Specialities at A Second Opinion

1. Who is a Cardiologist?

Ans: Cardiologists are Medical doctors who have received further training after MD (General medicine/Pediatrics) in preventing, diagnosing and treating heart conditions. They primarily deal with adults. The cardiologists who deal with newborn babies, infants and children are known as Pediatric Cardiologists.

2. Do cardiologists perform heart surgery?

Ans: No, cardiac surgery involving opening of the chest and the heart, replacing heart valves, doing bypass surgery are all done by Cardiothoracic Surgeons.

3. Who is an interventional cardiologist?

Ans: Interventional cardiologists are trained to perform specific catheter based procedures for heart disease. These are also called interventions.

4. Can a fetus have Echocardiography?

Ans: Yes. Fetal echocardiography is an established procedure which is usually done by Fetal Medicine Specialist or a trained Pediatric Cardiologist. The procedure is done on the mother’s abdomen using ultrasound to create images of the unborn baby’s heart.

5. What is an Electrophysiological study?

Ans: It is a series of tests that examine the heart’s electrical activity. These are suggested by the cardiologist when one feels weakness, palpitation (fast heart beat) to rule out a rhythm problem.

6. Who does electrophysiology studies?

Ans: Yes. Cardiac Electrophysiologists are cardiologists who s especially trained in this procedure.

1. What is the difference between a Cardiologist and a Cardiothoracic surgeon?

Ans: A cardiologist is a physician who manages conditions like cardiac failure, heart attacks, valve infections, rhythm disturbances etc while a cardiac surgeon does operation on the heart to cure certain conditions

2. What is Cardiac surgery?

Ans: Cardiac surgery is operations performed on the heart and its nearby large blood vessels by the group of surgeons called cardiac surgeons

3. What is Thoracic surgery?

Ans: This is surgery performed anywhere in the chest especially in lungs, esophagus (food pipe) etc.

4. What is Vascular surgery?

Ans: The vascular system in the human body is about 60,000 miles long and consists of arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels. Vascular surgeons remove blockages and repair injuries to these vessels

What is the meaning of dermatology?

This comes from the Greek word “derma” (skin) or “dermatos” {of the skin} and “logos” (field of study).

Who is a Dermatologist?

Dermatologist is a doctor who is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of the diseases of the skin, hair and nails.

What is venerology?

This specialty is related to diagnosing and treating sexually transmitted diseases.

Who is a venerologist?

Usually dermatologists are also venerologists as sexually transmitted diseases (STD) mainly occurs on and is transmitted by the skin.

Do dermatologists also treat Hansen disease (also called Leprosy)?

Yes, dermatologists should be approached if there is any suspicion of Leprosy

When to suspect Leprosy?

Hansen;s disease is suspected when there are patches on the skin that may look reddish, lighter or darker than normal skin. These patches may not have sensation when touched lightly

Can leprosy be cured?

The bacteria that causes Leprosy can be killed using effective antibiotics prescribed by the dermatologist for the duration specified. Damage due to loss of sensation following nerve damage may be permanent.

1. What is Endocrinology?

Ans: It is the branch of medicine that delas with the diagnosis and treatment of hormone disorders

2. What is Hormone?

Ans: Certain glands in the body produce tiny amounts of chemical substances that are called “Hormones” which are carried by blood to various parts of the body. They are very important for effective function of many body functions.

3. What are Hormone diseases?

Ans: Usually hormone disorders result from under or over production of particular hormones. These produce clinical symptoms which should be diagnosed and treated effectively. The endocrinologist looks after these conditions

4. Can a newborn baby have thyroid problems?

Ans: Newborn babies can have underproduction of thyroid hormone which is called Hypothyroidism. It is important to detect this condition soon after birth because babies will not show any symptoms at this time. Diagnosis is made by sending a few drops of blood while cutting umbilical cord or at 4 days of age by rpicking the baby to see if he/she has this problem. Delay in diagnosis or treatment will result in mental retardation. If treated the baby can be normal lifelong.

