Patient education
Healthcare specialists & services
Related Health Articles categories
- Surgery and Anaesthesia
- Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy
- Speech, Hearing and Swallowing Therapies
- Psychological Therapies and Counselling
- Finding Care and Choosing a Professional
- Caregivers, Home Care and Nursing
- Disability, Accessibility and Assistive Care
- Ayurveda: Evidence, Safety and Informed Choices
- Yoga, Mind–Body and Complementary Approaches
- Other Traditional Systems and Homeopathy
Who provides each kind of care, what a consultation may involve, how to prepare and when symptoms need urgent attention. Medical specialties, allied health, complementary practices and animal care have different roles.
Directory — 60 articles
Gynaecology and Obstetrics
A gynaecologist is a medical specialist in conditions affecting the reproductive system, including the uterus, ovaries, cervix and vagina. An obstetrician provides pregnancy and childbirth care. Many doctors train and pr
The General Physician as a Starting Point
A general physician assesses a broad range of adult medical problems and helps coordinate care when symptoms do not point clearly to one organ. In India, the title may refer to clinicians with different levels of general
Dermatology and Skin Hair and Nail Care
A dermatologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats skin, hair and nail disorders. Dermatology includes medical conditions as well as selected procedures. A cosmetic concern and a skin disease may require di
Sexual Health and Choosing a Qualified Professional
Sexology is a broad label for the study and care of sexual concerns. A directory listing under sexology does not identify one uniform medical specialty or prove a particular qualification. Depending on the concern, appro
Psychiatry and Medical Mental Health Care
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor trained in assessing and treating mental health conditions. They consider symptoms, physical health, medicines, personal circumstances and safety. Psychiatry can involve medication, psy
Getting Help for Stomach and Digestion Problems
“Stomach and digestion” is a patient friendly service category, not a separate specialist qualification. It can be a useful starting point for reflux, bloating, bowel changes and abdominal discomfort. A general physician
Paediatrics and Child Health
A paediatrician is a doctor trained in the health of infants, children and adolescents. Children are not simply small adults: illness presentation, development, medicine doses and communication needs differ with age. Car
ENT and Ear Nose and Throat Care
An ENT specialist, also called an otorhinolaryngologist, diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the ears, nose, throat and related head and neck structures. Care may be medical or surgical. Hearing, balance, voice and
Urology and Urinary Tract Care
A urologist is a medical specialist, usually with surgical training, in urinary tract conditions and male reproductive conditions. Urology includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra and prostate. It overlaps with ne
Orthopaedics and Bone and Joint Care
Orthopaedic specialists diagnose and treat conditions of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and related structures. Although they are surgeons, many problems are managed without an operation. Rehabilitation and function a
Neurology and Nervous System Care
A neurologist is a medical specialist in disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. They usually provide medical diagnosis and treatment rather than brain or spine surgery, which may involve a ne
Cardiology and Heart Health
A cardiologist is a medical specialist in conditions affecting the heart and cardiovascular system. Care can include prevention, diagnosis, medicines and selected catheter based procedures. Cardiac surgery is a distinct
Dietitians and Clinical Nutrition Care
Diet and nutrition services help people make food choices that support health, treatment and wellbeing. A dietitian is a nutrition professional with relevant clinical training; the qualifications behind “nutritionist” an
Diabetology and Diabetes Care
Diabetology focuses on diagnosing and managing diabetes and related metabolic concerns. Care may be provided by a suitably trained physician or endocrinologist with diabetes expertise. A directory label alone does not es
Ophthalmology and Eye and Vision Care
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specialising in eye disease and eye surgery. Optometrists assess vision and provide services within their training and scope, while opticians help supply optical devices. These role
Dentistry and Oral Health Care
A dentist diagnoses and treats conditions affecting teeth, gums and related oral structures. General dentists provide broad care and may refer to specialists such as endodontists, orthodontists, periodontists, paediatric
Pulmonology and Lung and Breathing Care
A pulmonologist, also called a respiratory or chest physician, is a medical specialist in lung and breathing disorders. They may assess airway disease, infection, interstitial lung disease, sleep related breathing proble
Ayurveda Consultations and Informed Choices
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of healthcare that may involve lifestyle advice, dietary approaches, products and procedures. It is a distinct system rather than an interchangeable label for a conventional medica
