A medical doctor, physician or medical practitioner is a person who practices medicine, and is concerned with maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and injury. This is accomplished through a detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology, diseases and treatment
General Practitioner – Rata Hauora
General medical health professionals primarily work with people in the comminity. They treat people for all ailments so they are not as specialized as some of the other medical professionals.
Positions in General Medical
General Practitioner (GP)
General practitioners diagnose and treat the health problems of individuals and families in the community. They are also involved in screening at-risk groups for diseases such as cervical cancer and diabetes.
Internal Medical Doctor
There are many different types of internal medical specialists, each type specialise in a different part of the body. Being an expert on one part of the body means they have a greater understanding of it and unusual or serious diseases that can affect the body part.
These specialisations are usually secondary healthcare services. You will probably need a referral to be treated by one of these physicians.
Positions in Internal Medicine
Specialises in diseases of skin, hair and nails.
Specialises in cancer. » More information
Renal Medicine Specialist (Nephrology)
Specialises in the kidneys.
Specialises in the nervous system, including the brain.
Specialises in joints, muscle and soft tissues.
Specialist Physician (General Medicine)
Specialises in complex and difficult to diagnose conditions.
Thoracic Medicine Specialist
Specialises in the lungs.
Specialises in blood.
Specialises in the internal glands and hormones, including conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disorders.
Gastroenterologist (and Hepatology)
Specialises in the gut, liver and related organs.
Intensive Care Specialist
Specialises in managing critically ill patients.
Surgeon – Rata Hāparapara
A surgeon is a physician who performs operations on people. Surgery is done to prevent and treat diseases, correct deformities, repair injuries and also to improve the appearance.
Positions in Surgical Medicine
Specialises in the eye.
Performs heart and lung surgery.
Treats the brain and nervous system.
Treats the bones.
Treats the ear, nose, and throat.
Specialises in the surgery of foetuses, babies, children and adolescents.
Plastic And Reconstructive Surgeon
Repairs or improves lost, injured, defective, or deformed body parts.
Performs surgery on a broad range of medical conditions.
Treats the kidney, bladder and urethra, and the male sex organs.
Treats blood vessels like veins and arteries
A dentist is a surgeon that specializes in operating on the mouth, teeth and gums. They study and treat diseases, injuries and problems of the mouth, teeth, gums and jaw and also give patients information on keeping their teeth and gums healthy.
Other medical jobs that do not quite fit in other categories:
Positions in Other Medical Professions
Specialises in babies, children and adolescents. They are also experts in child growth, development, feeding and behavioural issues. It will take 14 years to become a paediatrician.
An anaesthetist looks after patients who need general or local anaesthesia. Anaesthesia is where drugs and equipment are used to help stop you from feeling pain.
Emergency medicine specialist
A worker who looks after urgent, seriously ill and injured patients.
Specialise in the care of women and children, from the time a woman is pregnant through to giving birth. They also specialise in female body parts and organs.
Looks at changes in a person’s body tissue, blood or body fluids to confirm what could be causing a disease and to understand what is happening to the person. It will take 13 years to become a pathologist.
Creates and reads pictures of areas inside the body using what is called ‘radiant energy.’ Two examples of radiant energy are x-rays which use electromagnetic energy and an ultrasound which uses sound energy to make pictures of what is being scanned, like an ultrasound of a baby while it is still inside the mother. It will take 13 years minimum to become a radiologist.
A medical worker who helps people with mental, emotional and behaviour problems. It will take 13 years minimum to become a psychiatrist.