Allina Health

Family medicine

A family physician is concerned with the general health needs of people of all ages. Focusing on the primary care of you and your family, he or she can refer you to a specialist or community resources when appropriate.

Family doctors receive training in six broad areas: community medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry and surgery.

Internal medicine

Our internal medicine specialists provide care at the clinic and in the hospital. These personal doctors help adolescents, adults and the elderly manage common and complex conditions.

• They diagnose and treat cancer, infections and diseases that affect the blood, blood circulation, breathing, digestion, the heart, joints and kidneys.
• Their knowledge involves disease prevention, wellness, substance abuse, mental health and treating problems of the ears, eyes, nervous system, skin and reproductive organs.

Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN)

Women have special health needs. Our experts are here to help.

Obstetrician / gynecologists -- OB/GYNs -- are doctors who specialize in the care of the female reproductive system. This may include:

• counseling on birth control and family planning
• helping through pregnancy and childbirth
• dealing with concerns like infertility or menopause.

Some women choose an OB/GYN as their primary care provider.

Nurse practitioners also can specialize in health care for women.

Pediatrics

When it comes to their health (and many other things), children are not "little adults." They have unique needs.

Our experts are concerned with the emotional, physical and social growth of babies on up to young adults.

• They advise parents on actions needed to prevent health problems.
• They recognize and treat a range of childhood illnesses and injuries.
• They help children and their families deal with advanced or lifelong difficulties.

Cardiovascular disease

Cardiologists are doctors who identify, treat and help you manage conditions like angina, heart attack, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and stroke.

Nephrology (kidney care)

Your kidneys filter waste from your body, help regulate blood pressure and balance nutrients. When one or more of your kidneys are not working correctly, our experts can help.

Nephrologists are doctors who study, diagnose and treat kidney problems. Chronic kidney disease or acute renal failure can be caused by:

• diabetes (type 1 and type 2)
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• other conditions, such as infections

Psychology

Psychologists help individuals and families work through emotional difficulties through talk therapy. They also evaluate mental health through special assessments.

Psychologists do not prescribe medicine or order medical tests. They may work with medical doctors, including psychiatrists, to help patients with:

• mental or emotional illness, such as anxiety, depression or schizophrenia
• addiction and substance abuse
• sexual or gender identity issues

Podiatry (foot medicine and surgery)

A podiatrist is a doctor who evaluates and treats foot problems. Care can range from treating foot or ankle injuries to helping people with diabetes avoid common foot-related complications.