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About This Quiz
When was the last time you heard someone say they had to go to the doctor? You probably didn't question them (or maybe you thought better of it). The fact is, not all doctors are created equal. No, we don't mean one is "better" than another! But simply put, there are so many quirks in our human anatomy, it's not possible for one doctor to understand them all! Think of it: The human body has 11 different organ systems, ranging from circulatory to digestive. There are roughly 206 bones from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. Those bones are complemented by 600 muscles, 32 teeth and 78 organs, each with their own functions! Phew, it's a lot to keep up with.
No doubt, aspiring doctors spend a great deal of time studying and preparing to become the trusted medical resources you look to when you schedule an appointment. Many hours hitting the books, doing rounds, participating in clinical rotations and learning about the body eventually translate into an M.D. or D.O. and an associated -ologist or other designation to go along with it.
But just how many of those specialties do you know? If you sprain an ankle in a pick-up basketball game, do you need a radiologist or a gerontologist? (For some of us, maybe both!) If you have an earache, a stomachache or a backache, what type of medical professional are you seeking out?Â
Test your expertise in this quiz by matching medical conditions to the doctors who treat them. Sorry, you don't get to write any prescriptions!
Urologist
Dermatologist
Immunologist
Immunologists, also sometimes referred to as allergists, help to diagnose and treat conditions that impact the human body's immune system — see part of the word "immune" right in the job title? Immunologists may see patients with symptoms of allergies, celiac disease, asthma, lupus and other autoimmune disorders.
Hematologist
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Cardiologist
The title of "cardiologist" is literally taken from the Greek word "kardia," which means heart, combined with "-ologist," to give us the name of someone who studies the heart. Cardiologists see patients for heart-related matters, including heart attacks, hypertension and arrhythmias.
Neonatologist
Audiologist
Diagnostician
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Perinatologist
Neurologist
Pulmonologist
Dermatologist
Dermatologists are noted for their expertise in dealing with all manner of skin disorders, ranging from acne and eczema to suspicious-looking moles. And don't even get them started on tanning beds! They're not fans.
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Ophthalmologist
Chiropractor
Endocrinologist
In short, an endocrinologist specializes in the functioning of the body's endocrine system. The endocrine system includes glands and organs that help moderate things like insulin. Individuals with diabetes have trouble with insulin, either resisting it or not producing enough.
Pharmacist
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Hematologist
Hematologists specialize in disorders that impact the blood circulating in the body, as well as disorders of the lymphatic system and the spleen. Anemia, more specifically, occurs when a person's blood is deficient in red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body.
Anesthesiologist
Hepatologist
Parasitologist
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Andrologist
Gastroenterologist
A gastroenterologist is well-qualified to handle issues related to the stomach and digestive organs. So, if you're experiencing symptoms such as pain in your abdomen, diarrhea, ulcers and the like, a trip to the gastroenterologist's office is probably in your near future.
Cardiac electrophysiologist
Psychiatrist
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Infectious disease specialist
You won't frequently need to consult with an infectious disease specialist unless you have a recurring infection or one that appears resistant to traditional lines of treatment. Your general practitioner may refer you to this specialist for additional testing.
Periodontist
Rheumatologist
Hyperbaric physician
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Neonatologist
Hematologist
Neurologist
Diseases and disorders of the nervous system are the specialty of doctors who pursue a neurology specialty. They see patients who have been diagnosed with disorders that impact the brain, nerves and spinal cord, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and epilepsy.
Podiatrist
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Microbiologist
Gynecologist
Women everywhere, rejoice. Only you are treated to at least yearly visits to the gynecologist from early in your teenage years to well after menopause. Gynecologists handle reproductive health issues for the ladies.
Radiologist
Rheumatologist
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Pulmonologist
Oncologist
Oncologists help treat various diagnoses of cancer and coordinate care of patients alongside surgeons and radiation therapists. Treatment for cancer typically involves chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery, requiring the involvement of many different medical professionals.
Epidemiologist
Pathologist
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Cardiac electrophysiologist
Ophthalmologist
Of course, you don't typically tell people you're going to the ophthalmologist; rather, you probably say you're going to the eye doctor. An ophthalmologist is skilled not only in prescribing glasses or contacts to treat near- or farsightedness, but also in treating conditions of the eye, such as glaucoma.
Perinatologist
Nephrologist
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Intensivist
Urologist
Otolaryngologist
Otolaryngologists are frequently called ENTs or ENT physicians for the areas of the body they treat — the ears (E), nose (N) and throat (T). Otolaryngology is sometimes referred to as the world's oldest medical specialty.
Palliative care specialist
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Acupuncturist
Rheumatologist
Urologist
Podiatrist
Whether issues with your feet and ankles are a symptom of another condition or an impairment all on their own, podiatrists are up to the challenge. The origin of the word "podiatrist" comes from the Greek "pod," which means "foot," and "-iatrist," which means "healer."
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Pediatrician
Epidemiologist
Psychiatrist
There's no stigma attached to mental illness, either. Psychiatrists treat a variety of emotional, mental and addiction disorders in patients of all genders, ages and socioeconomic stations. Psychiatrists are trained as medical doctors, so they can also prescribe medications.
