glossary

The health sector is full of jargon. To help you make sense of it all, our team of experts has compiled a medical terms glossary.

A
Allergy and Immunology	Allergy and Immunology is a medical speciality that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of allergies and disorders of the immune system.
Anaesthesiology Services	Anaesthesiology Services encompass the medical discipline dedicated to providing safe and effective anaesthesia during surgical procedures, ensuring patient comfort and pain management.
Audiology	Audiology is the field of healthcare that deals with the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing and balance disorders.
Aviation Medicine	Aviation Medicine is a specialised branch of medicine that addresses the unique health and fitness requirements of aviation professionals, including pilots and aircrew.
Aesthetic Gynecology	Aesthetic Gynaecology involves a range of medical procedures and treatments aimed at enhancing the aesthetic and functional aspects of women's reproductive health and well-being.
B
Bariatric Surgery	Bariatric Surgery is a surgical speciality focused on weight loss procedures, such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthier weight.
Beauty therapy	Beauty therapy involves various cosmetic treatments and therapies aimed at enhancing a person's physical appearance and overall well-being.
Breast Imaging	Breast Imaging encompasses various diagnostic techniques, including mammography and ultrasound, to examine and detect breast abnormalities.
Breast Surgery	Breast Surgery includes surgical procedures related to the breast, such as breast augmentation, reduction, and reconstruction.
C
Cardiology	Cardiology is the medical field specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of heart-related conditions, including heart disease and cardiovascular disorders.
Cardiothoracic Surgery	Cardiothoracic Surgery is a specialised field of surgery that focuses on procedures involving the heart, lungs, and other chest organs.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry	Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that specialises in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in children and teenagers.
Chiropractic	Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline that emphasises manual manipulation of the spine and musculoskeletal system to alleviate pain and improve overall well-being.
Cosmetic Makeup Artist	Cosmetic Makeup Artist refers to a professional who specialises in applying makeup to enhance a person's appearance, often used in the context of cosmetic and beauty treatments.
Cardiovascular surgery	Cardiovascular surgery involves surgical procedures on the heart and blood vessels, including coronary artery bypass grafting and heart valve repair or replacement.
D
Dentistry	Dentistry is a branch of healthcare that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues.
Dermatology	Dermatology is a medical speciality dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders and conditions, as well as the maintenance of healthy skin.
Diabetes Education	Diabetes Education involves providing individuals with the knowledge and tools to manage diabetes effectively through lifestyle modifications, medication, and monitoring.
Dietetics	Dietetics is the science of nutrition and the practice of developing personalised dietary plans to promote health and well-being.
E
Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)	Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) is a medical speciality that deals with disorders and conditions related to the ear, nose, throat, and associated structures.
Electrophysiology	Electrophysiology is a branch of cardiology that focuses on the electrical activity of the heart and the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders.
Emergency Medicine	Emergency Medicine is a medical speciality that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of acute illnesses and injuries that require immediate medical attention.
Endocrinology / Diabetes	Endocrinology / Diabetes is a medical speciality that focuses on disorders of the endocrine system, including diabetes, hormonal imbalances, and related conditions.
F
Fertility Services	Fertility Services encompass a range of medical treatments and interventions aimed at helping individuals and couples achieve pregnancy and address fertility-related issues.
Family Medicine	Family Medicine, also known as General Practice, provides comprehensive healthcare services to individuals and families, focusing on preventative care and the management of common medical conditions.
Family Medicine / General Practice	Family Medicine / General Practice provides comprehensive healthcare services to individuals and families, focusing on preventative care and the management of common medical conditions.
Fetal Maternal Medicine	Fetal Maternal Medicine is a subspeciality of obstetrics that focuses on the care of expectant mothers and their unborn babies, particularly in cases of high-risk pregnancies.
G
Gastroenterology / Hepatology	Gastroenterology / Hepatology is a medical speciality that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of digestive system disorders, including liver and gastrointestinal diseases.
General Surgery	General Surgery encompasses a wide range of surgical procedures that address various medical conditions and injuries, often involving abdominal surgeries and more.
Genetics	Genetics is the study of genes and heredity, with a focus on diagnosing and treating genetic disorders and providing genetic counseling to individuals and families.
