WorldWideScience.org: A Global Scientific and Research Database

Today is an era of information, technology, and collaboration. A large number of agencies and organizations are working hard to apply cutting age technologies to their works such as to generate efficient repositories, to create new services for their users, and so on. Another hot topic they are focusing on is to establish digital community where people with common interests collect together, share knowledge and experiences, and collaborate for a common goal. However, according to my observation, they are not there yet. There is still a lot to do. Nevertheless, they are having a good start.

Today, I attended a meeting about a worldwide project called WorldWideScience.org which is an attempt to create a digital global scientific and research database. The program is a collaboration among scientific and research organizations and agencies from around the world. Yet, not all countries are participating the program. Indeed, the program has been running for a decade with periodic developments. Those development were, for example, increasing the number of database, gaining collaboration from more parties, and so on.

The meeting today was led by Brian Hitson, Associate Director of the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, U.S. Department of Energy. Hitson presented three big changes in the program responded to the shift of today technology and society.

First and foremost, the program is going to be in a multi-language context. Supported by Microsoft, the WorldWideScience search engine can translate inquiries and search results to several languages; there are nine languages available now. Although, the translation is not perfectly accurate, the translated results can assist users to have some ideas of what the results are about and save time for searching. They also expect to expand their users with this function.

Secondly, the program provide multimedia database such as images, videos, and audios. Multimedia database can promote the wealth of knowledge. In addition, it can draw new users.

Thirdly, the program is going mobile. Now, users can access the database via their smart phone, tablet, and other mobile media. It can be said that, as the world keep moving forward, information and knowledge can be accessed any time and place.

These three main modifications, the program is expected to provide better services and acquire more collaboration. If you would like to have more information, you can go to www.worldwidescience.org.

Moms and babies.... :)

source: sanook.com and others

Know About Doctors' Specialties

It has been almost 5 years that I had never seen a doctor for any medical checkup or treatment. I realize that it is really important to have regular checkups, at lease once in a year. I told myself, "Let's do it. Don't leave it too long. I don't want any surprise." So I decided to have a health insurance and see a doctor.

I looked at doctors' names in my area from my insurance website. As an foreigner, I was confused about the doctors' specialties. I know some of them because I used to take GRE exam before, that's how I learn about some vocabularies that I rarely use in my daily life. Actually, it is a basic knowledge that we suppose to know. So I looked online again and found a "Doctors' Specialties List" from a website (http://www.mchdata.com/mch_resources/glossaries/doctors.html). Thank you for the source.  :)

 

image source: Graphichunt.com

A 
Acupuncture Uses procedures adapted from Chinese medicine to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes.
Addiction Medicine Works with patients who have substance abuse disorders. Specializes in prevention, diagnosis, treatment of withdrawal, medical or psychiatric complications, relapse, and the monitoring of recovery.
Adolescent Medicine Focused on the care of people in the second decade of life. Problems in adolescence include sexual experiences resulting in pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, drug and alcohol use, violence-related behaviors, and reckless use of motor vehicles.
Aerospace Medicine Focused on the health of the crew, passengers, and support personnel of air and space vehicles.
Allergy Allergists diagnose and treat reactions due to irritating agents or allergens including foods, medicines, and pollens.
Allergy/Immunology Concerned with the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of disorders involving the immune system, including asthma, eczema, allergic reactions, problems related to autoimmune disease, organ transplantation, and immune system malignancies.
Anesthesiology Provides relief from pain and maintains or restores a stable condition during surgical, obstetric, or diagnostic procedures.
Audiologist Focused on identifying, diagnosing, and treating hearing disorders.

B
Bariatrician
Focused on the care of obese patients.

C 
Cardiac Electrophysiology Involves complicated technical procedures to evaluate heart rhythms to determine appropriate treatment.
Cardiology Focused on diseases of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Includes management of heart attacks and abnormal heart rhythms. Perform catheterization and consult with surgeons on heart surgery.
Chiropractic Therapeutic method of treatment based on interaction of the spine and nervous system.
Clinical Laboratory Immunology Focused on conducting tests of specimens to determine a patient’s general health. Results are used by physicians to diagnose illnesses and determine proper treatment.
Clinical Pathology Concerned with diagnosing a disease based on laboratory analysis of body fluids.
Colon/Rectal Surgery Diagnoses and treats various diseases of the intestinal tract, colon, rectum, and perianal area by medical and surgical means.
Critical Care The Critical Care physician is based in the ICU or CCU and has a broad knowledge of all aspects of management of the critically ill patient.
Cytopathology Focused on the diagnosis of disease through the study of cells, including pap tests. This specialist is a consultant to all medical specialists.

