Table of Contents
Introduction
When talking about health or visiting a clinic, it is helpful to know the names of specialist doctors in English.
This guide offers a comprehensive list of medical specialists, explains what they do in simple terms, and provides useful vocabulary, example sentences, and ESL-friendly exercises. Whether you are a learner, a teacher, or someone living abroad, you will find this list easy to understand and practical to use.
Before listing the types of specialist doctors in English, let’s explore general medical roles!
General Medical Roles (Quick Vocabulary)
Before learning the different specialties, here are some basic terms:
- Doctor / Physician – a general term for a medical doctor.
- General Practitioner (GP) / Family Doctor – treats general health issues and gives referrals to specialists.
- Specialist – a doctor with advanced training in one area of medicine.
- Surgeon – a doctor who performs operations.
- Nurse – a medical professional who cares for patients (not a doctor).
Types of Specialist Doctors in English
Below is an alphabetical list of the most common specialist doctors, with simple definitions suitable for ESL learners.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
- Allergist / Immunologist
- Treats allergies and immune system problems such as asthma, food allergies, and hay fever.
- Anesthesiologist
- Manages pain and anesthesia during surgery or medical procedures.
B
- Bariatric surgeon
- Performs weight-loss (bariatric) surgery.
- Breast surgeon
- Specializes in breast surgery (often for cancer).
- Burns specialist / Burns surgeon
- Treats severe burns (often a plastic surgeon with burns training).
C
- Cardiologist
- A heart doctor who treats heart disease, chest pain, heart failure, and irregular heartbeat.
- Cardiothoracic Surgeon
- A surgeon who operates on the heart, lungs, and chest.
D
- Dermatologist
- A skin doctor who treats skin rashes, acne, eczema, and other skin, hair, and nail problems.
E
- Endocrinologist
- Treats hormone-related conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, and growth problems.
- ENT Specialist / Otolaryngologist
- Treats problems of the Ear, Nose, and Throat.
F
- Forensic pathologist
- Investigates causes of death, often in legal cases.
- Fertility specialist
- Treats infertility and reproductive endocrine disorders. (commonly called a reproductive endocrinologist)
- Fetal medicine specialist
- Cares for high-risk pregnancies and fetal disorders.
G
- Gastroenterologist
- Treats stomach and digestive system problems such as ulcers, stomach pain, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Geriatrician
- A doctor specializing in the health care of older adults.
- Gynecologist (GYN)
- Treats women’s reproductive health issues.
H
- Hematologist
- Treats blood diseases such as anemia and clotting disorders.
I
- Infectious Disease Specialist
- Treats complex infections such as HIV, hepatitis, and serious bacterial diseases.
- Intensivist (Critical Care Specialist)
- Cares for very ill patients in intensive care units (ICU).
- Internist (Internal Medicine Physician)
- Specializes in adult medicine and chronic conditions.
J
- Joint replacement surgeon
- orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement. Common clinical phrase though not a single-word specialty.
- Juvenile / Pediatric rheumatologist
- Specialists treating children with rheumatic disease.
K
- Keratoconus specialist / Corneal specialist
- Many eye specialists describe themselves as corneal or keratoconus (K) experts; the official title is usually Ophthalmologist (cornea subspecialist).
- Kinesiologist
- Not a medical doctor in many countries, but a common allied-health profession focused on movement
L
- Laryngologist
- An ENT subspecialist focusing on the larynx / voice disorders.
- Lipidologist
- Physician specializing in lipid disorders (cholesterol management); often a cardiologist or endocrinologist with a lipid focus.
M
- Medical Geneticist
- Diagnoses and manages inherited genetic disorders.
N
- Nephrologist
- Treats kidney diseases and manages patients on dialysis.
- Neurologist
- Treats brain and nerve problems such as migraines, epilepsy, and neuropathy.
- Neurosurgeon
- A surgeon who operates on the brain, nerves, and spinal cord.
O
- Obstetrician (OB)
- Provides care during pregnancy, childbirth, and after delivery.
- Oncologist
- A cancer specialist who diagnoses and treats cancer.
- Ophthalmologist
- A medical eye doctor who treats eye diseases and performs eye surgery.
- Optometrist
- Provides vision tests and prescribes glasses or contact lenses (not a medical doctor in some countries).
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
- Performs surgery on the mouth, jaw, and face.
- Orthopedic Surgeon / Orthopedist
- Treats bones, joints, muscles, fractures, and sports injuries.
P
- Pathologist
- Examines tissues and lab tests to diagnose diseases; usually works behind the scenes.
- Pediatrician
- A doctor for infants, children, and teenagers.
- Plastic Surgeon
- Performs reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries.
