It is a fact that general practitioner isn’t the only type of a doctor in the medical field. Yes, there are several types of doctors one can become and we listed types of doctors and what they do in South Africa to help you differentiate them.
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Interested in Becoming A Doctor?
Are you interested in joining the medical industry? Like becoming a doctor? Well, if that’s what you want it’s OK but hey, check these out. There are various types of doctors who specialises in different aspects.
Here are Types of Doctors and Their Roles
- General Practitioner
- Neurologist
- Dentist
- Optometrist
- Gynaecologist
- Surgeon
- Radiologist
- Cardiologist
- Padeatrician
- Dermatologist
- Psychiatrist
General Practitioner
A general Practitioner cares for the whole family from children to the elderly, giving basic care. They do routine check-ups and screening tests, attending to ongoing medical conditions. Usually, they are the first to recognize major health problems, referring patients to specialists.
Neurologist
Neurologists specialize in conditions that affect your brain, spinal cord and nerves, like:
- Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Dentist
Dentists are doctors of the mouth. They examine teeth and gum health, checking for different issues such as bleeding gums and cavities.
Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in surgical eye procedures. All ophthalmologists must complete a full medical program before they can begin a residency program in ophthalmology. An ophthalmology residency program takes an additional 4 to 7 years to complete, depending on the school and curriculum.
Gynaecologist
A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in female reproductive health. They diagnose and treat issues related to the female reproductive tract. This includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and breasts.
Gynecologists give reproductive and sexual health services that include pelvic exams, Pap tests, cancer screenings, and testing and treatment for vaginal infections.
Surgeon
Surgeons are known for performing a wide variety of surgeries at the operating table. Surgery is broken up into different specialties such as neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery, oral surgery, ENT surgery, cardiovascular surgery and general surgery.
Radiologist
Radiologists are the doctors who specialize in these tests, including performing them and reading their results.
Cardiologist
These doctors specialize in conditions related to your heart and cardiovascular system, from minor abnormalities to life-threatening illnesses, including:
- Heart disease.
- Heart attack.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Blood clots.
- Valve disease.
Pediatrician
A pediatrician cares for children from birth to adolescence, treating them for a variety of health issues from a common cold to more severe conditions. Their consolation rooms are usually bright and cheerful, appealing to children.
Dermatologist
Dermatologists specialize in conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails, including:
- Acne.
- Eczema.
- Hair loss.
- Psoriasis.
- Skin cancer.
Psychiatrist
“Psyche” means mind or soul, which is what psychiatrists help treat and heal. These medical doctors are licensed to diagnose and treat mental health conditions through therapy and prescription medications.
Sources: Indeed.com, Clevelandclinic.org, Helthline.com