D
Dermatology Concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the skin and related tissues. Treats a number of sexually transmitted diseases and corrects cosmetic skin defects.
Dermatopathology Focused on the laboratory study of skin samples.
Diabetes Specialty Concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic disorders related to impairment or loss of pancreatic function.
Diagnostic Radiologist  Radiology Uses radiant energy in diagnosis and therapeutic procedures. Includes imaging through X-rays, ultrasound, etc.

E
Emergency Medical Tech A healthcare provider trained to provide pre-hospital emergency medical services.
Emergency Medicine Concerned with the immediate decisions and actions required to prevent further disability or death of a patient in an emergency room setting.
Endocrinology Focused on the disorders of the glands, including organs and tissues that produce hormones and the treatment of hormonal disorders and diseases.
Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology ESNR specialists focus on less invasive, catheter-based techniques to treat patients who are unable to undergo conventional surgery or in situations where no conventional surgery options exist.

F
Family Practice
Concerned with the healthcare of an individual and family, including all ages. Integrates the biological, behavioral, and clinical sciences.

G
Gastroenterology Focused on digestive organs, including the stomach, bowels, liver, and gall bladder.
General Practice Concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disease by both medical and surgical methods, regardless of organ system, body region, or patient age.
General Surgery Management of surgical conditions that affect almost any area of the body.
Genetics The scientific study of heredity and hereditary diseases and disorders.
Geriatrics Focused on the aging process and special skills required to treat illness in the elderly. Trained to recognize unusual presentations of illness and drug interaction.
Gynecology Concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the female reproductive system.
Gynecology Oncology Focused on gynecologic cancer and its complications.



