A medical specialist is a physician
who has completed the usual four years of medical school plus
three to six years of training in a residency program
where there is extensive study and preparation for them to care for
patients in specific areas of medicine. As a resident the physician
spends
full time
in a hospital or ambulatory care setting under the supervision of teachers.
During this time the resident cares for patients, attends conferences,
and participates in research in the area of specialty being studied. At
the end of the residency the physician must complete a comprehensive
evaluation
and examination in order to receive certification. Some specialty boards
also require recertification every seven to ten years to maintain the
certification. In addition the physician must participate in
yearly continuing medical
education.
Obstetrician-Gynecologists
are physicians who possess special knowledge, skills and abilities
in the medical and surgical care of the female reproductive
system and associated disorders. They are consultants to other
physicians in these areas and serve as primary care physicians
for women. As obstetricians, they care for the woman when
she is pregnant. They have been trained to care for both the
mother and the unborn child during both normal and complicated
pregnancies. As gynecologists they care for the woman when
she is not pregnant and treat both medical and surgical illnesses
as well as provide preventative care.
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered
professional nurse with advanced education and clinical training
in a health care specialty area. Nurse practitioners work with
people of all ages and their families, providing information people
need to make informed decisions about their health care and lifestyle
choices. Nurse practitioners evaluate the health status of patients
through history taking, physical examination and evaluation of
laboratory tests. They provide comprehensive health care wellness
evaluations as well as assess and manage acute minor illnesses
and refer patients to physicians and other health care providers
when necessary. The nurse practitioner prescribes medicines and
other therapies when it is appropriate. At the Canandaigua Medical
Group, your doctor reviews all notes of your visits with the nurse
practitioner. The physician remains ultimately responsible for
your health care. Through the nurse practitioner your doctor can
be more responsive to your individual needs.
Nurse Practitioners have been in
practice with the Canandaigua Medical Group (CMG) for over 20 years.
Initially they practiced only in Internal Medicine but today they
work within all the specialty areas of CMG.
The Nurse Practitioner movement
began over 25 years ago in Colorado at a time of a severe physician
shortage. Registered nurses were trained in advanced techniques
of diagnosis and treatment to fill the need during that time. Today,
most of our nurse practitioners have had at least 8 years of education
and clinical practice before they take their first job. All of
them had been practicing as registered nurses before they went
back to school for their advanced education.
Here
at the Canandaigua Medical Group, they are an integral part of
the health care team. They practice in the collaborative relationship
with our physician colleagues, diagnosing and treating both acute
and chronic illnesses. They are able to prescribe medications,
order, perform and interpret diagnostic studies and lab work,
provide immunizations, perform physical exams, check ups and
promote health seeking behavior and wellness. They counsel, educate,
teach and treat individuals and families about their total health
care needs.As
professional health care specialists, they bring their years of nursing
experience and education to the care of each individual and family.
There are more than 8,600 Nurse
Practitioners certified to practice in New York State and some
of the very best are here at the Canandaigua Medical Group as integral
members of your health care team.
