medical videos

Hearing loss can be gradual or sudden. Either way it can be devastating. When it comes to problems with hearing or balance…people turn to specialists called Audiologists. They use sophisticated testing equipment and computers to measure the level and quality of the patient’s hearing. The audiologist then interprets the results, and makes a diagnosis and suggests treatment. For example, there may be blockage in the ear canal that needs to be removed view more

Scientific applications in the biological and agricultural industries have enabled our country to become one of the largest food and medicine producers in the world. Much of this research occurs in scientific laboratories where biological, agricultural and food technicians are employed. Biological, agricultural and food Technicians set up, operate and maintain laboratory instruments, monitor experiments, make observations, calculate and record results view more

Biomedical Engineers are people who develop technologies that help save lives. They combine biology and medicine with engineering and mechanics. It’s a combination that leads to amazing results. Imaging systems that allow doctors to “see” inside a patient’s organs. Artificial limbs, organs and joints. Lasers for surgery. Devices for automating insulin injections; all are the work of biomedical engineers view more

To accomplish the everyday miracles of modern care for heart patients, it takes a team of professionals. Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians are essential members of that team. Technologists are trained to prepare patients, and assist physicians during procedures such as cardiac catheterization, and open-heart surgery, balloon angioplasty and open-heart surgery. They also monitor patients’ blood pressure and heart rate view more

Many people with aches, pains and other health complaints depend on chiropractors to help them cope. Also called Doctors of Chiropractic, or chiropractic physicians, they diagnose and treat patients whose health problems are associated with the body’s muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems, especially the spine. Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery, but they are thoroughly trained through two to four years of pre-professional college education, with a bachelor’s degree recommended view more

Insurance company claims examiners usually supervise claims adjusters. They make sure that payments and settlements have been made in accordance with company practices and procedures and that the adjuster’s repair estimates are accurate. Claims examiners report overpayments, underpayments, and irregularities. They confer with attorneys, medical personnel, and experts on claims that go to court. They also help guard against insurance fraud, whether it involves false medical claims, faked documents, or even murder-for-profit view more

Open wi--ide. Dentists diagnose and treat problems that occur in teeth and the tissues of the mouth. They fill cavities, repair broken teeth, perform extractions and clean teeth. They make molds for dentures to replace missing teeth and advise patients in good dental hygiene. Dentists use drills, x-ray machines, forceps, mirrors and brushes to do their jobs. They wear masks, gloves and safety glasses to protect themselves from infectious diseases view more

Using sound to see…that’s the short way to explain the science of sonography. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers use special equipment to direct safe, high frequency sound waves towards a particular part of the body. The echoes of those waves are collected and turned into moving images. The sonographer is trained to select particular images, and record them for a physician to use in making a diagnosis, or in monitoring a medical condition, such as pregnancy view more

There’s an expression – “you are what you eat.” And that’s certainly true when it comes to good nutrition. Dietetic Technicians help to make the important connection between food and health. At hospitals, they assist in planning meals that meet the needs of individual patients. They might also work for schools and corporations, developing food selections for the cafeteria. In every case, they rely on guidelines established by the government and medical experts view more

The positive health and lifestyle effects of a healthy diet are very much in the news. The people behind the headlines are dietitians and nutritionists, who work to help all kinds of people, take better care of themselves, by making wiser food choices. For someone being treated for high blood pressure, a consulting dietitian or nutritionist in private practice, or associated with a clinic, can help design a diet that tastes great with less salt and fat view more

Technology evolves at such a rapid pace that keeping up with the latest products can be a challenge…especially for Electrical or Electronic Technician. They help design, develop, test and manufacture electrical and electronic equipment such as radios, radar, sonar, television, industrial and medical devices, navigational equipment, and computers. Technicians may also work in product evaluation and testing, where they use measuring or diagnostic devices to adjust, test and repair equipment view more

Emergency medical technicians or “EMTs” (pronounced:”e-em-tees”) are the men and women who are usually first on the scene when there is a heart attack victim, a near-drowning, automobile accident injuries, gunshot wounds, or anything else requiring immediate medical attention. Working in two-person teams, EMTs drive their ambulances or rescue squad vehicles to the scene, assess the situation, and execute the appropriate procedures view more

Epidemiologists are like medical detectives--they work to determine who gets diseases, and why. They train through four years of college, and an additional two to four years of master’s degree or doctoral studies. They may specialize in an area such as environmental epidemiology, which looks at the connection between environmental exposure and disease. Most epidemiologists work for federal, state or local government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control or a local health department view more

