Medical Specialists

Medical specialists are experts in certain fields of medicine. They either treat specific parts of the body, such as the back or the brain, or they specialize in certain diseases, such as cancer. Family doctors keep a list of local specialists and can help patients choose the right specialist for each medical issue. In many cases specialists require a referral from a family doctor before they will see a patient. Here is a list of the most common types of specialists. Study the list and then check your understanding by taking the quiz.

allergist:	specializes in determining food and environmental allergies
anesthesiologist:	specializes in pain prevention during surgery
cardiologist:	heart specialist
chiropractor:	back specialist
dentist:	tooth specialist
dermatologist:	skin specialist
fertility specialist:	helps people who have difficulty getting pregnant
gynecologist:	specializes in women's needs
massage therapist:	specializes in muscle relaxation
midwife:	helps women deliver babies in a natural way
naturopath:	specializes in natural cures and remedies
neurologist:	brain specialist
obstetrician:	specialist for pregnant women
occupational therapist:	specializes in workplace health
oncologist:	tumour specialist, including cancer
ophthalmologist:	specializes in eye diseases
pediatrician:	specialist for babies and children
physical therapist:	specializes in the body's movement
podiatrist:	foot specialist
psychiatrist:	specialist in mental health
radiologist:	specializes in imaging tests