H
Hand Surgery Specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of the hand.
Head and Neck Surgery Surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of the head and neck.
Hematology Focused on diseases of the blood, blood clotting mechanisms, bone marrow, spleen, and lymph glands.
Hematology/Oncology Specifically trained to treat diseases of the blood and cancer.
Hepatology Concerned with treating liver, gallbladder, and pancreas disorders.
Holistic Medicine Focuses on the whole person and looks at physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being prior to determining a treatment.
Hospitalist Provides general medical care of hospital patients. Responsible for patient care and research. Coordinates with patient’s primary care/referring physician.
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I
Immunology Focused on the body’s ability to combat infectious or irritating substances that threaten it with disease.
Infectious Disease Concerned with all types of infectious diseases in all organs.
Internal Medicine Focused on long-term comprehensive care. Manages common illnesses and complex medical problems.
Interventional Cardiology Focuses on catheter-based treatment of heart disease including angioplasty, valvuloplasty, and coronary thrombectomy.
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L
Legal Medicine
Focused on various aspects of medicine and the law, including the use of medicine to solve criminal cases, medical malpractice, and government regulation.
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M
Medical Oncology Focused on the diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer and other benign and malignant tumors.
Medical Toxicology Concerned with treating patients who have been exposed to poisons including medications, adverse drug reactions, environmental toxins, industrial chemicals, or bioterrorism agents.
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N 
Neonatology Focused on medical care for ill newborn infants. Also serve as consultants to general pediatricians in routine care for newborns.
Nephrology Focused on the scientific study of the kidney, its disorders, high blood pressure, fluid and mineral balance, and dialysis. Consults with surgeons regarding kidney transplantation.
Neurology Focused on the treatment of all diseases and impaired functions of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
Neuroradiology Specifically trained in using digital angiography, MRI, CT, PET, ultrasound, and X-rays to evaluate the brain, head, neck, and spine.
Neurosurgery
Provides operative and non-operative management of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous system. Includes the operative and non-operative management of pain.
Nuclear Cardiology Focuses on using small amounts of radioactive substances and non-invasive techniques to assess the health of a patient’s heart.
Nuclear Medicine Focused on nuclear properties of radioactive and stable nuclides to evaluate conditions in clinical and laboratory settings.
Nutrition Concerned with food requirements and the effects of nutrients.
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O 
Obstetrics/Gynecology Medical and surgical care of the female reproductive system and associated disorders.
Occupational Medicine Focused on the health of workers, the ability to perform work, and physical and chemical environments of the workplace.
Oncology Focuses on cancer, and the diagnosis and treatment of tumors.
Ophthalmology Comprehensive care of the eye and vision. Medical and surgical treatment of all eye, eyelid, and orbital problems.
Optometry Focuses on vision, visual systems, and the health of the eyes.
Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Concerned with the medical and surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of the foot and ankle.
Orthopedic Reconstructive Surgery Focused on surgical replacement of joints, such as knee and hip.
Orthopedic Spine Surgery Concerned with surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of the spine.
Orthopedic Surgery The preservation or restoration of form and function of the extremities, spine, and associated structures by medical, surgical, and physical means.
Osteopathy Focuses on using conventional treatment methods, as well as placing emphasis on body, mind, and spirit.
Other Specialty A specialty other than those defined.
Otorhinolaryngology The medical and surgical care of the ears, nose, throat, respiratory, and upper alimentary systems. Also called Otolaryngology.
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P 
Pain Management Specifically trained in the treatment and prevention of chronic pain or pain complicated by other medical conditions.
Pathology The scientific study of diseases and the structural and functional changes they cause.
Pediatric Allergy Concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of allergies in children.
Pediatric Cardiology Concerned with the care of children with cardiovascular problems.
Pediatric Critical Care Concerned with the care of critically ill children in an ICU environment.
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Concerned with the immediate decisions and actions required to prevent further disability or death of a child.
Pediatric Endocrinology Focused on care of children with diseases related to abnormalities in the endocrine glands, including diabetes mellitus, growth disorders, early or later puberty, birth defects, etc.
Pediatric Gastroenterology Focused on disorders of the digestive system of infants, children, and adolescents.
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Focused on the care of children with blood or cancerous diseases.
Pediatric Internal Medicine Focused on the long-term relationship with a patient. Trained to provide care for newborns, children, adolescents, and adults. Physicians are typically certified in a Med/Peds program.
Pediatric Neurology Concerned with the care of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system of children.
Pediatric Ophthalmology Concerned with providing comprehensive care of the eye and vision in children.
Pediatric Psychiatry Focused on mental, addictive, and emotional disorders of children.
Pediatric Pulmonology Concerned with the care of diseases and disorders of the lungs of children.
Pediatric Radiology Focused on the pediatric application of imaging technologies.
Pediatric Surgery Focused on the management of surgical conditions in children.
Pediatrics Focused on the health of children from birth to young adulthood.
Perinatal Focused on providing care either immediately before or after birth.
Physical Medicine/Rehab Concerned with the maximal restoration of physical, psychological, social, vocational function, and alleviation of pain for patients with impairments or disabilities.
Plastic Surgery Concerned with the repair and reconstruction of defects of the skin and its underlying musculoskeletal system, with emphasis on the face, head, limbs, breasts, and external genitalia.
Podiatry Focused on the treatment of foot and ankle disorders.
Preventative Medicine Specifically trained in preventing disease, disability, or premature death of individuals and populations.
Psychiatry Focused on the treatment of mental, addictive, and emotional disorders.
Psychology Focused on the treatment of mental functions and behaviors.
Pulmonary Critical Care Concerned with caring for patients with life-threatening pulmonary illnesses, such as COPD, asthma, emphysema, lung cancer, and pneumonia.
Pulmonology Concerned with diseases of the lungs and airways.
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R 
Radiation Oncology Deals with the therapeutic applications of radiant energy and the study and management of cancers and other diseases.
Radiology Deals with the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of radiant energy.
Reproductive Endocrinology Focused on the problems related to endocrinology and infertility.
Rheumatology Concerned with diseases of the joints, muscles, bones, and tendons, including arthritis, back pain, and muscle strains.
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S 
Sleep Medicine  Medicine Focused on the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.
Sports Medicine Specifically trained to treat sports injuries of athletes and active individuals.
Surgical Oncology Focused on the surgical management of malignant tumors.
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T 
Thoracic Surgery Operative care of patients with conditions within the chest, including coronary artery disease, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, heart valve, and major vessel abnormalities.
Transplant Surgery Focused on surgically transplanting organs, including the kidney, liver, lung, or pancreas.
Trauma Surgery Deals with the treatment of wounds and injuries through surgical methods.
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U
Urgent Care Specifically trained in providing treatment of non-emergency illnesses and injuries, such as sore throats, ear infections, minor cuts and bruises.
Urology Concerned with medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the urinary and male reproductive systems.
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V
Vascular & Interventional Radiology Focused on using images and minimally invasive procedures for diagnostic or treatment purposes.
Vascular Surgery Concerned with the surgical treatment of disorders of the blood vessels.
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W 
Women’s Health
Specifically trained to provide diagnosis and treatment related to women’s health issues.