Health Science is a multi-faceted discipline usually broken up into 3 main sub-disciplines: Life Science, Physiological Science and Physical Science or Bioengineering. The following is a brief description of a cross-section of careers across the Health Sciences. If you have a career in this field you might work in hospital laboratories, on surgical teams, in special departments, at community clinics, and for agencies, such as the Health Protection Agency.
Anatomical pathologists try to identify causes of death, assisting pathologists in post-mortems and maintaining the mortuary.
Blood Transfusion Specialist – blood from donors needs to be matched to patients. Blood donations need to be collected and documented. Sometimes investigation of issues or problems may be required.
Clinical Biochemists analyze blood and other body fluids in order to diagnose and treat patients, also advising doctors on which tests they should ask for and what possible courses of treatment are available.
Cytogeneticists study a patient’s chromosomes under a microscope in order to determine whether there are any abnormalities.
Cytopathologists and Cervical Cytologists use various methods, including cervical smears, to test for signs of abnormality in the cervix.
Electron Microscopy is the use of an electron microscope to study the interior structure of individual cells and viruses. This is often used as a method of diagnosis for certain ailments.
Embryologists and Andrologists are rapidly growing the field of infertility treatments, such as collecting eggs, fertilizing them and replacing them.
Quality Assurance Analysts ensure high quality and standards in diagnostic testing through monitoring, auditing and accreditation.
Hematology, Hemostasis and Thrombosis are the study of blood and tissues related to it, such as bone marrow. Specialists in this area diagnose and monitor patients who have blood and bone marrow-related disorders including leukemia, some forms of cancer, sickle cell disease, anemia and others.
Immunogeneticists research the immune system and develop methods of manipulating it. They also check compatibility between organ or blood donors and recipients.
Histopathologists use special techniques to examine the structure of cells and tissue in order to help determine what the likely course of a disease may be.
Immunologists study the immune system and help to diagnose immune deficiencies and other immune system abnormalities, ranging from allergies to HIV.
Microbiologists study bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites to identify causes of and treatments for illnesses, as well as trying to prevent epidemics.
Molecular Geneticists study the DNA of a patient to determine whether there are any abnormalities responsible for certain conditions and identify how likely it may be for abnormalities to be passed on to future generations.
Pharmacists prepare pharmaceuticals for patients and instruct them on use, dosage, interaction with other substances and physical reactions.
Phlebotomists are blood sample specialists. They have honed their skills in advanced techniques of drawing blood from special patients, such as babies and the elderly.
Tissue Banking – This is the harvesting, storing and issuing of different types of tissues used in treating patients, such as stem cells, bone marrow and the cornea of the eye.
Toxicologists study how chemicals, toxic materials, biological agents and drug overdoses
effect the human body. They also assist doctors by recommending treatment for patients exposed to any of these.
Audiologists study and monitor hearing and related issues such as balance. They help patients with getting and adjusting hearing aids and work with the hearing impaired to improve the overall quality of their lives.
Autonomic Neurovascular Function Specialists monitor patients who have impaired nerve function, often as the result of a viral or chronic illness, in order to determine the extent of impairment and recommend therapeutic treatments.
Cardiac Physiologists work with patients who have or may have heart disease, the number one cause of death in the United States. These physiologists need to be comfortable using a wide variety of methods and equipment in order to diagnose and treat their patients.
Clinical Perfusion Specialists are responsible for setting up and monitoring vital equipment which supports patients during open-heart surgery, such heart and lung machines.
Critical Care Technologists are responsible for life support machines and other equipment that is used in the diagnosis and monitoring of critically ill patients.
Gastrointestinal Physiologists study and care for the digestive system. They are responsible for diagnosing abnormalities and disease, as well as helping patients improve their conditions.
Neurophysiologists study the function of the nervous system by recording electrical activity in the brain. They diagnose and treat neurological disorders, and work in surgeries on epileptic patients.
Ophthalmic and Vision Specialists study vision and diseases and disorders of the eye and optic neural pathways. They measure the field of vision, pressure in the eye and electrical signals that transmit visual information to the brain.They also assist with diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Respiratory physiologists work with patients who have lung or blood oxygenation issues. They are involved in monitoring and treatment, including long-term care.
Sleep physiologists work with patients who have sleeping disorders, such as apnea, which can require long-term management.
Urodynamics Specialists treat and monitor patients who have urinary difficulties.
Vascular Technology Specialists work with disorders of the arteries and veins, using blood-flow analysis methods, such as ultrasounds. They diagnose illnesses and recommend treatment.
Biomedical Engineers help in designing and improving artificial body part replacements. They also help to develop new technologies, such as robotic surgery.
Clinical Measurement Specialists develop and use cutting-edge techniques and technologies to support some of the most highly-specialized branches of medicine, such as heart surgery.