Lexique
General Practitioner/Family Doctor
The general practitioner (GP) is responsible for the day-to-day care of each patient, and is typically the first medical professional a patient will see when they have a medical condition or questions. The GP treats a wide range of common illnesses and ailments and is the overall long-term care provider for patients. The GP also provides advice and preventive care for the benefit and health of his/her patients. When warranted, the GP will arrange an appointment with a specialist.
All adults, even those in good health, should visit their GP for a check-up annually.
Pediatrician
The pediatrician follows the development of children from birth through adolescence. Through regular check-ups, the pediatrician manages a child’s ongoing physical, mental and emotional well being, at each and every stage of development. He also treats all illnesses, issues and accidents that a child may encounter as he/she grows and reaches adulthood.
The pediatrician is a critical partner with parents in the care of the child, answering all health-related questions and acting as the liaison with specialists. He/she also has an important role in preventive care, and provides vaccination as recommended by the Suisse authorities. (insert link).
Within the first two years of a child’s life, it is important to have regular visits with the pediatrician. After 2 years of age, an annual visit with the pediatrician is recommended to monitor the ongoing development of the child.
Internal Medicine
Doctors of internal medicine or internists, focus on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care of adults. While they treat a large number of diseases that affect the organs, internists treat the whole body of the patient and are often consulted to treat patients that suffer from a condition or illness that can not necessarily be defined by a specialty. This may include but is not limited to immunology, immune system disorders, nephrology and allergies. The internist provides a broad analysis in the case of multiple disorders and collaborates with specialists on acute problems. The internist’s role is vast and general and their main priority is the long-term health and well-being of their patient.
Internists do much of their work in hospitals, although many have their own private practices.
Cardiology
The cardiologist specializes in the treatment of the heart, arteries and veins and diseases that affect the entire cardiac system (myocardial infarction, cardiac rhythm problems or cardiac failure, for example). The cardiologist studies the function of the heart and all the factors that may affect it. In adults, cardiac problems are initially evaluated at a clinic and eventually by more in-depth examinations such as an electro-cardiogram or x-ray. If surgery is required to treat a severe heart problem, it may be done either using an interveinous probe (that is, invasive, non-invasive and microinvasive surgery, or catheterization or angioplasty) or more traditional surgical methods.
Children with heart problems are normally treated by a pediatric cardiologist.
Respirology
The Respirologist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all ailments affecting the lungs and respiratory system. There are wide range of respiratory diseases, however the most common are asthma, chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis and lung cancer. When evaluating a patient, the respirologist will use a variety of diagnostic tools including blood tests, x-rays, allergy tests, stress tests or even sleeping patterns. Most hospitals and private clinics have a respirology department and many doctors specializing in respiratory diseases operate their own private practice.
Neurology
The neurologist specializes in the treatment of diseases that affect the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous system, and in particular the brain. The most frequent neurological disorders are epilepsy, migraines, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease or pain associated with the nervous system. The neurologist works closely with the neurosurgeon when surgical interventions are required.
Orthopedics
Practiced by an orthopedic surgeon, this medical specialty focuses on the treatment of problems associated with the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. The orthopedic specialist treats problems of the both the upper body (arms, hands etc) the lower body (legs and feet) and in some cases the spinal cord (although spinal cord injuries may also be treated by a neurosurgeon). Orthopedic surgeons treat problems resulting from accident, illness and congenital defects. He/she frequently works in collaboration with other surgeons, for example, those specializing in reconstructive surgery.
Surgery
Surgery regroups a vast number of medical procedures each utilizing a medical technique that involves a physical intervention of the body or head. A surgical procedure generally involves an incision in the tissue that is later closed with stitches or sutures. Surgery has a vast number of specialties such as plastic and reconstructive surgery, orthopedic surgery, cosmetic surgery, and ophthalmologic surgery.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Plastic and reconstructive surgery is a medical specialty that represents one of the two largest areas of surgery for improving or changing physical appearance. Unlike cosmetic surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery is to repair or remodel a part of the human body that is deformed due to a congenital defect, an accident or after removal of a tumor. The plastic surgeon strives to restore the form of the body, face or hands, while preserving their functions.
These procedures typically include the reconstruction of a breast following an invasive cancer removal, the treatment of burn victims, the treatment of children and newborns affected by cleft palate syndrome, or reconstruction of a hand following an accident.
Esthetic/Cosmetic Surgery
The cosmetic surgeon is a doctor who specializes in correcting or enhancing the physical appearance of the patient. The most common procedures include breast enhancements, rhinoplasty (reconstruction of the nose), liposuction (removal of fat tissue) or surgery of the eyelids. Cosmetic surgery is practiced in all the university hospitals as well as in a number of world renowned private clinics in Switzerland.
