Dwarfism

WHAT
Dwarfism is a short stature that results from genetic/ medical condition. Dwarfism is defined by a height of 4 feet 10 inches or less. The average adult height is 4 feet.  Treatments don't increases stature but merely lessens complications that may arise.
SYMPTOMS
Disproportionate dwarfism- some parts of body are small, and others are average/above average; inhibits development of bones

• average trunk size
• short arms and legs 
• short fingers
• limited mobility at elbows
• disproportionately large head with big forehead 

Proportionate dwarfism- head, trunk, limbs are all small; poor development of body system

• height below third percentile on standard pediatric growth charts
• growth rate slower than expected for age
• delayed/no sexual development during adolescence 

CAUSES 
Achondroplasia- person with achondroplasia and with 2 avg-size parents received 1 mutated copy of gene
Turner Syndrome- random deletion or severe alteration of X chromosome in sperm/egg
Growth Hormone deficiency- traced to genetic mutation but no definite cause can be identified
-deficiencies in hormones & poor nutrition 

references: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dwarfism/basics/definition/con-20032297

Career: Endocrinologist

WHAT 

An endocrinologist is a specially trained doctor who has a basic training in Internal Medicine as well. Endocrinologists have the training to diagnose and treat hormone imbalances and problems by helping to restore the normal balance of hormones in the body. The common diseases and disorders of the endocrine system that endocrinologists deal with include diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders.

DISEASES THAT ENDOCRINOLOGISTS DEAL WITH: 

• Metabolic diseases
• Menopause and its hormonal unbalances
• Over- or underproduction of hormones
• Osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency
• Infertility
• Precocious puberty
• Lack of growth (short stature)
• Pediatric endocrine diseases
• Excessive growth or acromegaly/gigantism
• Cancers of the endocrine glands
• High blood pressure due to endocrine dysfunctions like adrenal gland tumors pheochromocytoma
• High blood cholesterol or lipid abnormalities associated with heart disease

HOW

Endocrinologists need four years of medical school and then spend three or four years in an internship and residency program. They cover internal medicine, pediatrics, orobstetrics and gynecology during this time.

Thereafter they spend two or three more years learning how to diagnose and treat hormone conditions.

Core training requires knowledge of normal physiology of the endocrine system, including the physiology and biochemistry of hormones, and their actions.

References: http://www.news-medical.net/health/Endocrinologist-What-is-an-Endocrinologist.aspx

Career: Optometrist

WHAT 
Optomertrists are the independent first (or most important) health care professionals for the eye. Optometrists examine, diagnose, treat, and manage diseases, injuries, and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and spent time with/talked to structures as well as identify related(related to the deep-down, basic way something works) conditions affecting the eye. Doctors of Optometry prescribe medicines, low vision healing/repairing, vision therapy, sight to see lenses, contact lenses, and perform certain surgical procedures. Optometrists advice their patients regarding surgical and non-surgical options that meet their visual needs related to their occupations, hobbies, and lifestyle. An optometrist has completed pre-professional undergraduate education in a college or university and four years of professional education at a college of optometry, leading to the doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree. Some optometrists complete an optional residency in a specific area of practice. Optometrists are eye health care professionals state-licensed to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the eye and visual system.

HOW
To become an optometrist one must complete a four year program at an accredited optometry school. Undergraduate coursework should include mathematics, English, chemistry, physics and biology. Applicants must take an entrance exam called the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). It is sponsored by theAssociation of Schools and Colleges of Optometry.

References: http://careerplanning.about.com/od/occupations/p/optometrist.htm

Career: Respiratory Therapist

WHAT

The respiratory therapist treats people with sicknesses/problems affecting the cardiopulmonary system such as breathing disease, dangerous lung disease, dangerous lung disease, (related to the heart and blood vessels) sicknesses/problems, and (serious physical or emotional harm). In the hospital setting, the breathing-related therapist provides care and life support to patients in the emergency room, intensive care units, general hospital areas, the lung-related (figuring out the problem with a person's health) laboratory and other specialty areas such as healing/repairing.

While on the job, the RT will diagnose lung and breathing sicknesses/problems and recommend treatment methods. They will interview patients, peform chest exams and analyze tissue medical samples/examples. Managing ventilators and artificial tube (from the mouth to the lungs) devices for patients who can't breathe normally on their own is also a first (or most important) responsibility of these professionals. The breathing-related therapist may play a well-known/obvious role in responding to Code Blue or other extremely importantcalls for care in the emergency room.

Responsibilities for the modern breathing-related therapist are varied and demanding, from complex diagnostic procedures to supervision of breathing-related technicians and equipment. For example, the RT may test a patient's breathing capacity and decide/figure out the concentration of oxygen and other gases in a patient's blood. Or, they may teach patients and their families to use ventilators and other life-support systems in the home. The RT talks to with doctors and other healthcare staff to develop and adjust patient care plans. In some hospitals, therapists perform tasks that fall outside their traditional role: lung-related healing/repairing, smoking ending counseling, disease prevention and case management.

HOW 

Respiratory therapists need an Associate’s Degree, a Bachelor’s Degree, or even a Master’s Degree from a post-graduate program. Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy programs are available from community colleges, but their programs aren't as advanced. The Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential is required to obtain state licenses and practice as respiratory therapists. CRTs are also eligible to sit for the two-part advanced practitioner registration examination and achieve the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. 

References:

http://www.kumc.edu/school-of-health-professions/respiratory-care-education/what-is-a-respiratory-therapist.html