When you think of a doctor, what comes to mind? Maybe someone in a white coat, checking your heartbeat or asking about your cough. But in reality, the world of medicine is a fascinating mix of people with very different skills, each one focused on helping you feel your best. Doctors are not just one type—they’re a whole team, with specialists for almost every part of your body. Some look after your teeth, while others know all about your bones. Some focus on children, while a few even take care of animals. Each doctor has spent years studying to become an expert in their field, learning the secrets of the body and the best ways to heal. Thanks to these specialists, you don’t have to worry if you have a toothache, a sports injury, or even a sick pet—there’s a doctor for every need. In today's DHiE, let’s find out which doctor does what.General physicianWhen you’re not feeling well and aren’t sure why, a general physician is often the first doctor you’ll see. They check for fevers, coughs, stomach upsets, and almost any health problem you can name. General physicians are experts at solving everyday medical mysteries and guiding you to a specialist if you need more help. The word “physician” comes from a very old term meaning “one who heals,” and that’s exactly what they aim to do..PaediatricianPaediatricians are doctors for children, from newborn babies all the way to teenagers. Their clinics often have colourful walls and friendly toys to help kids feel at ease. Paediatricians understand how children grow and develop, and know just how to turn a scary visit into something less stressful. They also give advice to parents about keeping children healthy as they grow..DentistFor anything to do with teeth or gums, the dentist is the expert. Dentists fill cavities, straighten crooked teeth, and teach the importance of brushing and flossing. Hundreds of years ago, people cleaned their teeth with twigs, but today’s dentists use tools that make dental care much easier—and less scary!.Orthopaedic surgeonIf you break a bone or twist your ankle, you’ll need an orthopaedic doctor. These doctors look after the bones, joints, and muscles that help us move. They use X-rays to find the problem and sometimes perform surgery to put things right. The word “orthopaedic” actually means “to straighten children,” because the first orthopaedic doctors helped children with curved spines and legs..OphthalmologistOphthalmologists are eye doctors. Whether you need glasses, have an eye infection, or just want a vision check, these specialists know all about how eyes work. Special machines in their clinics can test how clearly you see, and they even perform delicate eye surgeries when needed. The world’s first successful cataract surgery was done over a thousand years ago!.CardiologistCardiologists are the doctors for our hearts. They listen to the heart’s rhythms, check blood pressure, and help people keep their hearts strong. From helping athletes with racing pulses to looking after older people with heart problems, cardiologists know that every heart is unique. Your heart beats about 100,000 times a day, and cardiologists help keep every beat healthy..ENT specialistENT stands for Ear, Nose, and Throat. These doctors are experts in everything from earaches and hearing loss to sore throats and nosebleeds. The tiniest bones in your body are inside your ear, and ENT doctors know all about them! They also help with allergies and sinus problems..VeterinarianNot all doctors treat people—some help animals! Veterinarians, or vets, look after pets, farm animals, and even wildlife. From treating a dog’s cough to helping a tiger at the zoo, vets know how to care for creatures big and small. In India, there are tens of thousands of registered veterinarians working to keep animals healthy.PsychiatristPsychiatrists are doctors for the mind. They help people who feel sad, anxious, or can’t concentrate, and they know that mental health is just as important as physical health. The brain has about 86 billion nerve cells, and psychiatrists help make sense of how our thoughts and feelings work together. DermatologistA dermatologist is a doctor for your skin, hair, and nails. If you have a rash, itchy skin, or stubborn pimples, this is the person to see. Dermatologists understand that your skin is your body’s largest organ, and they help protect it from sun, pollution, and all sorts of daily challenges.