- Podiatrist
- Treats foot and ankle problems (not always a medical doctor, depending on the country).
- Psychiatrist
- A doctor who treats mental health conditions and can prescribe medication.
- Psychologist
- Provides therapy and counseling (usually not a medical doctor).
- Pulmonologist (Respiratory Specialist)
- Treats lung and breathing problems such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Q
- Quaternary care specialist
- This is not a single type of doctor, but a term used for highly specialized medical experts who provide the most advanced level of care, beyond tertiary care. These doctors work in major hospitals and handle very complex cases such as organ transplants, advanced cardiac surgery, rare cancers, or experimental treatments.
- Examples of quaternary care specialists: transplant surgeons, advanced neurosurgeons, specialized oncologists.
- Quality improvement specialist
- A healthcare professional (sometimes a doctor, but often a nurse or manager) who focuses on improving patient safety, hospital performance, and the quality of care. They study medical errors, create safety procedures, and help hospitals improve their services.
R
- Radiation Oncologist
- Treats cancer using radiation therapy.
- Radiologist
- Reads imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
- Rheumatologist
- Treats autoimmune and joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
S
- Sleep Medicine Specialist
- Diagnoses and treats sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea.
- Sports Medicine Physician
- Treats sports injuries and helps athletes recover safely.
T
- Toxicologist
- Treats poisoning and toxin-related conditions.
- Transplant surgeon
- Performs organ transplants (e.g., liver, kidney).
- Trauma surgeon
- Treats acute, severe injuries (in emergency/trauma centers).
U
Urologist
- Treats urinary tract problems and male reproductive system issues.
V
- Vascular Surgeon
- Operates on veins and arteries and treats blood vessel diseases.
W
- Wound care specialist
- Treats complex, non-healing wounds (may be a nurse specialist, vascular surgeon, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon).
- Womens’ health specialist
- A doctor or healthcare professional who focuses on medical issues specific to women, including reproductive health, pregnancy, menstrual problems, menopause, and overall wellness. This often includes gynecologists and obstetricians.
X
- X-ray / Radiology specialist
- A doctor who interprets medical imaging, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. The formal specialty is Radiologist, but “X-ray specialist” is an easy term for learners to understand, since X-rays are the most common imaging technique.
Y
- Youth health specialist
- An informal term for doctors who work with teenagers and young adults. In practice, this usually refers to pediatricians, adolescent medicine specialists, or child & adolescent psychiatrists, but “youth health specialist” is widely understood by learners.
Z
- Zoonoses specialist / Zoonotic disease specialist
- A way to describe infectious-disease doctors who focus on diseases transmitted from animals to humans (not a frequently used single-word specialty).
- Zygomatic (facial) surgeon
- Sometimes used descriptively for maxillofacial work, but the formal specialty is Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon.
Specialist Doctors by Body System
The alphabetical list is great for looking up a specific term. However, sometimes it’s useful to see which doctors treat related parts of the body. The table below groups common specialists by the body system or area they focus on.
This can help you understand the connections between different fields of medicine.
| Body System / Area | Specialist Doctor | What They Focus On |
|---|---|---|
| Heart & Blood Vessels | Cardiologist | Heart disease, high blood pressure, heart failure. |
| Cardiothoracic Surgeon | Surgery on the heart and chest. | |
| Vascular Surgeon | Diseases of the blood vessels (veins and arteries). | |
| Lungs & Breathing | Pulmonologist | Asthma, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, lung disease. |
| Allergist / Immunologist | Asthma and allergies related to breathing. | |
| Brain & Nerves | Neurologist | Migraines, epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson’s disease. |
| Neurosurgeon | Surgery on the brain, spine, and nerves. | |
| Psychiatrist | Mental health conditions from a medical perspective. | |
| Bones, Joints & Muscles | Orthopedic Surgeon | Broken bones, joint pain, sports injuries, arthritis. |
| Rheumatologist | Autoimmune joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. | |
| Sports Medicine Physician | Injuries and health related to athletics and exercise. | |
| Digestive System | Gastroenterologist | Stomach pain, ulcers, IBS, liver disease, colonoscopy. |
| Bariatric Surgeon | Weight-loss surgery (a sub-specialty). | |
| Hormones & Metabolism | Endocrinologist | Diabetes, thyroid disorders, hormone imbalances. |
| Kidneys & Urinary System | Nephrologist | Kidney disease, kidney failure, dialysis. |