Homeopathy and Understanding the Evidence
Homeopathy is a system that uses preparations based on principles such as treating like with like and serial dilution. It is different from herbal medicine and from conventional medical specialties. Patients considering
Oncology and Cancer Care
Oncology is the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Medical oncologists use systemic treatments, radiation oncologists use radiotherapy and surgical oncologists perform relevant cancer operations. Care often involve
Physiotherapy and Restoring Movement
Physiotherapy is an allied health profession that helps improve movement, physical function and participation. Physiotherapists work with musculoskeletal, neurological, respiratory, postoperative and other rehabilitation
General Surgery and Understanding an Operation
A general surgeon assesses and treats a range of conditions that may need an operation, often involving the abdomen, digestive system, hernias, soft tissues or other areas according to training and practice. A surgical c
Psychological Counselling and Talking Therapies
Psychological counselling and therapy help people understand emotions, behaviour, relationships and coping patterns. Providers may include psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists with different training. Verify t
Choosing Care When You Do Not Know the Specialty
It is common not to know which specialist to choose. “I have some other problem” should be a navigation route to qualified assessment, not a medical specialty. A general physician or appropriate primary care clinician ca
Veterinary Care for Animals
A veterinarian is a professional trained in animal health. Veterinary care is separate from human medical care and belongs in a clearly labelled animal health section. Different species have different needs, and a medici
Nephrology and Medical Kidney Care
A nephrologist is a physician specialising in medical kidney disorders, fluid and electrolyte balance and related complications. Nephrology differs from urology, which often focuses on urinary obstruction, structural pro
Rheumatology and Inflammatory Joint Disease
A rheumatologist is a medical specialist in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases affecting joints and other tissues. Conditions can involve skin, muscles, blood vessels and internal organs as well as pain. Rheumatology d
Gastroenterology and Specialist Digestive Care
A gastroenterologist is a physician specialising in the digestive tract and, depending on practice, the liver, bile ducts and pancreas. This is the specialist counterpart to a broad “stomach and digestion” navigation cat
Obesity Medicine and Supportive Weight Management
Obesity care addresses a complex long term condition influenced by biology, medicines, sleep, mental health, food access and environment. It is not one uniform practitioner title. Appropriate care may involve a trained p
Chiropractic Care and Equipment in India
A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who commonly uses manual techniques, movement advice and exercise to address selected muscle and joint problems. Chiropractic is distinct from orthopaedic surgery and physiothe
Acupuncture and Choosing a Qualified Acupuncturist
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles at selected body sites. It may be provided by professionals with different underlying qualifications, so the title acupuncturist does not by itself establish medical training.
Endocrinology and Hormone Disorders
An endocrinologist is a physician specialising in hormone producing glands and metabolic disorders. The field includes thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, calcium and selected reproductive hormone conditions as well as diabetes
Haematology and Blood Disorders
A haematologist is a doctor specialising in blood, bone marrow and related disorders. The field includes complex anaemia, abnormal blood counts, bleeding or clotting problems and blood cancers. Haematology may overlap wi
Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Allergy and immunology specialists assess immune related conditions, including selected allergies and immune deficiencies. Allergy is different from food intolerance, and a positive test does not always mean a substance
Infectious Diseases and Complex Infections
An infectious diseases physician helps diagnose and manage selected bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. They may also support antimicrobial stewardship and prevention. Most simple infections can start with
Geriatric Medicine and Older Adult Care
A geriatrician specialises in the care of older adults, especially when several illnesses, frailty, medicines and functional concerns interact. The aim is to support health, independence and individual priorities. Age al
Anaesthesiology and Care Around Procedures
An anaesthesiologist, or anaesthetist, is a doctor trained in anaesthesia, physiological monitoring and related perioperative care. Anaesthesia may be general, regional or local with selected sedation. The anaesthetist’s
Pain Medicine and Persistent Pain
Pain medicine services assess pain that is persistent, complex or difficult to manage. Specialists often work with rehabilitation and psychological professionals. Pain can continue after tissue healing and still be real.
