Medical Doctor Types

There Are Around 60 Types of Medical Doctor

Apart from the fact that “doctor” is a title shared by members of the clergy and anyone with an appropriate postgraduate qualification, within the medical profession, the title is one that is further shared both by general practitioners and specialists in as many as 60 different fields. These include better-known specialities such as paediatrics, obstetrics, cosmetic surgery, and oncology, as well as a number of relatively new fields such as assisted human reproduction, organ transplantation, and gene therapy. In addition, one can find physicians who devote their careers to activities such as the management of pain and the treatment of sleep disorders, while others choose to work with police forces to provide them with forensic services.

Discounting those who may have earned a PhD in astrophysics, theology, or pre-Columbian art, doctor is the title most often shared by those individuals with a medical degree who have received the necessary training and are registered to care for our health. They may be employed either by the state or by a private healthcare institution or they may choose to practice independently.

For most people, however, the term is the honorific with which they address their general practitioner or GP. This is the type of physician responsible for dispensing primary care to patients within the area surrounding a practice. More recently, however, it has become common practice to include access to a family doctor along with the other services provided by some of the larger medical centres in South Africa.

In this environment, they can dispense primary care whilst enjoying access to certain facilities such as X-ray equipment and laboratory services not normally available at a small private practice. In addition, because the premises are often shared by a number of other medical specialists, it can be simpler and quicker for a GP to obtain a more informed second opinion and to make a referral, should it be necessary.

One curious anomaly applies to the use of this title. Until the introduction of degree courses, surgeons served an apprenticeship and, on completing a diploma, were not actually entitled to call themselves doctor. Today, despite holding a medical degree, surgeons in Britain maintain this distinction and still choose to be referred to as Mr, Mrs, Miss or Ms, yet wear these lesser titles with obvious professional pride.

Our health and that of our loved ones are important. It is, therefore, fortunate that we all have access to a doctor with the knowledge, skills, and experience to attend to the many illnesses and injuries that could threaten that health. And you can book an appointment with one easily via Intercare’s convenient online booking system.