In this section we break down the complex specialties and subspecialties of medicine, so when next you are referred to see one, you’ll understand what your doctor is talking about.
Cardiologist
- specialist on disorders and diseases of the heart
Dental Surgeon
- surgery of the teeth and jaw bones
Dentist
- general care and treatment of diseases affecting teeth and gums without surgery
Dermatologist
-
treats conditions and diseases of the skin, hair, and nails
Ear, Nose and Throat doctor (ENT)
- treatment of disorders affecting the head and neck, including the ears, nose throat, sinuses, voice box (larynx) and other structures
Endocrinologist
- treatment of hormonal disorders
Gastroenterologist
- treatment of digestive system disorders
General Practitioner (GP)
- a medical doctor who does not specialize in any particular field. People seeking medical care usually contact a general practitioner first. When a patient develops a serious condition, a general practitioner may refer him or her to a specialist. (e.g. internist, urology, cardiology, oncology, neurology)
Geriatric Physician or Geriatrician
- treatment of diseases and disorders of older adults form the age 0f 65
Hematologist
- treatment of blood and bone marrow disorders
Infectiologist
- treatment of infectious diseases
Internist
- treatment of immune system disorders, heart disorders, hormonal disorders, digestive system disorder, blood and bone marrow disorders, infectious disease, treatment of kidney disorders
Neonatologist
- specialist treating new born babies especially the critically ill and premature
Nephrologist
- treatment of kidney disorders
Neurologist
- disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves
Neurosurgeon
- brain, spinal cord and nerve operations
Oncologist
- treatment of cancer with medicine e.g. chemotherapy
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- women’s health and child bearing
Othopaedic Surgeon
- bone and joints Operations
Opthalmologist
- eye diseases and operations
Paediatrician
- children’s health
Pathologist
- test body fluids and tissue biopsies to make a diagnosis
Psychiatrist
- treatment of mental disorder
Pulmonologist
- treatment of diseases affecting the lungs and air ways
Radiologist
- Imaging using Xrays, CT Scans, MRI scans, sonography and other imaging techniques
Rheumatologist
- treatment of musculoskeletal disorders
Urologist
- treatment of disorders affecting the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs e.g prostrate enlargement, kidney stones, prostrate cancer
Visceral Surgeon
- general Surgeons for stomach/intestinal/thyroid/wound operations