ICU-USA

Brain and Nervous System Doctor (Neurologist)

Neurologists have advanced training in diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. They frequently help manage ICU patients who have had strokes, seizures (convulsions) or unconsciousness (coma).

Cancer Specialist (Oncologist)

Oncologists have advanced training in diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer.

Heart Doctor (Cardiologist)

Cardiologists have advanced training in diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases. Many different fields exist within cardiology. These doctors care for patients with heart attacks, heart failure, irregular heartbeats and many other problems. Cardiologists perform heart catheterizations, angioplasty (opening up of heart blood vessels) and many other procedures related to the heart.

Infectious Disease Doctor

Infectious disease doctors have advanced training in diagnosis and treatment of patients with infectious diseases.

Kidney Doctor (Nephrologist)

Nephrologists have advanced training in diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. They are experts in the use of the kidney machine (dialysis).

Lung Doctor (Pulmonologist)

Pulmonologists have advanced training in diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases. Many times the pulmonologist is also the ICU doctor. Pulmonologists are skilled at bronchoscopy. This procedure involves looking inside the lung tubes (trachea and bronchi) with a long flexible tube called a bronchoscope. These doctors also perform many other important procedures related to lung disease.

Orthopedic surgeon

The orthopedic surgeon specializes in surgery of the bones and joints.

Pharmacist

Pharmacists play a critical role in the ICU. Many hospitals have pharmacists with advanced training and degrees (Pharm D = doctor of pharmacology) who make daily rounds with the ICU team. They help in selecting the right medicines at the correct dose for patients and help in monitoring drug levels in the body. Pharmacists also help to decrease medication side effects.

Rehabilitation Doctor

Rehabilitation doctors often get involved with care as the patient is improving. They help to evaluate the next best steps after the ICU. They work closely with physical therapists to design rehabilitation programs.

Stomach Doctor (Gastroenterologist)

Gastroenterologists have advanced training in diagnosis and treatment of disease of the digestive system. This includes esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach), stomach, intestines (bowels), liver, gall bladder and pancreas. These doctors perform an important diagnostic procedure called endoscopy. This procedure involves looking inside the digestive system with a long flexible tube called an endoscope. This can be done "from above" by passing the tube from the mouth or "from below" by passing the tube from the rectum (bottom).

Additonal Information

For more information about Pharmacist see the following site(s):

www.aphanet.org
American Pharmaceutical Association provides information on medicines, medication records and how to gain the most benefits from working with pharmacists.