We all use the word "doctor" or "doctor", right? Whether it's a minor cold or a serious illness, we run to a doctor. But have you ever wondered who this "doctor" or "physician" really is, what their responsibilities are, and how many types there are? Today, we'll talk about this very simply, as if we were talking to a friend.
Who is this physician?
Simply put, we call anyone who has completed a medical degree a physician. Their main job is to protect people's health, diagnose , treat, and rehabilitate them . This is a big responsibility. A good doctor usually has six key skills.
| Skill | What does that mean? (What it means) |
|---|---|
| Patient care | Talking to patients with kindness and compassion, understanding their problems, and providing the most appropriate treatment. |
| Medical knowledge | One must have in-depth knowledge of existing and emerging medical science and medicine. That knowledge must be used for the benefit of patients. |
| Constant learning | Always looking back on the treatments you do, fixing your shortcomings, and trying to improve even more. |
| Good communication | You need to be able to speak clearly in a way that is understandable to the patient, the patient's family, and other healthcare staff working with you. |
| Professionalism | Fulfilling professional responsibilities accurately, adhering to medical ethics, and treating patients of any social status equally. |
| Working within the system | Being aware of the country's healthcare system and utilizing the resources within it to provide the best possible service to the patient. |
So, what are the main duties of a doctor?
Although the main job of a doctor is to diagnose and treat diseases, there are many other things besides that.
- You will be given advice on what you need to do to stay healthy . For example, you will be taught about what to eat, how to stay clean, and what to do to prevent illness (preventive care).
- You will be examined physically . (Examine patients)
- Prescribe medications .
- They will ask you to do diagnostic tests to confirm an illness, and they will explain the test reports in a way that you can understand.
- Your medical history , including any previous illnesses you have had and any illnesses your family has, will be recorded.
There are generally two types of doctors. MD (Medical Doctor) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). MD doctors are the ones we are most familiar with in Sri Lanka. DO doctors are more common in countries like America. But both use the same treatment methods.
Various Specialist Physicians
Did you know that there are doctors who specialize in each disease? When you go to a hospital, you must have seen the doctor in the OPD examine you and, if necessary, refer you to a clinic saying, "See this specialist doctor." These are a few types of such major specialists .
| Physician Type | Role |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiologists | Doctors who provide pain control and anesthetize (put the patient to sleep) before, during, and after surgery. |
| Family and General Physicians | The doctor we meet first, who treats common illnesses for everyone in the family. |
| Internists | Specialist doctors who treat complex diseases involving the internal organs of adults (e.g. diabetes, heart disease). |
| Pediatricians | Doctors who specialize in the diseases of infants and children. |
| Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB/GYNs) | Doctors who specialize in diseases affecting pregnant mothers and women. |
| Psychiatrists | Doctors who treat mental health problems, conditions such as depression and anxiety. |
| Surgeons | Doctors who cure diseases through operations. |
The journey to becoming a doctor...
Becoming a doctor is not as easy as you might think. It takes between 7 and 15 years of study and training. It's like climbing a mountain.
1. School education: First, you need to pass the Advanced Level Biology section well and be admitted to the Medical Faculty of the university.
2. Medical School: After that, you study at the Faculty of Medicine for about 5 years . Here, you learn a lot about the human body, types of diseases, treatment methods, disease prevention , and how to talk to patients.
3. Internship : After graduating from medical school, you need to work for about a year in a hospital under senior, specialist doctors to gain practical training. We call this an "internship."
4. Specialist Training (Residency/Post-graduate Training): After that, you need to study and train for several more years to become a specialist in your chosen field (e.g. pediatrics , cardiology ).
5. Continuous learning: The medical field is constantly changing. New diseases, new drugs, and new technologies are constantly emerging. Therefore, a doctor can never stop learning.
When should you see a doctor?
We usually first see a family doctor (Family Doctor / General Physician). He has general knowledge about many diseases. You can see a doctor for any problem like the one below.
| Medical condition/problem | Examples |
|---|---|
| Circulatory system problems | High blood pressure (Hypertension), increased cholesterol. |
| Metabolic diseases | Diabetes, thyroid disease, immune system disorders. |
| Ear, nose, throat infections | Ear infections, colds, throat infections. |
| Headaches and Migraines | Frequent severe headaches. |
| Eye diseases | Redness of the eyes, eye disease (conjunctivitis). |
| Infectious and parasitic diseases | Viral and bacterial infections, worm diseases. |
| Joint and muscle pain | Joint swelling, back pain, muscle twitching. |
| Mental health problems | Depression, Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD). |
| Physical accidents or poisonings | Falls, bruises, scratches. If any poison is ingested, immediately go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital and, if necessary, call the National Poison Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . |
| Respiratory system diseases | Asthma, Sinusitis, Bronchitis. |
| Skin diseases | Skin irritation, eczema, rashes. |
| Urinary tract infections (UTIs) | Urinary tract infection, frequent urination. |
Take-Home Message
- A 'physician' is any professional who has obtained a medical degree and is qualified to diagnose and treat diseases.
- Just like in the world, there are different types of specialist doctors for different diseases in Sri Lanka.
- Becoming a doctor is something that can be achieved after years of dedication, study, and training.
- If you have any physical or mental health problems, don't ignore them, don't waste time, and see your doctor. It's the best thing you can do for your health.
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