Emergency Medicine and Immediate Assessment
Emergency medicine specialists assess and stabilise sudden illness and injury. Emergency departments prioritise according to clinical urgency rather than appointment order. They may start treatment before the final diagn
Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
Critical care specialists, often called intensivists, manage patients whose illness requires close monitoring or support of vital organs. Intensive care may follow severe infection, trauma, major surgery or other serious
Neonatology and Newborn Specialist Care
A neonatologist is a paediatric doctor with specialist expertise in newborns, particularly babies born early or with serious medical problems. Neonatal care can range from additional feeding and temperature support to in
Developmental Paediatrics and Child Development
Developmental paediatricians assess children with concerns about learning, communication, movement, behaviour and daily function. Development varies, but persistent concerns deserve attention. Assessment should identify
Fertility and Reproductive Medicine
Fertility specialists help investigate and manage difficulties conceiving and selected reproductive concerns. Care may involve gynaecology, andrology, embryology and other expertise. Assessment should include relevant fa
Neurosurgery and Brain and Spine Operations
A neurosurgeon assesses conditions of the brain, spine and nerves that may benefit from surgery or procedural treatment. This differs from neurology, which mainly provides medical nervous system care. A neurosurgical con
Cardiothoracic Surgery and Heart and Chest Operations
Cardiothoracic surgeons perform selected operations involving the heart, lungs and chest. Some focus on cardiac surgery and others on thoracic surgery. They work with cardiologists, respiratory physicians, anaesthetists
Vascular Surgery and Blood Vessel Conditions
A vascular surgeon manages selected artery and vein disorders outside some specialist areas such as the heart and brain. Care includes medical management, minimally invasive procedures and surgery. A vascular opinion is
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Plastic surgery includes reconstruction after injury, burns, cancer or congenital conditions as well as selected aesthetic procedures. It is broader than cosmetic surgery. The appropriate training, facility and realistic
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
A rehabilitation physician, or physiatrist, is a medical specialist who helps people improve function after illness, injury or disability. They coordinate medical and rehabilitation needs with therapists and other profes
Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care
Palliative care focuses on relief of symptoms, distress and practical burdens during serious illness. It can be provided alongside disease directed treatment and is not limited to the final days of life. The aim is to su
Radiology and Medical Imaging
A radiologist is a doctor trained to interpret imaging and, in some areas, perform image guided procedures. Radiographers and imaging technologists have different roles in acquiring or delivering imaging services. A scan
Pathology and Laboratory Diagnosis
Pathologists and other qualified laboratory professionals help diagnose disease by examining tissues, cells and laboratory samples. Different branches include tissue pathology, blood related work and other laboratory dis
Clinical Genetics and Genetic Counselling
Clinical genetics helps assess inherited or suspected genetic conditions and their implications for individuals and families. Genetic counsellors provide specialist support within their training. A genetic result can aff
Occupational Therapy and Everyday Independence
Occupational therapists help people do meaningful everyday activities when illness, disability or other difficulties interfere. The word occupation includes self care, school, family life and leisure as well as paid work
Speech Language and Swallowing Therapy
Speech and language therapists assess communication and swallowing difficulties within their training. They work with children and adults. Support may involve speech sounds, language, stammering, voice, communication aft
Audiology and Hearing Care
An audiologist assesses hearing and provides relevant rehabilitation within their training. Audiology differs from ENT, where a medical specialist assesses and treats ear and related disease. Some audiology services also
Optometry and Vision Assessment
Optometrists assess vision, prescribe optical correction and provide other eye care within their training and local scope. They are distinct from ophthalmologists, who are medical eye specialists, and dispensing optician
Podiatry and Medical Foot Care
Podiatrists assess and manage foot related problems within their training, which may include skin, nails, footwear and selected movement issues. Professional scope and availability vary across settings. Podiatry does not
Occupational Medicine and Health at Work
Occupational medicine assesses the interaction between work and health. A specialist can advise on workplace exposures, fitness for particular duties and adjustments after illness or injury. This is different from occupa
Clinical Pharmacy and Safer Medicine Use
A clinical pharmacist helps optimise medicine use in collaboration with patients and the treating team. Pharmacists are not automatically medical doctors, and prescribing authority depends on local qualifications and rul
Family Medicine and Continuing Primary Care
Family medicine provides broad, continuing healthcare across life stages, with attention to the person and family context. A trained family physician can manage common problems, prevention and long term conditions and co