Doctors as Medical Specialists

More than A Doctor: 6 Types of Medical Specialists You Should Know About

While we might call just about every medical professional we know a “doctor”, did you know that not all doctors are the same? Often, family physicians will refer a patient to a specialist – this is not because the doctor does not know what they are doing; it is simply ethical practice when faced with a highly specialised issue. Every medical professional who goes by the title of “Doctor” probably had the same initial medical training but some branched off into specific studies. Here we take a quick look at six of the most popular types of doctors and what they do:

General practitioner. A general practitioner, or GP, is a doctor broadly trained in medicine. GPs are often the first point of contact with a medical professional for a patient, as these are the physicians with which one books an appointment when feeling ill or in need of a check-up.

OB/GYN – obstetrician and gynaecologist. An OB/GYN specialises in women’s reproductive health and overall wellness. Preventative screenings, pre- and post-natal care, care during pregnancy, fertility, and hormone issues are all a focus for this type of specialist doctor.

Psychiatrist. While psychiatry itself branches into various disciplines, the vocation focuses on the mental health and wellbeing of patients. Treatment usually includes a combination of therapy or counselling, medication, assessments, and sometimes hospitalisation.

Dentist. Dentists specialise in oral health and focus on prevention and treatments when it comes to keeping the oral cavity, teeth, and gums in tip-top form. Dental services may include cleaning, teeth whitening, treatment of diseases, tooth extraction, and dental rehabilitation.

General surgeon. General surgeons are trained in pre- and post-operative procedures, as well as invasive surgical procedures on the organs and bodily systems. Some surgeons specialise in branches such as plastic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and urology.

Dermatologist. A dermatologist is a doctor who specialises primarily in the treatment of skin, but also disorders in hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Dermatology is a competitive field as aesthetic procedures such as Botox, lip fillers, and laser treatments gain popularity.

If you would like to seek the advice of a specialist, it may be best to begin with a general practitioner who will get you the right referrals needed. To find a doctor or specialist in your area, feel free to make use of our online “Find and Book” tool.