The first century of the Industrial Revolution left a legacy of hazardous waste that government and environmental experts are trying to clean up. Hazardous Materials and Waste Technicians are at the forefront of this effort. Some hazardous waste technicians work on-site; others, in a hazardous materials center, called a “hazmat facility.” There, they perform a variety of tasks including transportation, treatment and storage of hazardous wastes view more

EVENT 01084 a. HOME HEALTH AIDE - 374 A/V: NARRATOR (VO): As both hospital costs and the number of elderly citizens grow, home health aides are playing an increasingly important role in the nation's health-care system. Years ago, when grandparents, parents, and children all lived in the same house, someone was always available to help care for an ill family member. But that usually isn't the case today view more

A growing segment of the mental health profession is Marriage and Family Therapy. Therapists with a masters or doctoral degree in this category evaluate and treat mental and emotional disorders, health and behavioral problems, and relationship issues—all within the context of the family. How does that work? In a variety of ways. Often, a patient seeing a therapist individually, is referred to a marriage and family therapist when it is determined that family dynamics and family life cycle issues such as the birth of a child, or the death of a family member are contributing to a problem view more

It can be the ultimate luxurious treat…or an essential element of recovery from an injury…either way, massage therapy is a legitimate part of the health care profession. With the current movement toward natural health, wellness and prevention, there is renewed interest in massage therapy, which has its roots in ancient times. Massage Therapists can work for themselves, physical therapy and rehabilitation practices, a health club, spa,—even for a sports team or dance troupe view more

When a doctor orders a series of tests on a patient, chances are that those tests will be performed by medical and clinical laboratory technologists. It is the job of these professionals to examine and analyze blood, urine, and other body fluids, tissue, and cells. Using powerful microscopes and other equipment, they look for bacteria, parasites, and abnormal cells. They also analyze blood cholesterol levels and type and cross-match blood samples for transfusions view more

Medical and health services managers are managers first and foremost. But because they are employed by hospitals, nursing homes, and government agencies concerned with health care, they face special challenges. The structure and financing of the health care industry is changing rapidly. So whether these managers oversee nursing, surgery, physical therapy, or some other hospital department, they are under constant pressure to cut costs while improving services view more

Medical appliance technicians combine a knowledge of human anatomy with math and power tools to create artificial limbs and braces. They work as assistants to orthotists and prosthetists, medical experts who use specially-designed devices to help patients overcome a physical disability. The technicians read prescriptions and detailed information about what the patient needs. They often work from a cast or impression of the limb as a pattern, taking careful measurements with precision instruments view more

Medical assistants are essential in keeping medical establishments organized and running smoothly. They must be organized individuals who can do several tasks at once and handle a large amount of detailed, important paperwork. If you are interested in this profession, you must work well with your hands, since duties can include the disposal of contaminated supplies or the sterilization of medical instruments view more

Some of the most dramatic advances in medicine have been in the technology used to diagnose and treat patients. From large X-ray units…to small patient monitors, the job of installing and maintaining this equipment is the responsibility of Medical Equipment Repairers. The equipment repaired runs the gamut from electric wheelchairs, mechanical lifts, hospital beds and customized vehicles to biomedical equipment, hearing aids and surgical instruments view more

Medical secretaries serve as administrative assistants in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and in doctors’ and dentists’ offices. In addition to being familiar with all the standard secretarial tools, medical secretaries must be comfortable with the special terminology of medicine and pharmacology. They must also be familiar with the billing procedures required by insurance companies and government programs like Medicare, as well as know what forms hospitals and labs require and how to complete them view more

Every time a patient is examined, or diagnostic tests are reviewed, a record must be made of the health care professional’s analysis. That report becomes a part of the patient’s medical record—a vital chapter in an ongoing story. To save the expert’s time and to capture the immediacy of the observation, the analysis is dictated, and the tape is then given to a Medical Transcriptionist to distill into a report view more

Mental Health Counselors help to make life better for people with mental or emotional problems. They start by listening, to find out what’s wrong. They’re trained to help people talk about a wide range of issues, from depression, to substance abuse and family tensions. In addition to advising their clients, Mental Health Counselors work closely with other specialists in their field. For example, a patient might need to see a psychiatrist, who can prescribe medication view more

The work of Nuclear Medicine Technologists revolves around tiny particles of matter called “radionuclides.” They are transformed into substances that the technologist or doctor gives to a patient, by mouth or with an injection. Then the technologist operates equipment that tracks these particles in the body. The resulting image can be used to diagnose the patient’s condition and to guide a course of treatment view more

