Specialties Dictionary
Not sure which doctor to see? Find your symptom or condition below. Tap a specialty to see what it covers, when to see one, and the areas listed under it. This is general information and is not a diagnosis.
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Gynecology
Women's reproductive health, pregnancy and childbirth.
What it is: A gynecologist treats conditions of the womb, ovaries and related organs. Many also care for women during pregnancy.
When to see one: See one for painful or irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, pregnancy care, or changes around menopause.
Areas listed under Gynecology:
- Fertility Treatments
- Help for couples who are struggling to conceive, from tests and medication to assisted methods.
- Menopause
- Care for the years when periods stop: hot flushes, mood changes, sleep and bone health.
- Gynecological Surgery
- Operations on the female reproductive system, for example removing fibroids or cysts.
- Prenatal Care
- Check-ups, scans and advice for a healthy pregnancy, before the baby is born.
Ophthalmology
Eyes and vision.
What it is: An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor for the eyes. They test vision, treat eye disease and perform eye surgery.
When to see one: See one for blurred vision, eye pain, redness, floaters, or if an eye test shows a problem.
Areas listed under Ophthalmology:
- Glaucoma
- Treatment of raised pressure inside the eye, which can slowly damage vision if left untreated.
- LASIK Surgery
- Laser surgery that reshapes the front of the eye to reduce the need for glasses.
- Retina Specialist
- Care for the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye, including diabetes-related eye damage.
- Cataract Surgery
- Replacing a cloudy lens (cataract) with a clear artificial one.
Pulmonology
Lungs and breathing.
What it is: A pulmonologist treats diseases of the lungs and airways.
When to see one: See one for a cough that will not go away, shortness of breath, wheezing, or loud snoring with tiredness.
Areas listed under Pulmonology:
- Respiratory Therapy
- Treatments and exercises that help you breathe better, including oxygen support.
- Sleep Disorders
- Problems such as sleep apnoea, where breathing stops briefly during sleep.
- Asthma Management
- Controlling asthma with the right inhalers and avoiding triggers.
- COPD Treatment
- Long-term care for chronic lung disease, often linked to smoking or fumes.
Dietetics
Food, nutrition and healthy eating.
What it is: A dietitian plans what you eat to prevent or manage a health condition and to reach a healthy weight.
When to see one: See one if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, a weight goal, or need a meal plan.
Areas listed under Dietetics:
- Nutritional Counseling
- One-to-one advice on what to eat for your health condition or goals.
- Weight Management
- Safe, sustainable plans for losing or gaining weight.
- Sports Nutrition
- Eating to support training, energy and recovery for athletes.
- Eating Disorders
- Support for unhealthy eating patterns such as anorexia or binge eating.
Nephrology
Kidneys and urinary system.
What it is: A nephrologist treats kidney disease. In this list the group also covers common urinary and prostate problems.
When to see one: See one for swelling of the feet, changes in urine, kidney stones, or high blood pressure that is hard to control.
Areas listed under Nephrology:
- Kidney Stone
- Treatment and prevention of hard deposits that form in the kidney.
- Prostate Health
- Care for prostate problems in men, such as difficulty or frequent urination.
- Urinary Tract
- Infections and other problems of the tubes that carry urine.
- Bladder Issues
- Leaking urine, frequent urges or pain when passing urine.
Endocrinology
Hormones and metabolism.
What it is: An endocrinologist treats glands that produce hormones, such as the thyroid and pancreas.
When to see one: See one for diabetes, thyroid problems, unexplained weight change, or hormone-related symptoms.
Areas listed under Endocrinology:
- Thyroid Disorders
- An overactive or underactive thyroid gland (the gland in the neck that controls energy use).
- Diabetes
- Managing blood sugar with medicine, diet and monitoring.
- Hormone Therapy
- Replacing or balancing hormones when the body does not make enough.
- Pituitary Disorders
- Problems of the small master gland at the base of the brain that controls other hormones.
Dentistry
Teeth, gums and mouth.
What it is: A dentist keeps teeth and gums healthy and repairs damage.
When to see one: See one for toothache, bleeding gums, bad breath, or for a check-up every six months.
Areas listed under Dentistry:
- Teeth Whitening
- Cosmetic treatment to lighten stained teeth.
- Dental Implants
- Artificial tooth roots that hold a replacement tooth permanently.
- Orthodontics
- Braces and aligners that straighten teeth and correct the bite.
- Oral Surgery
- Procedures such as removing wisdom teeth or treating jaw problems.
Rheumatology
Joints, muscles and autoimmune disease.
What it is: A rheumatologist treats long-term joint and tissue conditions, including those where the immune system attacks the body.
When to see one: See one for joint pain and swelling that lasts, morning stiffness, or unexplained rashes with joint pain.
Areas listed under Rheumatology:
- Arthritis Management
- Medicines and lifestyle advice for long-term joint inflammation.
- Osteoporosis
- Weak, brittle bones that break easily. Care includes tests and bone-strengthening treatment.
- Lupus Care
- Management of lupus, an autoimmune condition that can affect skin, joints and organs.