Geriatrician
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Radiologist
Pulmonologist
Pulmonologists diagnose and treat disorders of the lungs, such as pneumonia, emphysema, asthma and COPD. They are also qualified to treat conditions of the respiratory system, including everything from your nose to your trachea and larynx.
Audiologist
Epidemiologist
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Radiologist
Veterinarian
Rheumatologist
Rheumatologists are doctors schooled in the understanding of pain and arthritis that can affect an individual's bones, muscles, tendons and joints. If you have anything from tendinitis in your elbow to chronic fibromyalgia, this specialist can help!
Neurologist
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Urologist
Urologists deal, privately, with your private areas — your urinary tract and its accompanying disorders, to be exact. Urologists can treat both men and women for everything from bladder problems to prostate cancer.
Rheumatologist
Endocrinologist
Allergist
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Thoracic surgeon
Dermatologist
Hepatologist
Hepatologists specialize, primarily, in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis, but that's not all they do. These physicians may also be sought out by patients dealing with other conditions related to the liver, gallbladder or pancreas.
Microbiologist
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Oncologist
Internal medicine specialist
Electrophysiologist
Neonatologist
It only stands to reason that a newborn who needs to spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) might be treated by a neonatologist. These medical experts help diagnose and treat health problems newborns and premature infants may experience.
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Oncologist
Acupuncturist
Hepatologist
Nephrologist
Nephrologists diagnose and treat patients with kidney disorders, commonly referred to as renal problems. A specialist in this area may treat chronic kidney diseases, renal failure and even kidney stones.
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Hospitalist
Nephrologist
Obstetrician
Anesthesiologist
Three cheers for anesthesiologists, who administer anesthesia and sit by you while you're under said anesthesia during surgical procedures. They're keeping close watch over your vital signs while also, well, knocking you out.
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Nuclear medicine specialist
Audiologist
This might have been an easy question since the word "audio" is synonymous with hearing. Audiologists are concerned with your ability to hear. Also, they treat a variety of conditions, from tinnitus to ear disorders that can impact your balance.
Physiotherapist
Ayurvedic practitioner
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Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists are studious medical professionals, no doubt! If there were a zombie outbreak, these experts would be useful to have in the humans' corner because they study how diseases are transmitted and spread. (The "double tap" is still a good idea, though.)
Gastroenterologist
Nephrologist
Pathologist
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Palliative medicine specialist
Pediatrician
Pediatricians must be well-trained in a variety of illnesses and conditions that can crop up in their child patients. For many families, one pediatrician will watch their children grow from birth until well into their teenage years.
Critical care medicine specialist
Obstetrician
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Internist
Bariatrician
Bariatricians, sometimes called bariatric physicians, help individuals who may be carrying too much weight lose the extra pounds. They also treat conditions that can arise as a result of being overweight.
Cardiologist
Neurophysiologist
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Infectious medicine specialist
Palliative medicine specialist
Geriatric medicine specialist
Emergency medicine specialist
Did someone say "emergency"? Emergency medicine specialists are employed by emergency departments of hospitals to treat a wide variety of critical incidents, including injuries sustained in a car accident.
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Gynecologist
Otologist
Apparently, an otolaryngologist with more training earns a shorter name — otologist! These professionals have extra expertise in how to diagnose and treat things like dizziness and tumors.
Hematologist
Earologist
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Cardiac surgeon
Vascular surgeon
Vascular surgeons are those who deal entirely with surgery where arteries and veins are involved. These specially trained surgeons may treat everything from aneurysms to carotid artery disease, among other conditions.
Plastic surgeon
Cosmetic surgeon
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Psychologist
Sports medicine specialist
You don't have to be a professional athlete to require the services of a medical expert known as a sports medicine specialist. Physicians in this field (no pun intended!) treat injuries, and they work to help prevent them as well.
Family physician
Preventive medicine specialist
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Medical geneticist
Dermatologist
Microbiologist
Plastic surgeon
We may think of plastic surgeons as being accessible only to celebrities trying to make some part of their bodies bigger or smaller, but regular people have these procedures too. These medical doctors also perform reconstructive procedures to assist those who have been disfigured in some capacity.
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Podiatrist
Radiologist
Dentist
It's true! Dentists are doctors too. The degree they receive, either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), earns them the well-respected "Dr." title. Think of dentists as doctors for your teeth!
Urologist
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Radiologist
Did you know that radiologists are considered doctors? These medical professionals are trained in diagnosing a variety of medical conditions by using imaging equipment. They work with x-rays, MRIs and more.
Otolaryngologist
Osteopath
Medical geneticist
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Oncologist
Osteopath
An osteopath or osteopathic physician is one who earns a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) in school. They focus on many of the conditions regular M.D.s treat, but with a more holistic approach.
Orthopedic surgeon
Hospitalist
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Gastroenterologist
Hospitalist
There's nothing less professional about a hospitalist. They're simply a medical doctor who chooses to treat patients who are in the hospital. The term "hospitalist" has only been in popular usage for the past decade or two.
Geriatrician
Gynecologist
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Hepatologist
Physiatrist
Physiatrists are trained in treating injuries to the neck and the back. These types of impairments are typically brought on by sports injuries or accidents. Physiatrists, also known as physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians or PM&R physicians, are equipped to diagnose and treat these conditions.
Periodontist
Dermatologist
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