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Primary care doctors -

Primary care doctors are usually the first medical professionals patients see. They provide care, prevention, and treatment for a number of health issues. They are also the ones who will refer you to a specialist when needed. Now, let’s take a look at the different types of primary care doctors.

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Family medicine doctors -

Family medicine doctors provide continuous care for patients, which may range from infancy to adulthood. As the name suggests, these doctors can provide care for several members of the same family.

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Internal medicine doctors -

Internal medicine doctors, also known as internists, often treat more complex illnesses, including chronic illnesses, and patients with more than one disease.

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Pediatricians -

Pediatricians specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. They are experts in a number of illnesses that affect the younger population.

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Specialist doctors -

Many cases can be dealt with by a primary care doctor, but sometimes a referral to a specialist is required. Now, let’s take a look at the different types of specialist doctors.

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Allergists-immunologist -

Allergists-immunologists are specialists in immune system disorders and immune deficiency diseases. They diagnose, treat, and manage conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and food allergies, among others.

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Cardiologist -

Cardiologists are experts in conditions affecting the heart and the vascular system. These specialists diagnose, treat, and manage a number of heart issues, including heart failure, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects, to name a few.

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Dermatologist -

Dermatologists are specialists in health issues affecting the skin, hair, and nails. They may treat patients with acne, eczema, rashes, psoriasis, skin infections, and skin cancer, among others.

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Endocrinologist -

Endocrinologists specialize in endocrine system disorders (i.e. the glands and organs that produce hormones). These may include diabetes, thyroid disorders, as well as hormonal imbalances and metabolic issues.

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Gastroenterologist -

Gastroenterologists, also known as GI doctors, treat a number of gastrointestinal tract conditions, including those in the stomach, bowels, esophagus, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

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Geneticist -

Geneticists are specialists in genes and heredity. They diagnose and treat a number of genetic disorders, which may include conditions such as sickle cell disease, as well as some cancers.

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General surgeon -

General surgeons are trained to deal with a wide range of conditions and provide preoperative, operative and postoperative care in several areas. As such, they may perform numerous types of surgeries, ranging from appendectomies to hernia repairs, and everything in between.

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Geriatric medicine specialist -

Geriatric medicine specialists, or Geriatricians, specialize in older adults. They diagnose, treat, and manage conditions related to aging, including cognitive decline, mobility issues, and chronic diseases. Geriatricians usually collaborate with other healthcare professionals and can also help with medication management.

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Hematologist -

Hematologists are specialists in health issues related to the blood, including blood-forming tissues and organs. These may include anemia, bleeding or clotting disorders, as well as blood cancers.

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Hospice and palliative medicine specialist -

These specialists provide care to patients with serious or terminal illnesses and support their families throughout the process. This ranges from pain management to end-of-life care, among other needs. Patients may be suffering from conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), among others.

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Infectious disease specialist -

Infectious disease specialists diagnose and treat infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. These specialists deal with a number of conditions, including tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and antibiotic-resistant infections.

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Nephrologist -

Nephrologists are specialists in disorders of the kidney. They treat conditions such as kidney stones, kidney failure, and chronic kidney disease, among others. Nephrologists also oversee treatments such as dialysis and are responsible for kidney transplantation.

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Neurologist -

These specialists diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system. They specialize in health issues related to the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Neurologists are experts in disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and migraines, to name a few.

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Obstetrician-gynecologist -

Obstetrician-gynecologists, also known as OB-GYN, specialize in women’s health, including the female reproductive system and all things related to pregnancy and childbirth. OB-GYNs are the go-to doctors when it comes to pregnancy, contraception, infertility, menopause, endometriosis, and polycystic ovarian syndrome, to name a few.

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Oncologist -

Oncologists are specialists in cancer. They help diagnose, treat, and manage a number of cancers. Oncologists often subspecialize in specific types of cancer.

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Ophthalmologist -

Ophthalmologists are eye specialists. They cover all aspects of eye and vision care, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders. These may include eye infections, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and refractive errors, to name a few.

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Orthopedist -

Orthopedists are specialists in the musculoskeletal system, including bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. They treat a wide range of conditions, including traumatic or sports injuries, congenital deformities, spinal disorders, and degenerative diseases.

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Otolaryngologist -

Also known as ENTs, or ear, nose, and throat doctors, otolaryngologists treat a number of conditions related to the head and neck. These may include rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, gastrointestinal reflux, and sleep apnea, among others.

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Physical medicine and rehabilitation physician -

Also known as physiatrists, these specialists take a more holistic approach when it comes to managing pain and restoring function. They may treat patients whose ability has been impaired by sports or traumatic injuries, amputation, brain injury, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, or Parkinson’s disease, to name a few.

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Plastic surgeon -

These doctors are specialists in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. Plastic surgeons may perform breast reconstruction after mastectomy or cleft lip and palate repair, but also cosmetic procedures like rhinoplasty or facelift.

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Podiatrist -

Podiatrists are specialists in diagnosing and treating issues of the foot, ankle, and lower extremities. These may range from sprains and fractures, to plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, and arthritis.

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Psychiatrist -

These doctors diagnose and treat a number of issues related to mental health, including emotional and behavioral health disorders such as mood disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders, among others.

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Pulmonologist -

Pulmonologists specialize in the respiratory system. They treat a number of diseases and disorders, including pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and COPD.

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Rheumatologist -

Rheumatologists are experts in the joints, muscles, and connective tissue. They treat a number of musculoskeletal diseases and autoimmune conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and gout.

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Sleep medicine specialist -

These specialists deal with a range of sleep disturbances and disorders. These may include insomnia, narcolepsy, parasomnias, circadian rhythm disorders, bruxism (teeth grinding), and breathing disorders such as sleep apnea.

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Urologist -

Urologists are specialists in the male reproductive organs, as well as the male and female urinary tract. They may treat conditions such as kidney stones, urinary incontinence, or ED. 

Sources: (U.S. News) (The New England Journal of Medicine)

See also: These conditions affect men and women differently

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