Paleontologists study the fossils of ancient life-forms, including human life, found in sedimentary rocks on or within the Earth’s crust. Paleontological analyses range from the description of large, easily visible features to biochemical analysis of incompletely fossilized tissue. The observations are used to infer relationships between past and present groups of organisms (taxonomy), to investigate
Doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.’s), more commonly referred to as osteopaths, practice a medical discipline that uses refined and sophisticated manipulative therapy based on the late 19th century teachings of American Dr. Andrew Taylor Still. It embraces the idea of “whole person” medicine and looks upon the system of muscles, bones, and joints—particularly the spine—
An optometrist is a health care professional who provides primary eye care services, including comprehensive eye health and vision examinations, diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and vision disorders, prescribing of glasses, contact lenses, vision therapy, and medications, performing minor surgical procedures, and counseling patients regarding their vision needs. While examining a patient’s eyes, optometrists
Personal chefs prepare menus for individuals and their families, purchase the ingredients for the meals, then cook, package, and store the meals in the clients’ own kitchens. Approximately 9,200 personal chefs work across the United States and Canada. They cook for busy families, seniors, people with disabilities, and others who do not have the time
Periodontists are dentists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and bone that support the teeth. They perform thorough clinical examinations, measuring the depth of gum pockets and checking for gingival bleeding, and may do tests to find out which types of bacteria are involved. Periodontal surgery may be needed
Although perfusionists, formerly known as cardiovascular perfusionists, are not well known to the general public, they play a crucial role in the field of cardiovascular surgery. They operate what is known as the “heart-lung machine.” The perfusionist is responsible for all aspects of the heart-lung machine whenever it becomes necessary to interrupt or replace the
Pedorthists design, manufacture, fit, and modify shoes and other devices aimed at lessening pain or correcting foot problems. Pedorthists design and fit special therapeutic footwear for a patient as prescribed by a physician. This process involves making clay impressions of the patient’s feet, modifying the mold to make special footwear, choosing the correct materials, and
Pediatricians are physicians who provide health care to infants, children, and adolescents. Typically, a pediatrician meets a new patient soon after birth and takes care of that patient through his or her teenage years. There are nearly 27,000 pediatricians employed in the United States. Pediatrician Career History Children became the focus of separate medical care
Physicians diagnose, prescribe medicines for, and otherwise treat diseases and disorders of the human body. A physician may also perform surgery and often specializes in one aspect of medical care and treatment. Physicians hold either a doctor of medicine (M.D.) or osteopathic medicine (D.O.) degree. Approximately 567,000 M.D.’s and D.O.’s are employed in the United
Photojournalists shoot photographs that capture news events. Their job is to tell a story with pictures. They may cover a war in central Africa, the Olympics, a national election, or a small-town Fourth of July parade. In addition to shooting pictures, they also write captions or other supporting text to provide further detail about each