Getting the “Gist’s” of Medicine

Medicine is a very broad area of study, and the doctors who dedicate their lives to the profession can only do so much. So to manage the huge array of diseases and problem that man experiences from time to time, the medical profession has opted to diversify; leaving different fields to different doctors. It is these highly trained doctors who will be able to focus on their specializations; mastering them in order to help you when you need it the most.

Oncologists – Regularly checking up with your doctor will spot the cancer early on, but only an oncologist will know the medications or radiation treatments that will protect you and save your life.

Otologists – Otologists specialize in diseases in the ear, while more specialized doctors will be able to perform surgery as well.

Ophthalmologists – Eye disease and surgery are the specializations of ophthalmologists. They are not to be confused with optometricians, who specialize in lens focusing and corrective eyewear.

Anesthesiologists – These doctors study all about the art of knocking someone out without posing a health threat to the client. You normally don’t need to worry about anesthesiologists, as they are commonly staffed in a hospital, but you will need to find specialists when the surgery or medical procedures is a bit trickier than normal.


Immunologists – Allergies are a serious business, and could be fatal to the unprepared individual. An immunologist specializes in treating these allergies as well as any other problems in one’s immune system.

Neurologist – The brain and nerves that reach out from it are an extremely delicate matter, and neurologists are specially trained doctors who know how to cut up and piece together the workings of the brain.

Psychiatrist – If a neurologist works with the brain, then a psychiatrist works with the mind by prescribing both therapy and medicines to help an individual who is having a mental or psychological problem, like depression or panic attacks.

General Practitioner – All these specialization will be for naught if you don’t know which one to go to, though. A general practitioner is your ‘jack of all trades.’ Knowing a little about everything allows a GP to diagnose lighter cases, while still being able to spot a problem that needs a more specialized doctor to properly treat them. He will then be able to point you to the right specialist to help you out.

Remember that a doctor knows more about your body than you do. So before committing yourself to surgery or self-bought pills and meds, make sure to seek the diagnosis and recommendations of a doctor who specializes in the problem you’re going through right now. And if you’re not sure who exactly to turn to, go to your family doctor: he or she will know who to direct you to.