A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has gone through additional training to provide more advanced medical and diagnostic care to patients with all different kinds of illnesses. These medical professionals generally hold at least a master’s degree, so they have a comprehensive basis of medical knowledge to help patients suffering from chronic and acute conditions. They may work in hospitals, intensive care units, hospice centers, and even doctor’s offices, depending on their specialty.

A Pulmonologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in pulmonary care or lung care. Pulmonologists diagnose, treat, and research pulmonary diseases and problems. They may have special knowledge of other types of internal medicine and specialties, as well, and they work closely with other doctors to help make patients comfortable and improve their health.

Thoracic surgery is a surgical subspecialty. Its focus is on the organs of the thoracic cavity. Most of the time, this means the heart and lungs. Patients who need thoracic surgery may have any number of problems, such as heart disease or needing a lung transplant.