The backbone of the medical profession is the nursing staff. The college-level courses that prepare student nurses for their career are taught by post-secondary nursing instructors and teachers. Teaching takes place both in the traditional classroom setting, where students learn the basics of patient care… …and in the clinical units of hospitals, where instructors can present hands-on demonstrations view more

Obstetricians and Gynecologists are medical doctors who specialize in the welfare of women. Gynecologists deal with general health issues, as well as issues that affect the reproductive system. Obstetricians are involved in the birth process, from pregnancy thru childbirth and postpartum follow-up. It’s not unusual for one doctor to be both a gynecologist and obstetrician. This is a field that requires extensive education view more

People who are physically, mentally or emotionally disabled often have difficulty dealing with basic living skills. Helping them to cope are Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides. Under the supervision of occupational therapists, assistants and aides work very closely with their clients to help them compensate for limitations and help restore vocational, homemaking and daily living skills. view more

Optometrists help people see better. They examine eyes to diagnose vision problems and eye diseases, and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. Optometrists are not physicians, but they do have extensive training. All states and the District of Columbia license optometrists, who are required to have a doctor of optometry degree from an accredited optometry school—which usually means a four year program after three years of undergraduate work view more

Beautifully straight, even teeth make for a great smile. They also contribute to overall good health. So orthodontists are important to the way people look AND feel. Orthodontists are dentists who specialize in the way teeth fit together. They study each patient’s mouth and jaw. This often involves taking x-rays. NAT SOT – “NOW HOLD STILL” After diagnosing the problem, the orthodontist creates appliances such as braces or retainers to help straighten the teeth view more

Fairly simple-looking plastic or metal components can make a huge difference in a disabled person's life. Designing and building these is the work of Orthotists and Prosthetists. These experts use art and science to help restore the human body to as normal function as possible. Orthotists make and fit braces and appliances that help to align or support limbs. Prosthetists design and make artificial limbs view more

Caring for the young takes a special kind of doctor. Called pediatricians, they are trained to treat the specific needs of infants, children and teens. Pediatricians are responsible for overseeing all the health and medical needs of their young patients. This is usually done through regular checkups. They’ll look at the weight and height to make sure the patient is growing at the proper rate view more

"There's no place like home," is more than a line from The Wizard of Oz. It's a proven fact. Studies have shown that the elderly live longer, happier lives when they can stay in their own homes. Personal home care assistants are the people who make that possible, not only for the elderly but for anyone who needs help handling the daily chores of life. As such, the duties vary with a client's needs, but they may include changing and washing sheets and towels, dusting, vacuuming, and performing other light housekeeping chores view more

When a prescription is written for a drug or treatment, the next step for the patient is usually a visit to the pharmacist. And while for most people, that often means going to the local drug store, hospitals and community clinics have pharmacies as well. Typically, pharmacists spend most of the day standing at a counter, dispensing medication. They may also compound the medication, though this is now a much smaller part of a pharmacist’s practice view more

A pharmacy is literally a lifeline for the community it serves. This is where people come to obtain the medicine and equipment their health care professionals have prescribed. While prescriptions must, by law, be filled by a licensed pharmacist, pharmacy aides keep the operation running smoothly. Applicants for these positions usually need a high school degree—and a record clean of drug or substance abuse view more

Pharmacists used to fill prescriptions by preparing and dispensing doctor-specified pills, creams, and liquids, by hand. Today, most medications are manufactured by drug companies and shipped in bulk to pharmacies. As a result, pharmacists are able to focus more on providing clinical services. But someone must still measure the doses, count out the pills, and type up instructions for the patient view more

Blood tests save countless lives each day. Patients in hospitals and doctors’ offices are diagnosed by using these valuable tools. In clinical laboratories and larger hospitals, specialists called phlebotomists expertly draw blood and run the tests. Phlebotomists prepare blood samples, follow careful instructions in performing manual tests and operate automatic analyzers. They rely on analytical judgment and the ability to work under pressure, paying close attention to crucial changes in color or numerical readouts view more

If you enjoy helping the others, you may want to consider working as a Physical Therapist Aide. You don’t need formal training or a license to be hired. Physical Therapist Aides assist patients receiving treatment by physical therapists. They help disabled patients move to treatment areas; they keep the areas organized and clean, and prepare them for each patient’s therapy. Some Aides also do clerical work, such as ordering supplies and filling out medical insurance forms view more

The occupation of physician assistant originated in the 1960’s when Army medics received additional education enabling them to help physicians with routine medical tasks. Since that time, employment opportunities for PA’s (“pea-a’s), as they’re called, have expanded rapidly. That’s because physician assistants have the training to take medical histories, give physicals, order and interpret lab tests, and stitch up minor injuries—among many other things view more

