D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and the other is a D.M.D (Doctor of Dental Medicine).

Professional Organizations:

• American Dental Education Association
• American Dental Association
• American Student Dental Association 

Optometrists are the primary care doctors of the eye and the frontline protectors of vision. As primary-care providers, optometrists are educated in general health and systemic disease. They are often the first to detect critical health issues from diabetes, hypertension, stroke, or cancer and refer patients for additional treatment. Optometrists have the specialized knowledge to manage eye health and have a positive impact on patients’ overall health.

Professional Organizations:

• Association of Schools and College of Optometry

Podiatrists, also known as podiatric physicians or surgeons, are qualified by their education and training to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. Podiatrists are uniquely qualified among medical professionals to treat the lower extremity based on their education, training, and expertise. Within the profession, podiatrists can specialize in a variety of areas such as surgery, orthopedics, or public health. Besides these certified specialties, podiatrists may practice a subspecialty such as sports medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, radiology, geriatrics, or diabetic foot care.

Professional Organizations:

• American Association of College of Podiatric Medicine

Occupational Therapists enable people of all ages to live life to the fullest by helping them promote health, and prevent—or live better with—injury, illness, or disability. Occupational Therapists work in a variety of settings. They help children with disabilities participate fully in school and social situations, assist people recovering from injury to regain skills, and provide support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes. Occupational Therapists have a holistic perspective. They focus on adapting the environment and/or task to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team and process.

Professional Organizations:

• American Occupational Therapy Association

Pharmacists are medication experts who enhance patient care and promote wellness. Pharmacists use their professional knowledge to prepare and dispense prescriptions, ensure medicines and doses are correct, prevent harmful drug interactions, and counsel patients on the safe and appropriate use of their medications. Pharmacists have unique and specialized expertise about the composition of medicines, including chemical, biological, and physical properties, as well as manufacturing and use.

Professional Organizations:

• American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy

Physician Assistants are medical providers who are licensed to diagnose and treat illnesses and diseases, as well as prescribe medication. Physician Assistants work in hospitals and clinics in collaboration with a licensed physician.

Professional Organizations:

• American Academy of Physician Associates
• Physician Assistant Education Association

Anesthesiologist Assistants are highly skilled medical professionals who help plan and deliver anesthesia care within the Anesthesia Care Team. Anesthesiologist Assistants work as physician extenders who deliver a variety of care techniques under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. Their responsibilities include establishing patient monitoring devices and intravenous access, assisting in the induction, maintenance, and emergence of a patient's anesthetic, interpreting, and recording the patient's physiological and pharmacological status, and providing continuity of care into and during the post-operative period.

Professional Organizations:

• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
• American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants

Pathologists’ Assistants are highly trained, certified allied healthcare professionals who are qualified by academic and practical training to provide various services in anatomic pathology under the direction and supervision of a licensed, Board-Certified Anatomic Pathologist. Pathologists’ Assistants are academically and practically trained to provide accurate and timely processing of a variety of laboratory specimens, including comprehensive macroscopic examination and evaluation of all surgical pathological specimens. Pathologists’ Assistants play a critical role in the delivery of healthcare services in both surgical pathology and autopsy pathology.

Professional Organizations:

• National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
• American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants

Physical Therapists diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to people at the end of life. They examine each patient and develop a treatment plan to improve mobility, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability. Physical Therapists help people achieve fitness goals, regain or maintain their independence, and lead active lives.

Professional Organizations:

• Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education