An infectious disease specialist is a medical doctor who specializes primarily in the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of many types of infections. They are trained to diagnose and treat infections that are caused by a virus, bacteria, parasites and fungi. Infections can occur anywhere throughout the body, but they are most commonly found within the heart, sinuses, lungs, bones and urinary tract. They are also knowledgeable about the different treatments for infections, the common ways in which an infection spreads within the body and to others and also how the body fights an infection.
Job Description
In comparison to most other doctors, these specialists do not perform surgery on their patients. The most common types of infections that they diagnose and treat include strep throat, the flu, measles, mumps, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and meningitis. While physicians can diagnose and treat many types of diseases, an infectious disease specialist cares for a patient when a patient has a high fever, the diagnosis is difficult to make or when a current treatment is ineffective at treating the illness.
When determining which type of infection is present, these specialists will often review a patient's history, take x-rays and perform a variety of laboratory tests. Blood tests and a physical exam of the patient are also commonly performed. They often work in conjunction with the patient's primary physician to determine a course of treatment. They can also educate people on how to avoid common types of viruses if a person will be traveling to another country where risk of disease is high.
Educational Requirements
An infectious disease specialist in South Dakota and everywhere else around the world must meet licensing and educational requirements before they can practice medicine. Obtaining a bachelor's degree is a requirement before applying to medical school. During the undergraduate years, enrolling in courses such as chemistry, biology and microbiology will be helpful in preparation for medical school.
After successful completion of medical school, the hopeful infectious disease specialist must then seek an internal medicine residency program. During this time, the resident will learn more about infectious diseases and how they affect people. An infectious disease fellowship is the next step, in which the person will become accustomed to treating patients and learning how to test for infectious diseases.
In order to meet licensing requirements, exams must be taken in order to achieve certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine. These exams test knowledge of both infectious disease and also internal medicine.
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