Word Power Made Easy
Sessions 4-6: How to Talk About Doctors
Let's explore the specialists who help us, and the roots of their titles.
The 10 Specialists
In these sessions, we will learn about 10 key medical specialists and the Greek and Latin roots that build their names.
- Internist
- Gynecologist
- Obstetrician
- Pediatrician
- Dermatologist
- Ophthalmologist
- Orthopedist
- Cardiologist
- Neurologist
- Psychiatrist
The Core Root: IATREIA
(Greek: "medical healing")
This root is part of many medical titles. You'll see it combined with other roots for the *type* of healing.
Specialist 1: The Internist
(Latin: "inside")
A specialist in internal medicine.
A specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the internal organs, like the heart, liver, and lungs.
The specialty of an Internist. This is the doctor who gives you a thorough physical exam and uses tools like X-rays and lab tests.
Specialist 2: The Gynecologist
(woman)
(study of)
One who studies women's health.
A doctor who specializes in the health of female reproductive and sexual organs.
The study of women's health; the specialty of a gynecologist.
Specialist 3: The Obstetrician
(Latin: "midwife")
From the verb *obstare*, "to stand by"
One who "stands by" a woman in labor.
A doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care.
The specialty of an obstetrician.
Specialist 4: The Pediatrician
(child)
(medical healing)
A specialist in the medical healing of children.
A doctor who specializes in the care of infants and children.
More from PAIDOS (child)
(Greek: "child")
This root also gives us words related to teaching children.
(child)
(leader)
The art or profession of teaching; literally, the "leading of children."
A "leader of children." Today, this word often has a negative meaning: a narrow-minded, strict, old-fashioned teacher.
Specialist 5: The Dermatologist
(skin)
(study of)
One who studies the skin.
A doctor who specializes in treating skin disorders, from acne to cancer.
(under)
(skin)
Relating to the region immediately under the skin (e.g., a hypodermic needle).
(outer)
(skin)
The outer layer of the skin.
One who stuffs and mounts the skins of animals in lifelike form. (From `taxis` - arrangement).
(thick)
(skin)
A thick-skinned animal, such as an elephant, hippopotamus, or rhinoceros.
Specialist 6: The Ophthalmologist
(eye)
(study of)
One who studies the eye.
A medical doctor (M.D.) who specializes in diseases of the eye and can perform surgery.
The 'Eye' Roots: OCULUS
(Latin: "eye")
`Ophthalmos` is Greek, but `Oculus` is the Latin root for "eye," which gives us more common words.
From `oculus`. An older term for an ophthalmologist.
The adjective form for the eye.
"The patient has an ocular infection."
(one)
(eye)
A lens for one eye.
(two)
(eye)
A field glass device for two eyes.
To give a "shot" or vaccination. This word comes from grafting, where a bud (or "eye") was inserted into a plant.
The 'Eye' Roots: OPTIKOS
(Greek: "view, vision, sight")
This root gives us the *non-medical* eye specialists.
(sight)
(measure)
One who measures vision and prescribes glasses. Not an M.D.
One who grinds lenses and sells optical goods, following the prescription from an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Specialist 7: The Orthopedist
(straight, correct)
(child)
Originally, one who "straightens children."
A doctor who specializes in treating deformities of the bones and spine (in all ages).
More from ORTHOS (straight)
(straight, correct)
(tooth)
One who straightens teeth.
A dentist who specializes in straightening teeth with braces and other devices.
Specialist 8: The Cardiologist
(heart)
(study of)
One who studies the heart.
A doctor who specializes in diseases of the heart and circulatory system.
The adjective form, relating to the heart.
"He suffered cardiac arrest."
From `kardia` + `gramma` (letter).
The electrically produced record of the heartbeat. (The paper printout).
From `kardia` + `graphos` (to write).
The machine that produces the record of the heartbeat.
Specialist 9: The Neurologist
(nerve)
(study of)
One who studies the nervous system.
A doctor who specializes in disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the nervous system.
More from NEURON (nerve)
(nerve)
(pain)
Pain along a nerve path.
Acute, severe pain along a nerve, often in the face or head.
From `neuron` + `-itis` (inflammation).
Inflammation of a nerve.
From `neuron` + `-osis` (abnormal condition).
A "nerve condition" causing anxiety, phobias, or obsessive behaviors. (Not a full break from reality).
Specialist 10: The Psychiatrist
(mind, soul, spirit)
(medical healing)
A specialist in "mind-healing."
A medical doctor (M.D.) who diagnoses and treats mental or emotional disorders. Can prescribe medication.
More from PSYCHE (mind)
(Greek: "mind, soul, spirit")
This root gives us terms for conditions of the mind.
From `psyche` + `-osis` (abnormal condition).
A severe mental disorder involving a complete break from reality.
(mind)
(disease)
A person with a "diseased mind," often characterized by anti-social behavior and a lack of empathy.
(mind)
(body)
Describing a physical illness of the body caused or aggravated by the mind (e.g., stress-induced ulcers).
Sessions 4-6 Review
You have now learned 10 types of doctors and their associated roots:
- Internist (`internus` - inside)
- Gynecologist (`gyne` - woman)
- Obstetrician (`obstetrix` - midwife)
- Pediatrician (`paidos` - child)
- Dermatologist (`derma` - skin)
- Ophthalmologist (`ophthalmos` - eye)
- Orthopedist (`orthos` - straight)
- Cardiologist (`kardia` - heart)
- Neurologist (`neuron` - nerve)
- Psychiatrist (`psyche` - mind)
Quiz Time: True or False
Let's test your understanding with questions from the book.
Based on what you've learned, are these statements True or False?
Quiz: True or False (1-10)
1. An 'internist' specializes in internal medicine.
2. A 'neurologist' treats skin disorders.
3. A 'pediatrician' cares for infants and children.
4. The root 'kardia' means 'heart'.
5. 'Oculus' is the Greek root for 'eye'.
6. An 'orthodontist' straightens teeth.
7. 'Neuralgia' is an inflammation of the nerves.
8. A 'pachyderm' is a thick-skinned animal.
9. 'Psychosis' is a mild form of anxiety.
10. An 'optometrist' measures vision.
Quiz: Crossword
Let's test your new medical vocabulary with a crossword puzzle.
Fill in the grid based on the clues provided.
Sessions 4-6 Crossword
ACROSS
- 3. Greek for "child" (6)
- 5. One who measures sight (10)
- 8. Heart doctor (11)
- 9. Mind-body illness (11)
DOWN
- 1. Bone doctor (11)
- 2. Women's doctor (12)
- 4. Latin for "inside" (8)
- 6. Eye doctor (15)
- 7. Nerve pain (9)
- 10. Root for "straight" (6)
- 11. Root for "nerve" (6)
- 12. Greek for "skin" (5)
- 13. Mind doctor (11)
- 14. Root for "heart" (6)
- 15. Root for "tooth" (5)
Congratulations!
You have completed the presentation for Sessions 4-6.
Next Up: Sessions 7-10
How to Talk About Various Practitioners