5. Who treats Disorders of Sexual Development (DSD)?

Ans: Endocrinologists treat DSD

1. What is Fetal Medicine?

Ans: This is a branch of obstetrics which focuses on managing mother and baby of a high risk pregnancy. Fetal Medicine specialists are obstetricians trained further to manage maternal and fetal problems. This is also known as Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) or Perinatology

2. What is a high risk pregnancy?

Ans: Conditions that lead to a high risk pregnancy include

3. What are pregnancy scans?

Ans: These are ultrasound scans done in various stages of pregnancy so visualize the baby, blood flows and fluid in the uterus. They are painless and so far no known side effects on mother and baby have been described

4. What are routine pregnancy scans?

Ans: The following are recommended

5. Who should perform the pregnancy scans?

Ans: For routine uncomplicated scans the obstetrician may refer the patient to trained ultrasound operators (sonographer) for pregnancy scans. If a problem is detected then obstetrician may refer to a Fetal Medicine Specialist for Second Opinion.

6. What other tests can be done on the fetus?

Ans: It is possible to do a Fetal Echocardiography to detect anomalies in the fetal heart. Fetal MRI can be done to rule out brain anomalies

7. What are the procedures done by the Fetal Medicine Specialist?

Ans: The following are done

1. What is Gastroenterology?

Ans: This is the branch of medicine that deals with treatment and disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and related organs like liver, gall bladder and pancreas.

2. What are the organs of the gastrointestinal tract?

Ans: This includes the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus

3. What are the common symptoms of gastrointestinal tract disorders?

Ans: Some are given below

4. What is Hepatology?

Ans: This is a branch of Gastroenterology which deals with the liver, bile ducts, gall bladder and Pancreas

5. What is endoscopy in Gastroenterology?

Ans: The endoscope (endo=inside; scope=instrument to see) is a flexible thin tube with a light and a small video camera which the gastroenterologist may insert through the mouth to visualize and/or treat problems in the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. It can also be inserted in through the anus to visualize and/or treat lower gastrointestinal problems.

1. What is General Medicine speciality?

Ans: General Medicine is the backbone of health care. It involves prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of acute and chronic conditions.

2. Why is this specialty important when there are so many super-specialities?

Ans: General Medicine physicians have a broad area of expertise and this makes them very special. They treat colds, coughs, fever, astha, bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary infections, tuberculosis etc. They are the gateway for referral to other specialists. A General Medicine physician is a must in any health care team

1. What is Geriatrics?

Ans: This is the branch of medicine which deals with health and care of old people

2. What is Gerontology?

Ans: This is the scientific study of old age, the aging process and problems specific to old people

3. Why should I see a Geriatrician?

Ans: Even though there is no specific age, most people start consulting a Geriatrician after they are about 65 years of age. Our body physiology changes as we get older, we react differently to medications and develop chronic ailments which are usually managed better by Geriatricians.

4. What are some problems in elderly people?

Ans: Decline in mental faculties, falls, polypharmacy, confusion, agitation and heart disease.

1. What is Gynecology?

Ans: This branch of medicine deals with diseases related to girls and women. Especially pertaining to the female reproductive organs

2. What conditions does the Gynecologist treat?

Ans: Irregular or delayed periods, white vaginal discharge, excessive menstrual bleeding, infertility, polycystic ovarian disease, not attained menstruation, menopause, cancers and infections of female reproductive system

3. Who can I consult for advice on contraceptives?

Ans: Usually the OBGYN consultant will give advice on the types of contraceptives and help you to decide the best method for you

1. Till what age is baby called a newborn?

Ans : Babies born at full term or after a normal period of pregnancy are newborns till 28 days after birth

2. How long should I breastfeed my baby?

Ans: Babies should be put to the breast within 30 minutes of birth and can continue breastfeeding till 2 years of age. After six months they will also need solid foods because breastmilk alone will not be sufficient

3. How will I know my breastmilk is enough for my newborn baby?

Ans: Look for three indicators

4. My newborn baby skin looks yellow. When should I go to doctor?

Ans: Some mild yellow discoloration in the eyes and skin around mouth is normal in the first week of life. But if the palms and soles look yellow the baby should immediately be seen by the pediatrician

5. How to prevent diaper rash?

Ans: This is a common problem in babies. Some steps are

Who is a Nephrologist?

The word “Nephrologist “ comes from the “Nephros” meaning Kidney/renal and “Ology” is study of. Nephrologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of the kidneys

What is dialysis?

This is a procedure where the blood in the body is purified to remove toxins which would have normally been carried out by the kidneys.

