Endocrinologist: A medical doctor who specializes in diseases related to the glands of the endocrine system, such as the thyroid, pituitary, pancreas, pineal, and adrenal glands.
Gastroenterologist: A medical doctor who specializes in diseases of the digestive( gastrointestinal or GI) tract.
Gynecologic oncologist: A medical doctor who specializes in cancers of the female sex( reproductive) organs.
Gynecologist: A medical doctor who specializes in female health issues, including sexual and reproductive function and the diseases of their reproductive organs, except diseases of the breast that require surgery.
Hematologist or hematology oncologist: A medical doctor who specializes in blood disorders( also called blood dyscrasias), including cancers of the blood and blood-forming tissues.
Hepatologist: A medical doctor who specializes in diseases of the liver and bile ducts. Hospitalist: A medical doctor who works only in a hospital. Interventional Radiologist( IR): A medical doctor who specializes in radiology and uses imaging( x-rays, scans, and other types) to help guide procedures to treat certain conditions, including some cancers. IR procedures are minimally invasive, meaning they use small incisions or don’ t need an incision to do the procedure. Examples are ablations and embolizations.
Medical oncologist: A medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer with chemotherapy and other drugs.
Naturopathic doctor( ND): A medical doctor who is not a medical doctor( MD) but is trained to use therapies that focus on supporting a person’ s self-healing abilities. Education and licensing of NDs varies by state.
Neonatologist: A doctor who specializes in the care of newborn babies( until about 6 weeks of age, but often longer for babies who were born prematurely). Nephrologist: A doctor who specializes in kidney( renal) diseases. Neurosurgeon: A doctor who specializes in operations involving the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. Oncologist: A doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. Ophthalmologist: A doctor who specializes in eye diseases. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon: A surgeon who specializes in surgery of the mouth, jaw, and face. Orthopedic surgeon: A surgeon who specializes in diseases and injuries of the muscles, joint, and bones( the musculoskeletal system).
Otolaryngologist: A doctor who specializes in diseases and injuries of the ear, nose, and throat. Also called an ENT( which stands for ears, nose, and throat) or a head and neck doctor.
CANCER TREATMENT: Continued on page 10
CANCER CARE TAKES A TEAM ISSUE | SEPTEMBER 2025 9 OURHEALTHNWA. COM