Geriatrics	Geriatrics is a medical specialty that focuses on the healthcare needs and well-being of elderly patients, addressing age-related health issues and promoting a high quality of life in later years.
Gynaecological Oncology	Gynaecological Oncology is a specialised field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancers that affect the female reproductive system, such as ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers.
General Medicine	General Medicine encompasses a wide range of medical services for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of common medical conditions and illnesses.
H
Haematology	Haematology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders, including anemia, leukemia, and bleeding disorders.
Hand Surgery	Hand Surgery is a surgical subspeciality that addresses disorders and injuries of the hand, wrist, and forearm, with the goal of restoring hand function and mobility.
I
Infectious Disease Medicine	Infectious Disease Medicine is a medical speciality that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Intensive Care Medicine	Intensive Care Medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with the comprehensive care and management of critically ill patients in specialised intensive care units (ICUs).
Internal Medicine	Internal Medicine is a medical speciality that provides comprehensive healthcare for adults, addressing a wide range of medical conditions and coordinating care for complex cases.
Interventional Cardiology	Interventional Cardiology is a subspeciality of cardiology that focuses on minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat heart conditions, such as angioplasty and stent placement.
Interventional Radiology	Interventional Radiology is a medical speciality that uses image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat various medical conditions without the need for traditional surgery.
M
Mediclinic Precise	Mediclinic Precise refers to specialised medical services provided by Mediclinic that prioritise precision and accuracy in diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgery	Minimally Invasive Gynaecological Surgery involves surgical procedures performed with small incisions and specialized instruments to minimise tissue damage and speed up recovery in gynaecological cases.
N
Neonatology	Neonatology is a subspeciality of pediatrics that focuses on the care and treatment of newborn infants, particularly those born prematurely or with medical conditions.
Nephrology / Dialysis	Nephrology / Dialysis is the medical speciality that deals with the diagnosis and management of kidney diseases, including the use of dialysis to support kidney function in patients with kidney failure.
Neurology	Neurology is the medical speciality that diagnoses and treats disorders of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, addressing conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.
Neuroradiology	Neuroradiology is a subspeciality of radiology that focuses on using imaging techniques to diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system, including the brain and spine.
Neurosurgery	Neurosurgery is a surgical speciality that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
Nuclear Medicine	Nuclear Medicine is a medical speciailty that uses radioactive substances to diagnose and treat various medical conditions, such as cancer and heart disease.
O
Obstetrics and Gynaecology	Obstetrics and Gynaecology is a medical speciality that provides care for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the management of female reproductive health.
Occupational Health	Occupational Health focuses on the assessment and management of health and safety issues in the workplace, ensuring the well-being of employees and compliance with regulations.
Occupational Therapy	Occupational Therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on helping individuals regain and improve their ability to perform daily activities and tasks.
Oncology	Oncology is the medical speciality that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions.
Ophthalmology	Ophthalmology is the branch of medicine that specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders and diseases, including cataracts and glaucoma.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery	Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is a surgical speciality that addresses conditions affecting the face, jaws, and mouth, including dental extractions and jaw surgery.
Orthodontics	Orthodontics is a dental speciality that focuses on the correction of misaligned teeth and jaws using braces, aligners, and other orthodontic devices.
Orthopaedics	Orthopaedics is the medical speciality that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including bone fractures, joint disorders, and sports injuries.
Orthotics and Prosthetics	Orthotics and Prosthetics involve the design and fitting of custom devices, such as orthotic braces and prosthetic limbs, to support and enhance mobility for individuals with physical impairments.
Osteopathy	Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasises the body's interconnectedness and uses manual techniques to diagnose and treat a variety of health conditions.
P
Paediatric Endocrinology	Paediatric Endocrinology is a subspeciality of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating hormonal disorders in children and adolescents.
Paediatrics	Paediatrics is the medical speciality dedicated to the care of infants, children, and adolescents, addressing their healthcare needs and developmental milestones.
Paediatric Rheumatology	Paediatric Rheumatology is a subspeciality of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders affecting children, particularly those involving the joints.
Psychology	Psychology is the science and practice of understanding and addressing mental and emotional health, including therapy and counseling for individuals and families.
Paediatric Oncology/Haematology	Paediatric Oncology/Haematology is a specialised field of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancers and blood disorders.
Paediatric Nephrology	Paediatric Nephrology is a subspeciality of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disorders in children.