Who performs dialysis?

It is done using a sophisticated machine by dialysis technicians under the supervision of nephrologists

Who does renal transplants?

This is a done by a team consisting of urologist, nephrologist, anesthesiologist, nurses, social worker, dietician and a psychologist

What are some warning signs for kidney disease?

1. What is the difference between Obstetrics and Gynecology?

Ans: Obstetrics is the branch of medicine that deals with pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum (time after childbirth) period whereas Gynecology deals with functions and problems specific to womens’ and girls’ reproductive organs

2. Are both specialities carried out by same physician?

Ans: Usually it is the same physician who studies about all aspects of reproductive organs structure and function of women, pregnancy and its complications, childbirth and postpartum period. They are referred to as OBGYN in common language.

3. Who is a midwife?

Ans: A Midwife is a person trained in managing normal pregnancy and childbirth and helping mothers during the delivery process. In a way, obstetricians double as midwives but are trained doctors who manage complications and perform Caesarean Sections. There is no recognized course for midwifery in India.

1. What is Orthopedics?

Ans: This branch of Medicine focuses on diagnosis, correction and treatment of the disorders and/or injuries of the musculoskeletal system.

2. What is the musculoskeletal system?

Ans: The bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons constitute the musculoskeletal system of the body

3. What procedures are done by orthopedicians?

Ans: Fixation of fractures, Joint replacements, Arthroscopy, Ligament tear repair, Carpel tunnel surgery, Amputations

1. What is the difference between a Pediatrician and Neonatologist?

Ans: Technically, any physician who is qualified to and cares exclusively for children is a Pediatrician. Since information is now so vast, some pediatricians devote their expertise, knowledge and time to care of sick newborns. These are called Neonatologists

2. Should I show my child to a Pediatrician even when not ill?

Ans: Children need routine Pediatrician visits even when they are well because they are growing and developing very rapidly, especially in the first 5 years. It is important to make sure their physical growth and mental development is going as expected

3. Till what age is considered a child?

Ans: A person is considered a child for medical and routine care from birth till 18 years of age

4. How much milk does my child need everyday?

Ans: After one year of age a child needs only 200-400ml milk per day. This can also be given as curd.

5. How is tele-medicine helpful in Pediatrics?

Ans: Telemedicine can help in the following ways

1. What is perinatal period?

Ans: The Perinatal period is defined as the period from 28 weeks of pregnancy till four weeks after the baby is born. This is a period where many physiological changes take place during birth and immediately thereafter. The study of problems of this period in mother and baby is called Perinatology (or Maternal Fetal Medicine)

2. Why is Perinatology gaining importance?

Ans: The momentum for this speciality has come from the technological and skill advances in the field of pregnancy scans. High resolution machines coupled with experience in fetal imaging has thrown up even the smallest anomalies/problems in fetuses. This results in early detection of high risk pregnancies and hence importance of perinatology

3. What happens when the Fetal Medicine Specialist finds a problem in the fetus?

Ans: With the advancement of ultrasound diagnostic techniques in the fetus, even as early as 12 weeks it is possible to recognize problems. Morphology scans or anomaly scans at 16-20 weeks delineates each organ and detects abnormalities. This puts the parents in a quandry and they have many questions

4. What is perinatal counselling?

Ans: Once a problem is found in the fetus like an anomalous heart or abnormal kidneys or bone disorders etc the Fetal Medicine Specialist organizes a team meeting to counsel parents about the possible outcomes and try and answer their queries. This meeting is called Perinatal Counselling

5. Who are the members of the Perinatal Counselling Team?

Ans: Three physicians are involved primarily in the perinatal team to decide the best option for a high risk pregnancy. The Fetal Medicine Specialist makes the diagnosis, the obstetrician cares for the mother’s well being and the neonatologist is responsible for the newborn baby. Specialists in specific organ systems like cardiologists, pediatric surgeons, neurosurgeons are called when required.

1. What is the meaning of Urologist?

Ans: Urologist is a surgeon who treats disorders of the urinary system in both males and females and also reproductive organs of males. Reproductive organs of female are treated by Gynaecologists.

2. When to consult a urologist?

Ans: Some common conditions are

3. What are the common procedures performed by Urologists?

Ans: Some are as follows