Types of Doctors: What They Do, List, Types of Surgeon, Jobs, Responsibilities

Who is a Doctor?

A doctor is a medical professional who examines patients to diagnose and treat illnesses or injuries, and advocates for preventive measures to improve patients’ health. A doctor will examine patients and will use tests, recommend, and prescribe medicines or perform complete surgeries and other procedures. In India, anyone interested in becoming a doctor must complete Class 12 with PCB, pass NEET, and obtain an MBBS. Many doctors today will also have access to AI tools, telemedicine, or other technologies that can improve their ability to care for their patients. The most common specialisations are Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Dermatology, Gynaecology, Radiology, and General Surgery.

Types of Doctors

There are many types of doctors, each one specialising in treating particular problems, maladies or organs. Each speciality requires its unique set of skills, and all scopes of practice vary to a degree. Some of the more recognisable types of doctors are cardiologists, audiologists, dentists, otolaryngologists or ENT specialists, gynaecologists, orthopaedic surgeons, radiologists, paediatricians, psychologists, veterinarians, pulmonologists, endocrinologists, oncologists, neurologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and the list goes on.

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• Job of a Doctor

 

Cardiologist

Cardiologists are medical specialists who diagnose and treat conditions of the heart and blood vessels, including, but not limited to, high blood pressure, heart disease, heart failure, and heart valve disease. Cardiologists are skilled at the use of various diagnostic tests, including echocardiograms, electrocardiograms (ECG), and CT scans to analyse and assess heart health. Cardiologists will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and family history with you to identify the possible effects they could have on your heart health. If heart disease runs in your family, let your cardiologist know as that can lead to higher odds of the same disease appearing in you. Cardiologists can provide preventative care, as well as treatment measures in order to help you maintain strong heart health.

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• Cardiology Colleges
• Cardiology Courses Overview

 

Audiologist

Audiologists are healthcare professionals who specialise in assessing, diagnosing, and managing hearing loss, balance issues, and other ear-related disorders. Audiologists evaluate a patient’s hearing by performing several hearing tests. They will explain the results of the hearing tests and provide the patient with recommendations and the best treatment options. Many audiologists specialise in hearing aids or cochlear implants. Audiologists will also assist patients with their tinnitus and advise patients about better communication methods to improve comprehension (e.g., use of lip reading). Audiologists play an important role in improving the hearing health and quality of life of people with hearing problems.

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• Audiology Courses Overview

 

Dentist

A dentist is a medical practitioner dealing with the management of the teeth, gums, and associated structures of the mouth. They are involved in preventive, restorative, and cosmetic procedures that promote and restore good oral health to prevent diseases like cavities and gum infections. In India, a person qualifies as a dentist after completing either a BDS or MDS from a recognised institution. A dentist may work in hospitals, educational institutions, research facilities, or serve in the armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) as a dentist. An MDS can work as a dentist and has the option to function as a specialist in their field and pursue opening their own specialised clinic. Dentists help encourage good oral hygiene to promote healthy smiles.

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• How to become a dentist
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ENT Specialist

An ENT specialist's field of practice includes the treatment of disorders and any issues approximately the ears, nose, throat, and the associated head and neck. Students have been educated and trained to deal with problems of the upper pharynx and oral cavity, the larynx or voice box, the ears, the nose and nasal tube, and the neck. An ENT is responsible for the treatment of disorders that expose a patient to nosebleeds, adenoidectomies, mastoid infection, tonsillectomies, chronic sinusitis, and countless others. Potential candidates can also enroll in an ENT research programme after completing the MD programme!

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• ENT Courses Overview

Gynaecologist

A gynaecologist focuses on infertility treatment, gynaecological diseases, vaginitis (infections of the vagina), Dysmenorrhoea, hysterectomy, pregnancy complications, infections of the cervix and uterus, including fungal, bacterial, viral, and protozoan infections, include issues such as Amenorrhoea (absent menstrual periods) and urinary Incontinence. Gynaecology is one of the highest-paid specialities in medicine in India.

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Orthopaedic surgeons present treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of disorders to bone, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Some orthopaedists are generalists, while some orthopaedists may specialise in a particular part of the body, including the hip and knee, the foot and ankle, the shoulder and elbow, the hand, and the spine.

Paediatrician

A paediatrician is a medical doctor who specialises in the care of babies, children, and teenagers from birth until they enter adulthood, teenagers as old as 18 years of age. They care for all of the physical, mental, and emotional health of the child, and treat everything from common ailments to more serious medical conditions. Paediatricians also provide vaccinations, preventive care, and education about parenting, in addition to being trained to recognise growth and developmental issues early on.

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a physician who focuses on mental health and emotional well-being, including all conditions related to abuse of substances. Psychiatrists are trained to evaluate the relationship between a patient's physical health and psychological symptoms. Psychiatrists can treat conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Psychiatrists may prescribe medication and/or therapy for treatment.

Veterinarian

A veterinarian is a physician who diagnoses and treats injuries, illnesses, and other health problems in non-human animals. Veterinarians perform routine check-ups, administer vaccinations, treat wounds, perform complicated surgeries, and use medical equipment such as X-ray and ultrasound machines. Veterinarians look after house pets and farm animals, and may care for wildlife and exotic animals, to promote animal health and welfare.

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• Career as a Veterinarian

Radiologist

A radiologist specialises in diagnosing and treating human (and sometimes animal) diseases with medical imaging techniques. They specialise in using advanced imaging techniques (X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, PET) to help guide other doctors with reliable diagnoses of health problems. Radiologists prepare imaging reports that other doctors can use to care for patients and will sometimes do an image-guided procedure as a diagnostic or therapeutic intervention for a patient’s health.

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• Radiology Courses Overview
• Salary of a Radiologist
• Radiologist Qualifications

 

Pulmonologist

A pulmonologist is a physician who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the respiratory system, including the lungs, airways, and surrounding structures. They complete a speciality of internal medicine, which encompasses the lung and increasingly cardiopulmonary health; therefore, pulmonologists focus on assessing and treating diseases and conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and other disorders of breathing.

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• Doctorate of Medicine (MD) in Pulmonary Medicine

Endocrinologist

An endocrinologist is a physician who treats endocrine disease, specifically diseases of the endocrine system that regulate hormones in the body. They treat diseases such as diabetes, disorders of the thyroid gland, osteoporosis, obesity, and disorders of the endocrine glands such as the thymus, pituitary, hypothalamus, pancreas, thyroid, parathyroid, ovaries, testes, and adrenal glands.

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• DM in Endocrinology

Oncologist

An oncologist is a physician who specialises in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer through medical treatments, surgical procedures, or radiation therapy. They can have subspecialties in oncologic medicine/medical oncology, gynaecologic oncology, paediatric oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, or haematology. There are several different treatment options that an oncologist may provide, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or surgery.

Neurologist

A neurologist is a physician who specialises in diagnosing and treating diseases of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Neurologists treat disorders including epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, meningitis, and neurological infections or injuries.

Average Salary of Doctors in India

Below is the list of types of doctors with the average salary: