Types of Doctors
There are two main types of doctors: primary care physicians and specialists. When you have a health concern, your first visit is typically with a primary care doctor, who conducts an initial diagnosis. If your condition requires further expertise, your primary doctor will refer you to a specialist.
Some of the most common primary care doctors include family physicians, dentists, internists, pediatricians, and gynecologists. These doctors provide general healthcare services, preventive care, and routine checkups.
In contrast, specialist doctors undergo advanced training in a specific branch of medicine, focusing on diagnosing and treating complex conditions. There are over 160 different medical specialties, each catering to unique healthcare needs.
In the United States, there are millions of doctors across various medical fields. Becoming a doctor requires extensive education, including a 4-year graduate program at an accredited medical school, followed by a specialized residency training program that lasts 3-7 years, depending on the specialty.
Categories of Doctors
Medical doctors (MDs and DOs) and holistic doctors represent two broad categories of healthcare professionals. Both play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating illnesses, but they follow different approaches to medicine.
Medical doctors focus on evidence-based treatments, utilizing pharmaceuticals, medical procedures, and technology to manage diseases and health conditions.
Holistic doctors, on the other hand, emphasize the mind-body-spirit connection and use natural, non-invasive therapies to promote overall well-being. Their treatments often include dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and alternative healing methods.
Types of Doctors
Aerospace Medicine Specialist
Aerospace Medical Practitioner specializes in the health and safety of pilots, astronauts, and aviation professionals. They assess medical fitness for flight, prevent altitude-related health risks, and study how environmental conditions impact human performance.
Allergist
Allergist diagnoses and treats allergies, asthma, and immune system disorders. They perform allergy testing, prescribe treatments, and help patients manage reactions to food, pollen, or environmental triggers.
➤ How to become an allergist?
➤ How to become an allergist?
Anaesthesiologist
Anesthesiologist administers anesthesia and monitors patients during surgeries or procedures. They manage pain control, ensure patient safety under sedation, and oversee post-operative recovery.
➤ How to become an Anesthesiologist?
➤ How to become an Anesthesiologist?
Andrologist
Andrologist focuses on male reproductive health, diagnosing and treating conditions like infertility, hormonal imbalances, and sexual dysfunction. Interestingly, unlike gynecology, which requires plenty of medical board certification programs worldwide, andrology has no such requirements. Andrology has only been studied as a separate specialty since the late 1960s.
➤ How to become an Andrologist?
➤ How to become an Andrologist?
Cardiologist
Cardiologist specializes in heart health, diagnosing and treating conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and arrhythmias. They perform tests like EKGs and recommend treatments for cardiovascular conditions.
➤ How to become a Cardiologist?
➤ How to become a Cardiologist?
Cardiac Electrophysiologist
Cardiac Electrophysiologist focuses on diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders. They perform specialized procedures like catheter ablation and implant pacemakers or defibrillators to regulate abnormal heartbeats. In many countries, Cardiac electrophysiology is viewed as a sub-discipline of cardiology and internal medicine (only from the 1970s). It typically requires 2+ years of internship training after a general cardiology fellowship.
➤ How to become a Cardiac Electrophysiologist?
➤ How to become a Cardiac Electrophysiologist?
Dermatologist
Dermatologist specializes in skin, hair, and nail health, diagnosing conditions like acne, eczema, and skin cancer. They provide treatments ranging from topical medications to laser therapy and cosmetic procedures.
➤ How to become a Dermatologist?
➤ How to become a Dermatologist?
Dietitian/Dietician
A dietitian is a specialist in human nutrition and the regulation of diet, also known as dietetics. A dietitian recommends nutrition based on the patient’s medical conditions (such as eating disorders) and individual needs. Aspiring students who want to become a dietitian should complete medical degrees and obtain licenses to assess, diagnose, and treat nutritional malfunctions.
➤ Best Colleges for Nutrition and Dietetics
➤ Best Colleges for Nutrition and Dietetics
Emergency Room (ER) Doctor
Emergency Room (ER) Doctor provides immediate medical care for critical and life-threatening conditions. They stabilize patients suffering from trauma, heart attacks, strokes, or other urgent medical emergencies.
➤ How to become an ER doctor?
➤ How to become an ER doctor?
Endocrinologist
Endocrinologist treats hormonal disorders affecting glands like the thyroid, pancreas, and adrenal glands. They manage conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, and hormonal imbalances through medications and lifestyle modifications. Explore the top Endocrine System Fun Facts.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologist studies disease patterns in populations to identify risk factors, track outbreaks, and develop public health strategies. They analyze data to prevent and control the spread of infectious and chronic diseases.
➤ How to become an Epidemiologist?
➤ How to become an Epidemiologist?
Family Medicine Physician
Family Medicine Physician provides comprehensive healthcare for individuals of all ages, diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, managing chronic diseases, and focusing on preventive care.
➤ How to become a Family Medicine Physician?
➤ How to become a Family Medicine Physician?
Gastroenterologist
Gastroenterologist specializes in digestive system health, diagnosing and treating conditions like acid reflux, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and liver disease through medications and procedures like endoscopy. Learn the top Digestive System Fun Facts here.
Geriatrician
Geriatrician focuses on the healthcare of older adults, managing age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, dementia, and chronic illnesses to improve quality of life and independence.
➤ How to become a Geriatrician?
➤ How to become a Geriatrician?
Hyperbaric Physician
Hyperbaric physicians/doctors are medical doctors trained in hyperbaric medicine, such as providing hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO – higher pressure of Oxygen than what we see in the air around us) therapy for conditions such as decompression illness and carbon monoxide poisoning from fire fumes. Hyperbaric medicine covers hyperbaric oxygen treatment, which is at the atmospheric pressure to increase the oxygen flow in the body.
➤ How to become a Hyperbaric Physician?
➤ How to become a Hyperbaric Physician?
Hematologist
Hematologist diagnoses and treats blood disorders, including anemia, leukemia, and clotting disorders. They perform tests like blood counts and bone marrow biopsies to develop treatment plans.
➤ How to become a Hematologist?
➤ How to become a Hematologist?
Hepatologist
Hepatologist specializes in liver health, diagnosing and managing conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease. They provide treatments to prevent liver failure and improve function. Explore a special type of liver cells called Kupffer cells.
Immunologist
Immunologist diagnoses and treats immune system disorders, including allergies, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiencies. They develop treatment plans to help patients manage conditions affecting their immune response. Discover the top Immune System Fun Facts here.
Infectious Disease Specialist
Infectious Disease Specialist focuses on diagnosing and treating bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. They manage diseases like tuberculosis, HIV, and emerging infections through targeted therapies. Explore the top deadliest bacterial diseases here.
Intensivist
Intensivist specializes in critical care medicine, treating patients with life-threatening conditions in intensive care units (ICUs). They manage ventilators, organ support, and emergency interventions.
➤ How to become an Intensivist?
➤ How to become an Intensivist?
Internal Medicine Specialist
Internal Medicine Specialist provides comprehensive care for adults, diagnosing and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease through preventive and therapeutic approaches.
➤ How to become an Internal Medicine Specialist?
➤ How to become an Internal Medicine Specialist?
Maxillofacial Surgeon / Oral Surgeon
Maxillofacial Surgeon performs surgical procedures on the face, jaw, and mouth, treating conditions like facial trauma, cleft palate, and jaw misalignment to restore function and appearance.
➤ How to become an Oral Surgeon?
➤ How to become an Oral Surgeon?
Medical Examiner
Medical Examiner investigates unexpected or suspicious deaths, performing autopsies and forensic analysis to determine causes and assist in legal investigations.
➤ How to become a Medical Examiner?
➤ How to become a Medical Examiner?
Medical Geneticist
A medical geneticist is trained in general medicine, genetic diagnosis, and treating patients with genetic disorders. They use molecular genetics, cytogenetics, and biochemical tests to treat patients with a comprehensive molecular and clinical approach. Check out the genetic testing pros and cons here.
Medical Toxicologist
Medical Toxicologists specialize in the diagnosis, management, and prevention of poisoning and other adverse health effects caused by medications, occupational and current environmental toxins, and biological agents. They treat patients with acute or chronic poisoning and provide guidance on poison prevention, substance abuse, and hazardous materials. Suggested Reading: Stomach Flu vs. Food Poisoning
Neonatologist
Neonatologist specializes in the care of premature and critically ill newborns, managing conditions such as respiratory distress, infections, and congenital disorders in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
➤ How to become a Neonatologist?
➤ How to become a Neonatologist?
Nephrologist
Nephrologist diagnoses and treats kidney diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney stones, and hypertension-related kidney damage, often managing dialysis and transplant patients. Find out the top Urinary System Fun Facts.
Neurologist
Neurologist specializes in nervous system disorders, diagnosing and treating conditions like epilepsy, migraines, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease through medications and therapies. Uncover the top Nervous System Fun Facts here.
Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeon performs surgical procedures on the brain, spine, and nervous system, treating conditions such as tumors, spinal cord injuries, and aneurysms requiring complex surgical interventions. Suggested Reading: Best Neurosurgery Schools in the US.
➤ How to become a Neurosurgeon?
➤ How to become a Neurosurgeon?
Nuclear Medicine Specialist
Nuclear Medicine Specialist uses radioactive materials to diagnose and treat conditions like cancer, thyroid disorders, and heart disease through imaging techniques such as PET and SPECT scans.
➤ How to become a Nuclear Medicine Specialist?
➤ How to become a Nuclear Medicine Specialist?
Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN)
Obstetrician specializes in women’s reproductive health, managing pregnancy, childbirth, and conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and menopause-related issues.
➤ How to become an OB/GYN?
➤ How to become an OB/GYN?
Occupational Medicine Specialist
Occupational Medicine Specialist focuses on workplace health and safety, diagnosing and preventing job-related illnesses, injuries, and exposure to hazardous environments.
➤ How to become an OM Specialist?
➤ How to become an OM Specialist?
Oncologist
Oncologist diagnoses and treats cancer using chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies to manage tumor growth and improve patient survival.
➤ How to become an Oncologist?
➤ How to become an Oncologist?
Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologist treats eye diseases and vision disorders, performing surgeries such as cataract removal, LASIK, and glaucoma treatment to preserve and restore sight. Ophthalmology has subspecialties to specialize in particular eye diseases.
➤ How to become an Ophthalmologist?
➤ How to become an Optometrist?
➤ How to become an Orthoptist?
➤ How to become an Optician?
➤ How to become an Ophthalmologist?
➤ How to become an Optometrist?
➤ How to become an Orthoptist?
➤ How to become an Optician?
Orthopedic Surgeon / Orthopedist
Orthopedic Surgeon specializes in the musculoskeletal system, treating bone fractures, joint disorders, and spinal conditions through surgical and non-surgical interventions. Explore all skeleton system fun facts and muscular system fun facts.
Otolaryngologist (aka ENT Specialist)
Otolaryngologist treats conditions of the ear, nose, and throat, addressing issues such as sinus infections, hearing loss, and vocal cord disorders.
➤ How to become an Otolaryngologist (aka ENT doctor)?
➤ How to become an Otolaryngologist (aka ENT doctor)?
Osteopath
An osteopath (aka osteopathic physician) is a medical doctor who specializes in osteopathic medicine. Osteopath strives to improve people’s overall health and wellness by treating the whole person rather than a condition or disease they may have. An osteopath can prescribe osteopathic manipulative medications and focus on stretching, massaging, and moving the musculoskeletal system to reduce pain and improve mobility, circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids.
Palliative Care Specialist
Palliative Care Specialist provides relief from pain and symptoms for patients with serious illnesses, improving their quality of life through supportive and end-of-life care.
Parasitologist
Parasitologist studies parasites and their effects on human health, diagnosing and treating infections caused by protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites. Learn more about the virus structure here.
Pathologist
Pathologist analyzes body tissues and fluids to diagnose diseases, including infections and cancers, often working behind the scenes in laboratory medicine.
➤ How to become a Pathologist?
➤ How to become a Pathologist?
Perinatologist
Perinatologist specializes in high-risk pregnancies, diagnosing and managing fetal abnormalities, maternal health complications, and premature birth risks.
➤ How to become a Perinatologist?
➤ How to become a Perinatologist?
Periodontist
Periodontist focuses on gum health, treating conditions like gingivitis, periodontitis, and gum recession through surgical and non-surgical procedures.
➤ How to become a Periodontist?
➤ How to become a Periodontist?
Pediatrician
Pediatrician provides medical care for infants, children, and adolescents, managing vaccinations, growth monitoring, and common childhood illnesses.
➤ How to become a Pediatrician?
➤ How to become a Pediatrician?
Preventive Medicine Specialist
Preventive Medicine Specialist focuses on disease prevention and health promotion, designing strategies to reduce the risk of chronic conditions and improve public health.
Physiatrist
Physiatrist specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation, helping patients recover from injuries, strokes, and musculoskeletal disorders through non-surgical therapies.
➤ How to become a Physiatrist?
➤ How to become a Physiatrist?
Plastic Surgeon
Plastic Surgeon performs reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, correcting birth defects, trauma injuries, and aesthetic concerns to improve function and appearance.
➤ How to become a Plastic Surgeon?
➤ How to become a Plastic Surgeon?
Proctologist
Proctologist diagnoses and treats diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus, managing conditions like hemorrhoids, colorectal cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist specializes in mental health, diagnosing and treating disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder through therapy and medication.
➤ How to become a Psychiatrist?
➤ How to become a Psychiatrist?
Pulmonologist
Pulmonologist treats lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and sleep apnea, helping patients improve respiratory function. Explore all respiratory system fun facts here.
Radiologist
Radiologist interprets medical imaging, including X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, to diagnose diseases and guide treatment decisions.
➤ How to become a Radiologist?
➤ How to become a Radiologist?
Rheumatologist
Rheumatologist diagnoses and treats autoimmune and inflammatory diseases affecting joints, muscles, and connective tissues, including arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia.
➤ How to become a Rheumatologist?
➤ How to become a Rheumatologist?
Sleep Doctor / Sleep Disorders Specialist
Sleep Medicine Specialist focuses on diagnosing and treating sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless legs syndrome to improve sleep quality.
➤ How to become a Sleep Doctor?
➤ How to become a Sleep Doctor?
Spinal Cord Injury Specialist
Spinal Cord Injury Specialist manages rehabilitation and treatment for patients with spinal cord injuries, helping restore mobility and improve quality of life.
Sports Medicine Specialist
Sports Medicine Specialist treats sports-related injuries, including fractures, ligament tears, and overuse conditions, using rehabilitation and non-surgical therapies.
➤ How to become a Sports Medicine Physician?
➤ How to become a Sports Medicine Physician?
Surgeon
Surgeon performs invasive medical procedures to treat diseases, injuries, and abnormalities, specializing in fields like general, orthopedic, and plastic surgery.
Thoracic Surgeon
Thoracic Surgeon specializes in surgeries of the chest, including procedures on the lungs, esophagus, and heart, often managing conditions like lung cancer and heart defects.
Urologist
Urologist diagnoses and treats urinary tract and male reproductive system disorders, including kidney stones, prostate conditions, and incontinence.
Vascular Surgeon
Vascular Surgeon treats diseases of the circulatory system, managing conditions like varicose veins, aneurysms, and artery blockages through surgery or minimally invasive procedures.
Veterinarian
Veterinarian diagnoses and treats illnesses, injuries, and diseases in animals, providing medical care, surgery, and preventive treatments for pets, livestock, and wildlife. Delve into various Wildlife Biology Degree Programs.
Who is the highest paid doctor?
The highest-paid doctors can vary depending on their specialty and location. In the United States, neurosurgery is often regarded as the highest-paying specialty, with an average annual salary of $788,313.
Additionally, the highest-paid doctor in a particular location can vary, as seen in the example of a radiologist in Moncton, New Brunswick, who had the highest salary in the province ranging between $1.9 million and $1.95 million.
Non-Medical Doctors (or) Holistic Doctors
A holistic doctor or practitioner is a healthcare professional who treats the whole person. When addressing health concerns, they consider physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual factors. These types of doctors use natural treatments, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies to help patients. They also emphasize preventing health problems and working with patients to make decisions about their care.
Here are the high-level key differences between medical doctors and holistic types of doctors:
| Aspect | Holistic Doctor | Medical Doctor |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Whole-person, comprehensive approach | Conventional, symptom-focused approach |
| Diagnosis | Considers physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual factors | Primarily focused on physical factors |
| Treatment Options | Natural remedies, complementary therapies, lifestyle modifications | Pharmaceutical drugs, surgeries, specialist referrals |
| Preventive Care | Prioritizes prevention and overall health maintenance | Focuses on treating existing conditions and managing symptoms |
| Patient Involvement | Encourages active patient participation in decision-making | More traditional patient-doctor relationship |
| Focus | Addresses root causes of illness | Targets specific symptoms or conditions |
Acupressurist
Acupressurists apply targeted pressure to specific acupoints to balance the body’s energy or "qi", helping relieve discomfort and support natural healing. This Traditional Chinese Medicine technique functions similarly to acupuncture but without needles.
Acupuncturist
Acupuncturists practice Traditional Chinese Medicine using fine needles, herbal formulas, and diagnostic methods to treat conditions ranging from pain and addictions to dermatology, oncology, and mental health concerns.
Alexander Technique Practitioner
Alexander Technique Practitioners teach clients how to improve posture and movement patterns, helping reduce pain, tension, and stress by increasing awareness of habitual physical behaviors.
Animal-Assisted Therapist
Animal-Assisted Therapists incorporate trained animals such as dogs or horses into therapy sessions, helping clients navigate emotional, behavioral, and physical challenges through human–animal connection.
Applied Kinesiology Practitioner
Applied Kinesiology Practitioners use muscle-testing techniques to identify energy imbalances they believe are linked to internal organs and body systems, guiding corrective treatments and holistic adjustments.
Aromatherapist
Aromatherapists blend and apply plant-derived essential oils to support emotional, physical, and mental well-being through inhalation, topical application, and massage-based methods.
Art Therapist
Art Therapists use creative expression—painting, drawing, sculpting—to help clients process emotions, build self-awareness, and promote psychological healing in a safe therapeutic environment.
Ashiatsu Practitioner
Ashiatsu Practitioners perform deep-tissue massage using their feet, supported by overhead bars, to deliver broad, sustained pressure that releases tension and improves mobility and circulation.
Audiologist
Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing, balance, and auditory processing disorders, offering patient-centered care to improve communication, reduce impairment, and support long-term quality of life.
Ayurvedic Practitioner
Ayurvedic Practitioners assess doshas—Vata, Pitta, Kapha—and use herbs, diet, and lifestyle guidance to restore body–mind balance based on India's 3,000-year-old holistic medical system.
Biodanza Facilitator
Biodanza Facilitators lead movement- and music-based group sessions designed to support emotional expression, connection, and stress release through dance, rhythm, and guided interaction.
Bioenergetic Therapist
Bioenergetic Therapists use body-oriented psychotherapy—including breathwork, movement, and touch—to release emotional blocks they believe manifest as muscular tension and restricted energy flow.
Biofeedback Therapist
Biofeedback Therapists use monitoring devices to provide real-time data on functions like muscle tension or heart rate, teaching clients to self-regulate these processes to improve overall health.
BodyTalk Practitioner
BodyTalk Practitioners combine muscle testing and light tapping techniques to restore communication within the body's systems, aiming to promote natural self-healing and energetic balance.
Bowen Therapist
Bowen Therapists use gentle rolling movements over muscles and fascia to relax the nervous system, reduce pain, and support the body's innate healing responses.
Brain Gym Practitioner
Brain Gym Practitioners teach movement-based exercises designed to improve cognitive function, focus, and learning by integrating mind–body coordination techniques suitable for all ages.
Breathwork Practitioner
Breathwork Practitioners guide clients through structured breathing patterns that promote relaxation, emotional release, and self-awareness, sometimes inducing transformative states of consciousness.
Castellino Prenatal and Birth Training Practitioner
These practitioners use gentle touch and somatic awareness to help mothers and infants resolve prenatal and birth-related stress patterns, fostering bonding and emotional well-being.
Chakra Balancing Practitioner
Chakra Balancing Practitioners use meditation, visualization, and energy-based techniques to harmonize the body's seven major energy centers, aiming to restore emotional and physical balance.
Chigong Practitioner
Chigong Practitioners teach breathwork, slow movement, and meditation practices rooted in Chinese tradition to cultivate vital energy or "qi", reduce stress, and support overall wellness.
Chiropractor
Chiropractors diagnose neuromuscular problems and use spinal manipulation and adjustments to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support musculoskeletal health without drugs or surgery.
Colon Hydrotherapist
Colon Hydrotherapists gently flush the colon with warm filtered water to remove waste buildup, a technique believed to support digestion, detoxification, and increased energy levels.
Color Therapist
Color Therapists use chromotherapy—colored light, visualization, or pigments—to influence mood, restore energetic balance, and address physical or emotional imbalances.
Core Energetics Practitioner
Core Energetics Practitioners combine movement, breathwork, and emotional exploration to help clients release blocked feelings and align physical experience with emotional truth.
Craniosacral Therapist
Craniosacral Therapists use gentle touch along the skull, spine, and sacrum to ease restrictions in the craniosacral system and support the free flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
Crystal Healer
Crystal Healers place stones on or around the body and use meditation or energy work to promote balance, believing each crystal carries distinct energetic properties.
Cupping Therapist
Cupping Therapists place suction cups on the skin to increase circulation, ease muscle tension, and support detoxification using glass, silicone, or plastic cups.
Diagnostician
Diagnosticians analyze symptoms, medical reports, and data—often using logic and computational tools—to identify the underlying causes of diseases and disorders.
Dolphin-Assisted Therapist
Dolphin-Assisted Therapists integrate guided interactions with dolphins to support emotional healing, motivation, sensory awareness, and communication skills.
Ear Candling Practitioner
Ear Candling Practitioners use hollow candles to create suction that is believed to help remove wax and debris, though the method remains widely debated among medical professionals.
Electroacupuncture Practitioner
Electroacupuncture Practitioners apply gentle electrical currents to acupuncture needles for continuous stimulation used to address pain, inflammation, and neurological disorders.
Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner
EFT Practitioners guide clients through tapping on acupressure points while focusing on emotional concerns, aiming to reduce stress, trauma responses, and negative thought patterns.
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapist
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapists use horse interaction and observation to help clients build emotional awareness, communication skills, and behavioral insight through experiential therapy.
Esalen Massage Therapist
Esalen Massage Therapists apply long, flowing strokes, stretching, and gentle rocking to promote deep relaxation, emotional release, and embodied self-awareness.
Family Constellations Facilitator
Family Constellations Facilitators guide clients through experiential group or one-on-one work to reveal hidden family patterns and support emotional insight and relational healing.
Feldenkrais Method Practitioner
Feldenkrais Practitioners use gentle movement re-education to enhance mobility, posture, and comfort by improving awareness of habitual movement patterns.
Flower Essence Therapist
Flower Essence Therapists use plant-based liquid extracts to address emotional imbalances, taken orally or applied topically to support mental clarity and emotional harmony.
Guided Imagery Therapist
Guided Imagery Therapists lead clients through vivid mental visualization to promote relaxation, activate inner resources, and support emotional and physical healing processes.
Hakomi Therapist
Hakomi Therapists blend mindfulness, somatic techniques, and experiential inquiry to uncover unconscious patterns and support emotional healing and self-understanding.
Herbalist
Herbalists formulate and recommend plant-based remedies to support health, using deep knowledge of medicinal herbs to help clients manage concerns like digestion, stress, and immunity.
Holotropic Breathwork Practitioner
Holotropic Breathwork Practitioners guide clients through intense breathing paired with evocative music to facilitate deep emotional release, insight, and transformative inner work.
Homeopathic Doctor
Homeopathic Doctors use highly diluted plant-based remedies tailored to each patient to stimulate the body's healing response, considering physical, mental, and emotional factors.
Hydrotherapist
Hydrotherapists apply water in its various forms—steam, ice, mineral baths—to support detoxification, reduce pain, improve circulation, and treat musculoskeletal tension.
Hypnotherapist
Hypnotherapists use guided hypnosis and suggestion to help clients access the subconscious mind and overcome issues such as anxiety, habits, phobias, and emotional distress.
Integrative Body Psychotherapy Practitioner
IBP Practitioners combine talk therapy, somatic awareness, and energy work to help clients release stored emotions, resolve psychological patterns, and improve mind–body integration.
Iridologist
Iridologists analyze iris patterns and coloration to gain insights into systemic strengths and weaknesses, guiding clients toward lifestyle or wellness adjustments.
Jin Shin Do Practitioner
Jin Shin Do Practitioners blend acupressure and body-mind counseling to release tension, balance energy flow, and reduce emotional stress by stimulating meridian points.
Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioner
Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioners use gentle hands-on contact at specific body points to harmonize energetic pathways and support physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Jungian Analyst
Jungian Analysts explore dreams, archetypes, symbols, and the unconscious to help clients achieve personal growth, individuation, and deeper psychological insight.
Kabbalistic Healing Practitioner
Kabbalistic Healing Practitioners use meditation, visualization, and spiritual principles rooted in Jewish mysticism to support emotional healing and personal transformation.
Kinesiologist
Kinesiologists analyze movement and biomechanics, offering exercise plans and manual techniques to correct imbalances, improve posture, and enhance overall physical performance.
Laughter Therapist
Laughter Therapists guide clients through laughter exercises and playful activities that reduce stress, elevate mood, and support emotional resilience and social connection.
Light Therapist
Light Therapists use specific light wavelengths and color filters to influence mood, regulate circadian rhythms, and support energy balance and emotional well-being.
Lomi Lomi Practitioner
Lomi Lomi Practitioners perform traditional Hawaiian massage featuring long, flowing movements, breathwork, and spiritual intention to promote deep relaxation and harmony.
Lymphatic Drainage Therapist
Lymphatic Drainage Therapists use light, rhythmic strokes to stimulate lymph flow, reduce swelling, detoxify tissues, and support immune system function.
M Technique Practitioner
M Technique Practitioners use structured, repetitive touch patterns to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and comfort clients experiencing emotional or physical strain.
Macrobiotic Counselor
Macrobiotic Counselors provide guidance on whole-food, plant-based eating rooted in Eastern philosophy, helping clients create diets that promote balance and long-term wellness.
Magnetic Field Therapist
Magnetic Field Therapists use static or pulsed electromagnetic fields to influence cellular activity, reduce inflammation, and support pain relief and overall vitality.
Medical Intuitive
Medical Intuitives use intuitive perception to identify energetic or emotional imbalances and offer guidance meant to complement conventional medical evaluation and care.
Meditation Instructor
Meditation Instructors teach practices such as mindfulness, guided meditation, and breath awareness to help clients reduce stress, cultivate focus, and improve emotional stability.
Microbiologist
Microbiologists study microorganisms—including bacteria, viruses, and fungi—and investigate how they impact human health, treatment methods, and disease prevention in clinical or research settings.
Moxibustion Practitioner
Moxibustion Practitioners burn mugwort near acupuncture points to warm tissues, stimulate circulation, and promote qi flow for pain, digestion, and reproductive support.
Music Therapist
Music Therapists use rhythm, instruments, voice, and guided listening to support emotional regulation, cognitive development, physical rehabilitation, and self-expression.
Myofascial Release Therapist
Myofascial Release Therapists use sustained pressure on fascia—the body's connective tissue—to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve structural alignment.
Naturopathic Doctor
Naturopathic Doctors use holistic assessments, herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle therapies to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms and treat chronic conditions.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner
NLP Practitioners teach clients how language and thought patterns shape behavior, using reframing and communication techniques to support positive personal change.
Nia Instructor
Nia Instructors lead classes blending dance, martial arts, and mindfulness to enhance physical conditioning, emotional expression, and joyful movement awareness.
Nutritionist
Nutritionists provide guidance on healthy eating, food planning, and nutritional education in schools, clinics, and wellness settings, focusing on general dietary improvement.
Ortho-Bionomy Practitioner
Ortho-Bionomy Practitioners use gentle positioning and movement to guide the body toward comfort, allowing muscular and structural patterns to self-correct naturally.
Orthomolecular Medicine Practitioner
Orthomolecular Practitioners use optimal doses of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to correct biochemical imbalances and support long-term wellness and vitality.
Osteopathic Manual Practitioner
Osteopathic Manual Practitioners use hands-on manipulation, mobilization, and soft-tissue techniques to improve structural alignment and support whole-body health.
Panchakarma Practitioner
Panchakarma Practitioners administer Ayurvedic detoxification using herbal therapies, cleansing practices, and dietary protocols to restore doshic balance and rejuvenation.
Past Life Regression Therapist
Past Life Regression Therapists use hypnosis or guided imagery to help clients explore symbolic or past-life memories that may illuminate emotional patterns or unresolved trauma.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists specialize in safe medication use and may work in clinical care, retail, long-term care, chemotherapy compounding, or roles such as medical writing and regulatory affairs.
Polarity Therapist
Polarity Therapists balance the body's energy fields using touch, stretching, and movement to release blockages and support holistic physical and emotional wellness.
Pranic Healer
Pranic Healers use non-touch energy cleansing and energizing techniques to balance the aura and chakras, enhancing physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Psychodrama Therapist
Psychodrama Therapists use role-playing, reenactment, and improvisation to help clients explore emotional conflicts, relationships, and internal dynamics experientially.
Psychosynthesis Practitioner
Psychosynthesis Practitioners integrate psychological and spiritual exploration, helping clients examine inner parts, expand awareness, and pursue personal evolution and wholeness.
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists help clients recover from injury, illness, or disability through exercise, manual therapy, education, and rehabilitation techniques that improve mobility and reduce pain.
Podiatrist / Chiropodist
Podiatrists diagnose and treat medical and surgical conditions of the feet, ankles, and lower limbs, addressing issues such as deformities, injuries, and chronic pain.
QEEG Neurofeedback Practitioner
QEEG Neurofeedback Practitioners map brainwave activity and use personalized protocols to train neurological patterns, supporting attention, emotional regulation, and cognitive performance.
Qigong Practitioner
Qigong Practitioners teach slow movement, breathing, and meditation to cultivate qi, reduce stress, strengthen the body, and harmonize mind–body energy flow.
Qoya Instructor
Qoya Instructors lead movement journeys blending dance, yoga, and feminine embodiment practices designed to support inner awareness, empowerment, and emotional healing.
Radionics Practitioner
Radionics Practitioners use specialized energetic instruments to detect and balance subtle frequencies they believe influence physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Reflexologist
Reflexologists apply pressure to points on the hands, feet, or ears that correspond to body organs, promoting relaxation, circulation, and the body's innate healing responses.
Registered Massage Therapist
Registered Massage Therapists complete advanced training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and ethics to deliver therapeutic massage for pain relief, rehabilitation, and wellness.
Reiki Practitioner
Reiki Practitioners channel universal life-force energy through light touch or hands-off techniques to balance chakras, reduce stress, and support emotional and physical healing.
Rolfing Practitioner
Rolfing Practitioners use deep-tissue manipulation of fascia to realign the body, improve posture, relieve chronic tension, and restore natural movement patterns.
Rosen Method Practitioner
Rosen Method Practitioners use gentle touch and dialogue to help clients recognize unconscious tension patterns, supporting emotional release and increased bodily awareness.
Rubenfeld Synergy Practitioner
Rubenfeld Synergy Practitioners blend touch, movement, and talk therapy to help clients release stored emotions, integrate mind-body experiences, and support personal transformation.
Sandplay Therapist
Sandplay Therapists guide clients in creating symbolic scenes with miniature objects in sand, facilitating non-verbal expression and processing of unconscious material for healing.
Satir Therapist
Satir Therapists use a humanistic, experiential approach to enhance communication, self-esteem, and emotional well-being based on the pioneering work of Virginia Satir.
Shiatsu Practitioner
Shiatsu Practitioners apply pressure, stretching, and joint mobilization along meridian pathways to balance energy flow, reduce tension, and support systemic well-being.
Thai Massage Practitioner
Thai Massage Practitioners use assisted stretching, acupressure, and rhythmic movement to release tension, increase flexibility, and promote whole-body relaxation and vitality.
Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor
Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructors guide clients with physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges, helping improve coordination, confidence, and communication through riding activities.
Trager Approach Practitioner
Trager Practitioners use gentle rocking, stretching, and mindful touch to reduce tension, improve mobility, and increase awareness of more easeful movement patterns.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (TCM)
TCM Practitioners use acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and traditional diagnostics to restore balance, treat illness, and support long-term health holistically.
Transactional Analysis (TA) Therapist
TA Therapists analyze interpersonal communication patterns and ego states to help clients improve relationships, emotional health, and self-understanding using structured therapeutic models.
Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor
Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructors create safe, supportive environments for clients to explore breath, movement, and mindfulness practices that rebuild mind–body trust and emotional resilience.
Transpersonal Therapist
Transpersonal Therapists integrate psychological insight with spiritual exploration using meditation, breathwork, and guided inner work to support emotional and spiritual growth.
Trichologist
Trichologists investigate and treat hair and scalp problems—including hair loss and irritation—using scientific assessment and specialized care strategies to restore scalp health.
Upledger CranioSacral Therapy Practitioner
Upledger CST Practitioners use extremely light touch to release deep tensions in the craniosacral system, supporting pain reduction, nervous system balance, and whole-body healing.
Vision Therapy Practitioner
Vision Therapy Practitioners use targeted eye exercises and visual-motor techniques to improve tracking, focusing, coordination, and other functional vision skills.
Voice Dialogue Facilitator
Voice Dialogue Facilitators guide clients in exploring internal sub-personalities or inner voices, helping integrate them for greater emotional balance and self-awareness.
Whether they work in their clinics, public hospitals, or communities, doctors aim to help keep people to the best of their well-being. But the list above only goes to show how vast the scope of the field of medicine is.
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Cite this page
Bio Explorer. (2026, January 1). Types of Doctors. https://www.bioexplorer.net/types-of-doctors/
I’m in awe, wow such a comprehensive list! I learned a lot and keep up the good work!
I never expected to have physiotherapy in this list. Thanks a lot
Thanks . It was indeed helpful and also thanks for appreciating the occupation of a doctor
Bio Explorer, Thanks a lot for this information; it helps me a lot, and I’m also suggesting others if you have any doubts about your medical career. Then you must take a look at these. It must help you for choosing the perfect option for you!
HELPFUL INFORMATION THANK YOU BIO EXPLORER???
Thank you for the great article and exhaustive list. I was surprised that Osteopaths weren’t on the list, especially since they are MD’s.
Thanks F.Levi. I will update the article to include Osteopaths as well.
what a candid information. It’s great to know all the doctors and their functions. It’s helpful to know that. Thanks
Awesome stuff. Please keep writing more things like this. I really like the fact you went so in depth on this and really explored the topic as much as you did. I read a lot of blogs but usually, it’s pretty shallow content. Thanks for upping the game here!
Thank you Hanssen!
It’s great that this article shows all the different types of doctors that are in the medical field. I think that it is great that there are all kinds of different specialties to help the different kinds of issues within the body. Thank you for taking the time to list all of the doctor specialties. http://salamancamc.com.au/
Nicely compiled very good information on doctors. Thank you.
Good information
This is a complete and exhaustive research on types of doctors. Good work! Very helpful.
Wow. What a comprehensive and insightful list of what seems like ALL the doctors on earth. Love it. Will be taking an in-depth look into each one of these! Thanks!
Perfect and useful information
Thanks for showing this information
That was really helpful!
and i never thought i could this many
thanks
Thank you so much!
very useful tag for information thank you web
I’m so happy to see all of this information.
This is satisfactory, thanks
Very Informative !!! Hats off !!! Thanks a lot……
This is useful. Thank you so much.
Great info. Thanks
Like Serious It Is Useful,it Helps Me To Know The Field I Will Take As A Field Of Study,am Grateful
It was useful for me thanks
Very nice & helpful for medical students & common people
It has inspired me a lot to show the way. Thanks.
Hello there !
Thanks for the information . It is very useful.
Very useful for me. thanks
Im a pediatrician thanks to this article?
im really grateful. it’s a perfect article. ?
This is useful, thank you so much.
This is the useful article for me. Thank you very much.
Thanks for posting this information it really helped alot
It is awesome.. I am satisfied
Interesting hey!
Thanks for sharing.
Very interesting information, thank you so much
Wow, this information is very useful thanks for posting.
Thanks. This was really useful ??
Helpful info thanks a lot
Thanks for giving …Such a kind info
Was very helpful
How to convert to podiatrist after normal medical school?
Hi Nelson, You can find all details to your question here.
Hi
It was a good information about doctors and specialist
Whoa. Thanks for the information – it was really great and inspiring.
Thx for information
hii
it was a good information about specialist it is really helpful
thanks