We tend to take our feet for granted. Day after day, the 26 bones in each foot do their duty. But sometimes those bones, along with the muscles, nerves, ligaments, blood vessels and skin that comprise our feet, need some attention. That’s when it’s time to march into the office of a podiatrist. Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in the care and treatment of feet. They treat everything from bothersome corns and calluses, to fractures, and infections related to diabetes view more

In the treatment of patients with cancer, Radiation Therapists provide a crucial service. They operate highly sophisticated equipment that uses beams of radiation to destroy tumors. Also known as Radiation Therapy Technologists, they work closely with physicians and radiologists to plan the safest dose for each patient. Therapists must be strong enough to move or lift patients in order to position them properly view more

Looking inside the human body…without resorting to highly invasive surgery…is the work of Radiologic Technologists and Technicians. They use equipment such as X-rays, CAT scans or computerized tomography to help prepare patients for tests and treatments. The technician is responsible for properly positioning…and immobilizing…the patient on the examining table. Sometimes they administer non-radioactive materials into a patient’s bloodstream for diagnostic purposes view more

One of the marvels of modern medicine is the ability to see inside the human body…without surgery or other invasive procedures. The experts who operate imaging equipment such as X-ray machines, Cat-scans and MRIs are Radiologic Technicians. Also called radiographers, their task starts with instructions from a physician to image a specific part of the body. Patients may be anxious about the procedure and have questions view more

A recreational therapist is rewarded with small successes that make big differences in a patient’s life: The smile of a stroke victim, who finds she can move her stiff, cramped hand… The pride of a patient in a psychiatric ward, who creates a work of art. With America’s aging population there is a new focus on long term care As a result more physical and psychiatric rehabilitation will be needed in the years ahead view more

Life presents challenges for all of us. But for some, those challenges are made even more difficult by disability. Helping people overcome disabilities is the job of Rehabilitation Counselors. They provide practical help and emotional support for clients who are struggling with the effects of illness, disease, birth defects, accidents, or the stress of daily life, and guide them back to productive lives view more

Respiratory therapists or “respiratory care practitioners” evaluate, treat, and care for patients with asthma, emphysema, and other breathing disorders. As part of the evaluation process, therapists measure the lung capacity of patients and analyze the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in the blood. Sometimes, therapists may also take electrocardiograms and administer stress tests. Treating patients may involve chest physiotherapy and other “airway clearance techniques” to remove mucus and other blockages view more

Most of us take being able to speak for granted. When speech problems arise, we need the professional help of Speech-Language Pathologists. Sometimes called Speech Therapists, they diagnose and treat all kinds of speech disorders. For example, stuttering…hearing problems that affect speaking ability…speech difficulty caused by injury or illness, or mental problems that prevent understanding of words and sentences view more

Repairing injuries… preventing disease… even transplanting organs: surgeons are literally on the “cutting edge” of medicine. Unless it’s an emergency situation, the surgeon meets with the patient and listens to the problem. The doctor does an examination and considers medical history, lab work and other possible treatments before deciding on the need for surgery. Possessing that famous "good bedside manner" can help in explaining the diagnosis, the risks of the operation, and the patient's responsibilities before and after the procedure view more

Surgical technologists and technicians are indispensable members of the modern medical community. They are needed to help set up the operating room, sterilizing and setting out the necessary surgical instruments, making sure equipment is working properly. They may also prepare patients for a procedure, by shaving and cleaning incision sites. The job also can involve transporting patients to the operating room and covering them with sterile “drapes” view more

Veterinarians are doctors who diagnose and treat illnesses in animals and protect the public from animal diseases. Most vets are in private practice and treat small pets, like dogs, cats and birds. Other vets treat large animals like horses, cows and pigs. Some veterinarians care for zoo, aquarium or laboratory animals. Veterinarians also work for government agencies as Veterinary Inspectors view more

Veterinary assistants work with veterinarians and veterinary technicians to treat animals for disease, administer shots or pills, and assist during surgery. As such, they are the rough equivalent of the aides who assist nurses and doctors in caring for people. The job may include doing the "dirty work" of cleaning kennels and sweeping out cages. But it also includes such gratifying tasks as grooming an animal and bringing it food and water view more

Veterinary Technologists and Technicians are the unsung heroes of the animal world. These animal healthcare workers assist veterinarians, biomedical researchers and other scientists. Also called “vet techs,” they handle a wide variety of tasks. The vet tech often performs the initial examination, taking samples and running tests in the lab. They assist in surgery, monitoring the patient's heart and respiratory rates…as well as handing instruments and other items to the surgeon view more