| Urologist | Urinary tract infections, prostate issues, male reproductive system. | |
| Skin, Hair & Nails | Dermatologist | Skin rashes, acne, eczema, skin cancer. |
| Plastic Surgeon | Reconstructive surgery after injury or for cosmetic reasons. | |
| Eyes | Ophthalmologist | Medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases. |
| Ears, Nose & Throat | ENT Specialist (Otolaryngologist) | Ear infections, sinusitis, tonsillitis, hearing loss. |
| Laryngologist | Voice disorders and diseases of the larynx (voice box). | |
| Blood & Immune System | Hematologist | Anemia, bleeding disorders, blood cancers. |
| Allergist / Immunologist | Allergies and immune system disorders. | |
| Infectious Disease Specialist | Complex infections like HIV, hepatitis, and tropical diseases. | |
| Cancer | Oncologist | Diagnosis and treatment of cancer (e.g., with chemotherapy). |
| Radiation Oncologist | Treatment of cancer using radiation therapy. | |
| Surgical Oncologist | Removal of cancerous tumors through surgery. | |
| Women’s Health | Gynecologist (GYN) | Female reproductive system health. |
| Obstetrician (OB) | Pregnancy and childbirth. | |
| Fertility Specialist | Help with conception and infertility. | |
| Children’s Health | Pediatrician | General medical care for infants, children, and teenagers. |
| Pediatric Sub-specialists | Many of the above specialists also have pediatric versions (e.g., Pediatric Cardiologist). |
A Quick Note: Some doctors, like Internists (Internal Medicine Physicians), are experts in adult medicine and treat a wide range of conditions affecting multiple body systems. They often act as a “detective” for complex health issues.
Related Health Professionals (Useful Vocabulary)
These professionals are not always medical doctors but are important in healthcare:
- Dentist – treats teeth and gums
- Orthodontist – straightens teeth
- Endodontist – performs root canals
- Periodontist – treats gum disease
- Physical Therapist / Physiotherapist – helps with recovery and movement
- Occupational Therapist – helps patients return to daily activities
- Speech Therapist – helps with speaking, language, and swallowing
- Dietitian / Nutritionist – designs diet plans
- Pharmacist – prepares and explains medications
Useful Vocabulary & Phrases
- “I need to see a specialist.”
- “My GP referred me to a cardiologist.”
- “I have an appointment with the dermatologist tomorrow.”
- “Which specialist treats this problem?”
- “He works in oncology.”
- “The surgeon will explain the procedure.”
Example Sentences
- The pediatrician examined the child and gave her medicine.
- My father is seeing a cardiologist for his heart condition.
- I visited a dermatologist because I had a skin rash.
- The neurologist prescribed new medicine for my migraines.
Short ESL Exercises
Exercise 1: Match the Specialist with the Problem
Match the health problem with the right specialist
- Heart disease → ____
- Skin allergy → ____
- Migraine → ____
- Broken bone → ____
- Stomach ulcer → ____
- Depression → ____
- Asthma → ____
1. Cardiologist
2. Dermatologist
3. Neurologist
4. Orthopedist
5. Gastroenterologist
6. Psychiatrist
7. Pulmonologist
2. Dermatologist
3. Neurologist
4. Orthopedist
5. Gastroenterologist
6. Psychiatrist
7. Pulmonologist
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blank
Fill in the blanks: Use: dermatologist, pediatrician, neurologist, optometrist, oncologist
- I visited the _______ to check my vision.
- A _______ treats children.
- The _______ specializes in skin problems.
- My mother is seeing an _______ for cancer treatment.
- A _______ helps patients with migraines.
1. optometrist
2. pediatrician
3. dermatologist
4. oncologist
5. neurologist
2. pediatrician
3. dermatologist
4. oncologist
5. neurologist
FAQ: Types of Specialist Doctors in English
What do you call a heart doctor?
A cardiologist.
What do you call a skin doctor?
A dermatologist.
What do you call an eye doctor?
An ophthalmologist (medical eye doctor) or an optometrist (vision test doctor).
What doctor treats children?
A pediatrician.
What doctor treats cancer?
An oncologist.
What doctor treats mental health?
A psychiatrist (medical doctor) or a psychologist (therapist).
What doctor treats bones and joints?
An orthopedic surgeon (orthopedist).
Conclusion
Learning the types of specialist doctors in English is extremely useful for communicating about health, visiting clinics, watching medical shows, or discussing symptoms. Use the list above to:
- Improve your medical vocabulary and recognize specialist names quickly.
- Explain your health problems more clearly when speaking to doctors or teachers.
- Understand referrals and know which doctor you need to see for a specific condition.
- Build confidence in conversations about medical topics in English.
- Prepare for ESL lessons, exams, or real-life situations where medical English is needed.
Mastering this vocabulary helps you speak more clearly, make better decisions, and feel more prepared in any healthcare setting.
