National Doctor’s Day 2025: What are Surgical and Non-Surgical Medical Specialists? Know Types, Difference and More

National Doctor’s Day 2025: National Doctor’s Day is observed annually on July 1st in India. It is a significant occasion dedicated to acknowledging the enormous contributions of medical professionals to society. This day marks the birth and death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, a great physician, freedom warrior, and West Bengal’s second Chief Minister, whose pioneering work had a significant impact on India’s healthcare sector.

National Doctor’s Day 2025 Theme

The theme for National Doctor’s Day 2025 is “Behind the Mask: Who Heals the Healers?”  This touching subject emphasises an important part of healthcare that is frequently overlooked: doctors’ mental and emotional well-being. It’s a call to acknowledge the tremendous pressure, stress, and emotional toll that comes with their wonderful vocation. It emphasises the importance of strong mental health resources, a supportive work environment, and more understanding for individuals who devote their lives to recovery.

On National Doctor’s Day, we will look at the vast terrain of medical practice, which is divided into two categories: surgical and non-surgical doctors. While all surgeons are doctors, the key difference is in their approach to patient care. Let us dive deeper into these two categories.

Surgical Doctors (Surgeons)

Surgical doctors, also known as surgeons, are medical professionals who use operating procedures to treat diseases, injuries, and deformities. Their training is heavily focused on diagnostic abilities that lead to surgical intervention, and they have a thorough understanding of human anatomy and surgical procedures. Surgeons are involved in pre-operative planning, surgical procedures, and post-operative care, frequently working in operating rooms alongside a team of other medical experts.

Types of Surgical Doctors

Surgery is a highly specialised field, with many sub-disciplines that focus on specific bodily systems or disorders.

General Surgeons

Perform a variety of common surgical operations, including appendectomy, gallbladder removal, hernia repair, and breast surgery. They are frequently the first point of contact for surgical issues.

Orthopedic Surgeons

Treat diseases affecting bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. This involves fracture treatment, joint replacements (hip and knee), and spine surgery.

Neurosurgeons

Focus on the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system. They treat problems such as brain tumours, spinal disc disorders, aneurysms, and traumatic brain injuries.

Cardiothoracic Surgeons

Perform surgical procedures on the heart, lungs, oesophagus, and main blood vessels in the chest, such as bypass surgery, heart valve repair, and lung cancer resection.

Plastic Surgeons

Repair, reconstruct, or replace physical flaws of form and function affecting the skin, musculoskeletal system, cranio-maxillofacial structures, hand, extremities, breast, and external genitalia. This encompasses both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Urologists

Specialise in the male and female urinary systems, as well as the male reproductive system. They conduct procedures for kidney stones, prostate problems, bladder infections, and some malignancies.

Vascular Surgeons

Focus on disorders affecting the arteries, veins, and lymphatic channels throughout the body, excluding the brain and heart. They treat aneurysms, obstructions, and varicose veins.

Ophthalmologists

Doctors who specialise in complete eye and vision care, including surgical procedures for cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal problems.

Otolaryngologists (ENT Surgeons)

Perform procedures for chronic sinusitis, tonsillectomies, and ear infections.

Pediatric Surgeons

Specialise in surgical operations for infants, children, and adolescents, including congenital deformities, trauma, and other childhood disorders that require surgery.

Surgical Oncologists

Surgeons having specialised training in identifying, staging, and removing malignant growths, who collaborate with other cancer specialists.

Non-Surgical Doctors (Physicians)

Nonsurgical doctors, sometimes known as physicians, use noninvasive ways to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. They concentrate on treating illnesses using medicine, lifestyle changes, treatments, and preventive care. They are frequently the first point of contact for patients and play an important role in long-term health care.

Types of Non-Surgical Doctors

Non-surgical medicine also branches into many diverse specialties.

Internal Medicine Physicians

Give comprehensive care to adults, with a focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of numerous adult ailments. Many internal medicine professionals pursue additional specialisations.

Cardiologists

Focus on the heart and blood arteries, treating diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and arrhythmia.

Gastroenterologists

Treat the digestive system, which includes the oesophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas.

Nephrologists

Specialise in kidney problems.

Endocrinologists

Treat endocrine system problems such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and hormonal abnormalities.

Pulmonologists

Specialise in lung and respiratory disorders.

Infectious Disease Specialists

Diagnose and treat bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites which may cause infections.

Rheumatologists

Treat autoimmune disorders and musculoskeletal conditions that affect the joints, muscles, and bones.

Family Medicine Physicians

Provide comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families of all ages, from infants to the elderly, and frequently act as primary care providers.

Pediatricians

Focus on the health and medical care of newborns, children, and adolescents.

Neurologists

Epilepsy, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease are examples of brain, spinal cord, nerve, and muscle problems that require diagnosis and treatment.

Dermatologists

Dermatologists deal with skin, hair, and nail problems that require specialisation, including acne, eczema, and skin cancer.

Psychiatrists

Doctors who specialise in mental health and substance use issues. They can diagnose and treat mental diseases using medications, psychotherapy, and other methods.

Radiologists

Diagnose and treat diseases using imaging technologies such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound. They interpret medical imaging but generally have little direct patient contact.

Pathologists

Analyse body tissues, fluids, and organs to diagnose disorders, mostly in laboratories and with little direct interaction with patients.

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