​Types of Physicians and Their Duties

There are numerous types of physicians, and each performs a unique function. Doctors are trained to assist individuals of all ages in maintaining their health and well-being by diagnosing and treating illness, injury, or discomfort.

Most patients will first consult their primary care physician for any ailments or concerns. However, there are occasionally conditions that require the treatment of a specialist.

Paediatricians focus on the physical, mental, and social well-being of newborns, children, adolescents, and young people up to the age of 21, providing care for these patients.

They work in hospitals, private practice offices, health maintenance organizations, community health centres, public health clinics, schools, the military, and the government.

They ask questions, identify underlying medical conditions, educate patients and their families, write medications, and, when necessary, send patients to experts. In addition, they administer vaccines, conduct wellness exams, and renew prescriptions.

An internist or internal medicine specialist focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating adult diseases and disorders. These physicians serve their patients with primary care and develop lasting doctor-patient relationships.

Their extensive and in-depth training prepares doctors to identify and treat various adult diseases and ailments. Their knowledge is especially important in managing complex medical difficulties that may involve many medical disorders.

Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat various gastrointestinal tract ailments and diseases (oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, colon, pancreas and gallbladder).

They are trained to evaluate patients whose symptoms may indicate digestive issues. This involves recurrent diarrhoea, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal pain, and difficulty swallowing.

They are educated in endoscopy (upper endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy), endoscopic biliary evaluation, mucosal resection, endoscopic ultrasonography, and hemostasis. Through the endoscope, these treatments provide a more detailed picture of the digestive system and the means to ease blockages, widen narrowed channels, stop bleeding, and remove tumours.

Dermatologists diagnose and treat more than three thousand skin, hair, and nail disorders. In addition, they can assist patients with cosmetic concerns, including scars and aged skin.

Your dermatologist will do a physical examination and ask about your symptoms at your initial consultation. They may also request laboratory testing, such as a Wood's lamp test, and perform a biopsy.

Additionally, a dermatologist can undertake surgical operations to remove skin cancer or growths, such as moles or skin tags. In addition, they utilize laser therapy to address sun spots, imperfections, tattoos, and wrinkles.

A nephrologist is a specialist in diagnosing and treating kidney diseases and disorders. Nephrologists diagnose and treat kidney conditions such as chronic renal disease, kidney infection, and kidney failure.

A nephrologist will also conduct laboratory tests to check for kidney damage indicators such as glomerular filtration rate and protein in the urine. Additionally, they will help you manage your blood pressure.

Nephrologists work to detect kidney illness in its earliest stages, before its progression and irreversibility. A nephrologist may suggest dietary modifications or medication to treat the issue.

Pulmonologists are medical specialists who treat respiratory disorders, including pneumonia, lung cancer, sleep apnea, and cystic fibrosis. They use several diagnostic procedures and treatments to diagnose and treat these conditions.

A pulmonologist may employ imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to search for chest and lung problems. A biopsy can also be used to obtain lung tissue samples for examination.

Most pulmonologists get training as part of their academic curriculum, including internships and residencies. These experiences teach pulmonologists to perform procedures, maintain patient records, and disinfect equipment. They are also instructed in patient interaction and medication administration.