Health care professionals are individuals who provide medical services to patients. They include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, optometrists, physical therapists, and many other specialties. Health care professionals strive to improve the health and well-being of their patients by providing preventive services, diagnosing illnesses and injuries, administering treatments and medications, educating patients on healthy lifestyle choices, and referring patients to specialists when necessary. Health care professionals must be knowledgeable in anatomy and physiology as well as the latest medical technologies in order to provide high-quality care. They must also possess excellent communication skills in order to effectively communicate with their patients.