- Gout Treatment
- Controlling sudden, painful joint attacks caused by uric acid crystals, often in the big toe.
Neurology
Brain, spinal cord and nerves.
What it is: A neurologist treats diseases of the nervous system.
When to see one: See one for frequent severe headaches, seizures, numbness, tremors, memory problems or weakness on one side.
Areas listed under Neurology:
- Brain Surgery
- Operations on the brain, carried out by a neurosurgeon.
- Neurological Rehab
- Therapy to regain movement and skills after a stroke or nerve injury.
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Care for MS, a condition where the protective coating of nerves is damaged.
- Epilepsy Management
- Seizure control with medicine and follow-up.
- Radiation Therapy
- Targeted radiation used to treat some brain and nerve tumours.
Oncology
Cancer.
What it is: An oncologist diagnoses and treats cancer and works with other doctors on your care plan.
When to see one: See one if a doctor suspects cancer, a lump is found, or you need cancer treatment or follow-up.
Areas listed under Oncology:
- Chemotherapy
- Medicine that kills or slows fast-growing cancer cells.
- Surgical Oncology
- Surgery to remove a tumour and nearby tissue.
- Immunotherapy
- Treatment that helps your own immune system fight cancer.
Pediatrics
Children and teenagers.
What it is: A pediatrician is a doctor for babies, children and teens, from birth to about 18 years.
When to see one: See one for a child's fever, cough, slow growth, feeding problems, or routine check-ups and vaccines.
Areas listed under Pediatrics:
- Child Health
- General care and check-ups for children, including growth and development.
- Pediatric Surgery
- Operations on babies and children.
- Neonatal Care
- Specialist care for newborns in their first weeks, especially premature or sick babies.
- Child Vaccinations
- Routine immunisation to protect children from serious infections.
Gastroenterology
Stomach, intestines and liver.
What it is: A gastroenterologist treats the digestive system.
When to see one: See one for long-lasting stomach pain, heartburn, blood in stool, vomiting, yellow eyes or liver concerns.
Areas listed under Gastroenterology:
- Colonoscopy
- A camera test of the large bowel, used to find polyps or cancer early.
- Liver Disease
- Care for hepatitis, fatty liver and other liver conditions.
- Gastric Bypass
- Weight-loss surgery that reduces the size of the stomach.
- Endoscopy
- A camera test of the food pipe and stomach to find ulcers or bleeding.
Cardiology
Heart and blood vessels.
What it is: A cardiologist treats heart disease and high blood pressure.
When to see one: See one for chest pain, a racing or irregular heartbeat, breathlessness on mild effort, or a family history of heart disease.
Areas listed under Cardiology:
- Heart Surgery
- Operations on the heart, such as bypass or valve repair.
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- A supervised exercise and lifestyle programme after a heart attack or surgery.
- Coronary Angioplasty
- Opening blocked heart arteries with a small balloon and stent.
- Electrophysiology
- Diagnosis and treatment of abnormal heart rhythms.
Orthopedics
Bones, joints and muscles.
What it is: An orthopedic doctor treats injuries and conditions of the skeleton and its supports.
When to see one: See one for a fracture, back or knee pain, a sports injury, or a joint that limits daily life.
Areas listed under Orthopedics:
- Joint Replacement
- Replacing a worn hip or knee with an artificial joint.
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Operations to repair bones, ligaments and tendons.
- Sports Injuries
- Treatment of sprains, strains and tears from exercise or play.
- Arthritis Treatment
- Relief for joint wear and pain.
Dermatology
Skin, hair and nails.
What it is: A dermatologist treats skin conditions, including cosmetic concerns.
When to see one: See one for acne, rashes, itching, hair loss, moles that change, or fungal infections.
Areas listed under Dermatology:
- Acne Treatment
- Medicines and skin care that clear pimples and prevent scarring.
- Skin Allergies
- Finding triggers and treating itchy, red or swollen skin.
- Botox Treatment
- Cosmetic injections that smooth lines and wrinkles.
- Dermal Fillers
- Cosmetic injections that restore volume to the face.
Haematology
Blood and blood disorders.
What it is: A haematologist treats diseases of the blood, such as anaemia and sickle cell disease.
When to see one: See one for ongoing tiredness with pale skin, easy bruising, sickle cell care, or abnormal blood test results.
Doctors may sometimes find a few areas filed under a neighbouring group in the profile drop-down (for example Child Vaccinations or Radiation Therapy). Pick the area that matches your work, it will still appear on your profile.
Quick glossary
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Specialty | The main field of medicine a doctor trained in, for example Cardiology. |
| Category / expertise | A narrower area within a specialty, for example Electrophysiology within Cardiology. |
| Pathology | Laboratory tests on blood, urine or tissue to find or monitor disease. |
| Radiology | Imaging tests such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI. |
| Prescription | A doctor's written order for medicine. |
| Consultation | An appointment with a doctor, here by video. |
| Referral | A doctor sending you to another specialist for further care. |
| Chronic | Long-lasting, for example chronic kidney disease. |
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