Tracey - posted on 11/05/2009 ( 2 moms have responded )
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When illness strikes, we are usually too caught up in the emotional upset over tending to our loved ones to be worrying about whether we have been provided with the right doctor. And we assume the health care providers will automatically point us in the appropriate direction. This is not always the case.
When someone is living with a disease or a chronic disorder it is usually a benefit to everyone involved if all those dealing with the health issues understand the needs surrounding the condition. Initially seeing a specialist specifically to deal with the physical effects of one’s illness may be the primary concern. But over time some individuals go on to develop more complicated health issues, sometimes requiring specialists with different backgrounds. Another way to support a loved one is to learn their individual needs and understand the different types of professional help they may require and the services that each professional can provide.
Below I have noted some of the medical specialists available and listed some basic information on their individual training and qualifications. If you think you’re in need of a specialist and not quite sure who you need I hope you will find this information helpful:
Specialist – one who specializes; an expert or authority in a particular field of training.
Anaesthetist, Anesthesiologist, Anesthetist – a specialist who administers an anesthetic (sedative/pain killer) to a patient before he is treated.
Baby Doctor, Paediatrician, Pediatrician, Pediatrist - a specialist in the care of babies and children; some pediatricians may opt to further their training to a specific field (i.e.; pediatric cardiology – a specialist in the care of babies and children dealing with disorders of the heart)
Cardiologist, Heart Specialist, Heart Surgeon - a specialist in cardiology; a specialist in the structure and function and disorders of the heart.
Chiropodist, Foot Doctor, Podiatrist - a specialist in care for the feet.
Dermatologist, Skin Doctor - a doctor who specializes in the physiology and pathology of the skin.
Diagnostician, Pathologist - a doctor who specializes in medical diagnosis.
Diplomate - medical specialist whose competence has been certified by a diploma granted by an appropriate professional group.
Doc, Doctor, Physician, Dr., MD, Medico - a licensed medical practitioner; often know as “the family doctor”; a physician will often direct a patient on to a specialist when necessary.
Ear Doctor, Ear Specialist, Otologist - a physician who specializes in the ear and its diseases.
Embryologist - a physician who specializes in embryology; the study of human offspring for the first 8 weeks after conception.
Endocrinologist – a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the endocrine system; the study of the glands and hormones of the body and their related disorders.
Ear-Nose-And-Throat Doctor, ENT Man, Otolaryngologist, Otorhinolaryngologist, Rhinolaryngologist - a specialist in the disorders of the ear or nose or throat.
Epitologist – a specialist in the care of seizure disorders; also known as Epilepsy.
Geriatrician, Gerontologist - a specialist in gerontology, the scientific study of aging and its effects; geriatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the illnesses and medical care of senior citizens.
Gynaecologist, Gynecologist, Woman's Doctor - a specialist in gynecology; women’s health and reproductive glands.
Haematologist, Hematologist - a doctor who specializes in diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs.
Hygienist - a medical specialist in hygiene; cleanliness.
Internist - a specialist in internal medicine; a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and non- surgical treatment of diseases affecting the internal organs.
Brain Doctor, Neurologist - a specialist that studies the structure and function of the nervous system and the treatment of the many diseases and disorders affecting it.
Accoucheur, Obstetrician - a physician specializing in obstetrics; the branch of medicine that deals with the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and sometimes following childbirth.
Oncologist - a specialist in oncology; the study and treatment of tumors.
Eye Doctor, Ophthalmologist, Oculist - a medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the eye.
Orthopaedist, Orthopedist - a specialist in correcting deformities of the skeletal system (especially in children).
Orthoptist - a specialist in orthoptics; the study of eye disorders and their detection and correction.
Proctologist - a doctor specializing in diseases of the rectum.
Psychiatrist, Shrink - a physician who specializes in psychiatry; diagnosis and treatment of disorders dealing primarily with mental and behavioral symptoms.
Radiographer - a person who makes radiographs; an X-ray photograph.
Radiologist, Radiotherapist - a medical specialist who uses radioactive substances and X-rays in the treatment of disease.
Rheumatologist - a physician specializing in rheumatic diseases; affecting the joints and muscles.
Urologist - a specialist in urology; the study and treatment of disorders of the urinary tract in women and the urogenital system in men.
Tracey Alderson
Administrator, Epilepsy Awareness 2009
**Medical information provided by Wikipedia and Medical Dictionary**
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