Paediatric Cardiology	Paediatric Cardiology is a subspeciality of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions in children, including congenital heart defects.
Paediatric Infectious Disease	Paediatric Infectious Disease is a subspeciality of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases in children.
Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine	Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine focuses on the specialised care and treatment of critically ill infants and children in intensive care units (ICUs).
Paediatric Neurology	Paediatric Neurology is a subspeciality of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders in children, such as epilepsy and developmental delays.
Paediatric Neurosurgery	Paediatric Neurosurgery is a surgical subspeciality that specialises in the treatment of neurological conditions in children, including brain and spinal cord surgery.
Paediatric Orthopaedics	Paediatric Orthopaedics is a medical speciality that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries in children, such as fractures and limb deformities.
Paediatric Surgery	Paediatric Surgery is a surgical subspeciality that focuses on performing surgical procedures on infants, children, and adolescents, addressing a wide range of surgical needs.
Pain Medicine	Pain Medicine is a medical speciality that deals with the diagnosis and management of chronic pain conditions, using various approaches to relieve pain and improve the quality of life.
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine	Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is the branch of medicine that involves the study and diagnosis of diseases through the examination of bodily fluids, tissues, and cells in a laboratory setting.
Pathology Labs	Pathology Labs are specialised facilities equipped for the analysis of medical samples, such as blood, tissue, and body fluids, to aid in diagnosing diseases and conditions.
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation	Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation involve therapeutic techniques and exercises designed to improve physical function, mobility, and recovery from injuries or surgeries.
Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery	Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery is a surgical speciality that focuses on enhancing or restoring a person's physical appearance and function, often involving procedures like cosmetic surgery or post-injury reconstruction.
Podiatry	Podiatry is a medical speciality that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle disorders, including foot pain, injuries, and deformities.
Pulmonology / Respiratory	Pulmonology / Respiratory is the medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases of the respiratory system, such as asthma, COPD, and pneumonia.
Paediatric Dentistry	Paediatric Dentistry is a specialised branch of dentistry that focuses on providing dental care to children, including preventative care, treatment of dental issues, and oral health education.
Paediatric Pulmonology	Paediatric Pulmonology is a subspeciality of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disorders in children, including asthma and cystic fibrosis.
Psychiatry	Psychiatry is a medical speciality that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
Palliative Medicine	Palliative Medicine is a medical speciality focused on providing care and support to individuals with serious illnesses, with the goal of improving quality of life and managing symptoms.
Paediatric Gastroenterology	Paediatric Gastroenterology is a subspeciality of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of digestive system disorders in children.
Prosthodontics	Prosthodontics is a dental speciality that involves the design and placement of dental prostheses, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures, to restore and improve oral function.
R
Radiation Oncology	Radiation Oncology is a medical speciality that focuses on the use of radiation therapy to treat cancer and other medical conditions, with a focus on precision and minimising side effects.
Radiology	Radiology is a medical speciality that uses various imaging techniques, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans, to diagnose and monitor medical conditions.
Rheumatology	Rheumatology is a medical speciality that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders affecting the joints, muscles, and soft tissues.
S
Speech Pathology	Speech Pathology, also known as Speech-Language Pathology, involves the assessment and treatment of communication and speech disorders, including speech articulation and language development.
Sports and Exercise Medicine	Sports and Exercise Medicine is a medical speciality that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of sports-related injuries and the promotion of physical fitness and well-being.
Speech Therapy	Speech Therapy is a healthcare discipline that provides therapeutic interventions to improve communication and speech disorders, often working with individuals of all ages, including children and adults.
U
Urogynaecology	Urogynaecology is a subspeciality of gynaecology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor disorders and urinary incontinence in women.
Urology	Urology is the medical speciality that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the urinary tract and male reproductive system.
V
Vascular Surgery	Vascular Surgery is a surgical speciality that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the blood vessels, such as arterial blockages and aneurysms.
W
Weight Reduction and Obesity Management Programme	Weight Reduction and Obesity Management Programme involves comprehensive strategies and medical interventions to help individuals achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
Women’s Health Rehabilitation	Women’s Health Rehabilitation is a specialised program that focuses on the rehabilitation and recovery of women following surgery, childbirth, or other medical events that impact their health and well-being.