Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) AMCA Practice Exam

Which medical specialty focuses on musculoskeletal diseases and is run by physicians and experts?

1. Orthopedics

2. Rheumatology

3. Physiatry

4. Sports Medicine

The correct answer is: Rheumatology

Rheumatology is the medical specialty that primarily focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions. Rheumatologists, who are trained physicians specializing in this field, manage a variety of disorders that involve joints, soft tissues, and connective tissues, which can include conditions like arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia. The emphasis on systemic diseases is a distinguishing characteristic of rheumatology, as it encompasses conditions that impact not only the musculoskeletal system but also the immune system at large. This highlights the expertise required in the field to address the complex nature of these illnesses, making it a specialty distinct from others that may deal more narrowly with bone and joint issues. Orthopedics focuses more on the surgical and non-surgical treatment of bones and joints, physiatrists primarily concentrate on physical rehabilitation and the improvement of function following injury or illness, and sports medicine deals specifically with physical fitness and the treatment of sports-related injuries. While each of these specialties plays a vital role in musculoskeletal health, rheumatology's broad scope in addressing systemic autoimmune diseases solidifies its unique position in this context.