Ophthalmology
A surgeon of opthalmology focuses exclusively on the care and treatment of the eyes and the various ailments that may alter the vision of a patient. He differs from an optician, who tests and corrects vision with external methods (glasses, contact lenses etc.), in that the opthalmologist treats ailments of the ocular globe and eyelids, and performs corrective surgery if warranted. Detached retinas, cataracts, glaucoma and strabismus are the most common disorder of the eyes.
Dermatology, Veneriology
Dematology and veneriology treats all diseases of the skin, mucosal linings, as well as nails and hair (under the category “skin appendages”). This specialty includes not only the treatment of diseases of the skin, but also research and prevention, particularly concerning sexually transmitted diseases. The condition of the skin reveals many things about our health and well-being. Consequently, dermatologists are required to have large understanding of many diseases including allergies, autoimmune diseases and cancer. Dermatologists frequently have a second specialty.
Endocrinology
Endocrinologists focus on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the glands and hormones. They know how to treat conditions that are very complex and involve many systems within the body. The thyroid gland, adrenal gland and pancreas are the glands most frequently affected either with imbalances (hyper or hypo active) or tumors. The most common diseases include diabetes, hypo or hyperactive thyroid, Cushing disease and diabetes insipidus. Endocrinology also encompasses development problems, nutrition and reproductive issues and may also include surgery, if removal of a tumor is required. Most endocrinologists work in close collaboration with other specialties, most notably, neurosurgeons.
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology studies and treats diseases of the digestive tract. It concerns not only digestive problems, but also problems of the liver and nutritional disorders. The diseases most frequently treated by this field include hepatitis, food intolerances, or specific problems like ulcers. Diagnosis generally includes the use of echocardiograms, colonoscopy (visual examine of the colon using a probe) and gastroscopy (visual examination of the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum with a probe). A number of other complimentary examinations may be required as well to aide in the diagnosis.
Diving Medicine
As the name indicates, Diving Medicine, also called Hyperbaric Medicine, deals with problems and therapies associated with the practice of diving. While diving, the human body is subjected to excessive stress: notably, the use of carbon dioxide to allow him/her to regular their breathing, and also the extreme pressure from the water. In an aquatic environment, the pressure is directly proportional to the depth, so whether diving professionally, or as an amateur, close medical surveillance is imperative. A medical consultation is also strongly recommended for all people who deep-sea dive or those wishing to try it.
Sports Medicine
This specialty covers medical problems and injuries associated with the practice of sport, be it amateur or professional. The sports medicine doctor is a generalist who specializes in all questions concerning metabolism, physical effects on the body due to stress and effort, nutrition, recuperation and traumas resulting from a sporting activity. The physician pays particular attention to the type of sport practiced, and the associated pathologies relative from one activity to another. He must also examine the intensity of the activity and the type of equipment used. Sports medicine specialists typically care for high level athletes but are frequently called on to approve or provide medical certificates associated with sport.
The sports medicine doctor may suggest a battery of tests (VO2max, CMA, Canconi etc.) in order to evaluate the physical capacity of an athlete. This specialty is also concerned by medico-legal problems and is called upon in doping problems (consult the link: www.sqsm.ch/fr/)
ORL/Ear – Nose – Throat Specialist (ENT)
Otolarynology (ORL or ENT), is the branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses and problems of the ear, nose and throat as well as the head and neck area. This type of doctor treats problems associated with hearing, balance, breathing, smell and taste. The ENT specialist may also treat problems with speech, salivation and the different cancers intrinsic to this region.
Radiology
The radiologist specializes in the use of x-rays and scanners to produce images of the inside of the body. There are also other techniques used that do not require x-rays including echocardiography (ultrasound), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and the PET scan. With these tools, the radiologist can examine the bones and soft tissues and detect anomalies and traumas. Each university hospital in Switzerland has a highly developed radiology department. There are also many private clinics and institutes that specialize in radiology.
Interventional Radiation, used primarily in the screening of cancer, is a sub-specialty of radiology that uses image guidance for diagnostic purposes (angiogram) and or for treatment purposes (angioplasty). It may be used for biopsies to identify and treat tumors (biopsy) for example.
Tele-Radiology is a recent evolution in this area that consists of sending images from one location to another for a second opinion or consultation by a specialist who is not at the current location.
Urology
Urulogy is the study and treatment of problems associated with the kidneys, urinary tracts and the male reproductive system. Most notably, urology treats incontinence of the bladder, kidney stones, sterility, sexual dysfunction and cancers. (useful link: www.urologie.ch/v2/)
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Gynecology is the care and treatment of the female genital and reproductive system. The gynecologist treats diverse infections and notably provides preventive counsel and treatments against sexually transmitted diseases and contraception. The obstetrician is a doctor or midwife that specializes in pregnancy and cares for the woman and fetus, from contraception until delivery.
With advances in technology, particularly ultrasound, fetal medicine has developed to the point that the fetus is considered a separate patient on his/her own.
All women should have an annual gynecological exam beginning at puberty, or at the latest by adulthood. After 45-50 years of age it is also recommended that women have an annual mammogram to verify any pending risks of breast cancer.
Allergic Medicine
The allergist is a specialist who treats allergies: that is, illnesses or symptoms that develop from a hypersensitivity to normally harmless substances in the environment. Each organ can be affected by an allergic reaction, however, most frequently allergies affect the lungs and respiratory system, digestive system, the skin and the mucus membranes. A variety of in-depth clinical tests are used to identify the source of an allergic reaction as well as an examination of the patient’s environment and diet. While allergies cab often be treated by avoidance to the substance, anti-histamines and/or steroids, a treatment of immunotherapy may also be prescribed to desensitize the affected organ to the allergen.
Immunology
Immunology is the study of all aspects of the immune system and its mechanisms. It studies the molecular and cellular components that comprise the immune system including their function and interaction. This includes inflammatory disorders, allergies, immune deficiencies, or organ acceptance/rejection following transplant surgery. The most common ailments studied by immunology include the myopathic diseases, lupus and HIV (Aids).
This branch of medicine is encompassed by internal medicine and may also function in collaboration with an allergist. The immunologist works in clinics as a consultant, and also in hospitals with patients having grafts, organ transplants and bone marrow transplants.
Physiotherapy/Kinesiotherapy
The physiotherapist is a heath professional whose role is to provide services to individuals to maintain or improve physical ability, movement, endurance and function, based on scientific principles. Physiotherapists typically provide services to people who have been injured, post-operatively or those with reduced mobility due to accident or congenital problems. Physiotherapists often specialize in the care of athletes, in re-education following an operation or in the care of newborns.
In France this profession is called Kinesiotherapy.
Dentist
The dentist is a specialist that practices dentistry. He treats problems of the teeth, gums, mouth, jaw and all the internal tissues that constitute the lower part of the face.
Most dentist set up private practices, although a few are based in hosptitals. Most are able to treat children as well as adults and elderly people although some choose to specialise : For example, Children’s dentists and orthodontist (specialist for correcting misaligned teeth and jaws).
Most dentist work in close collaboration with a dental hygienist, who specializes in oral hygiène and health.
It is recommended to have an annual check up with your dentist or hygiéniste in order to assure optimal oral hygiène and to prévent potential problems. (useful (link : www.amdg.ch)
Pharmacology
The pharmacist is a médical specialist who works in a pharmacy. He provides not only advice to patients in terms of choice of médicine, but is also trained to develop medicines.
The pharmacist must verify the prescription ordered by a physician and confirm that there will no négative interactions, particularly in the case that a patient is taking different medicines together. In Switzerland, pharmacists are authorized, with the approval of the doctor and patient, to substitute a prescribed médicine for another generic brand.
For minor health matters, the pharmacist may provide advice and counsel as required. He will direct a client to a doctor if the problems/symptoms are more serious or if a prescription is required.
Mid-Wife
The mid-wife is a health provider who offers personalized care to prégnant women throughout their pregnancy, during delivery and following the delivery of a baby. She/he works as a complément to the Obstetrician/Gynacologist and strives to ensure that help women have a healthy pregnancy and natural birth experience. Throughout the pregnancy, the mid-wife provides advice and éducation to the expecting mother, and helps her prepare for the delivery. She/he accompanies the parents throughout the delivery, whether its a home delivery, or in a clinic or hospital.
The mid-wife also cares for the mother and baby for as many days after the delivery as required. Post-partem, she provides advice and help with nursing, nutrition, sleep problems, and is available to listen to any eventual concerns of the parents.
In Geneva there is an organisation that regroups many mid-wives, that provides both live and online advice for free (useful link: www.arcade-sages-femmes.ch).
Nurse
The nurse is a health care provider who provides care to the patient as prescribed by the doctor and in collaboration with the doctor. The nurse is in daily contact with the patient and relays information to the doctor about the treatment and well-being of the patient.
The nurse works primarily in the hospital or clinic, but also does home visits. The nurse executes medical tests and checkups (blood tests, température, blood pressure), delivers and administers medicines, helps with patient hygiene and changes/cleans bandages following operations or interventions. They also have a role in prevention and pyschological support.
Clinic
A clinic is a private medical structure that provides a series of medical services, and generally provides a more personalised and faster service than public hospitals. In Switzerland there are a large number of clinics that provide services most notably in surgery, obstetrics/gynecology or medical imagery. The specialty varies among different clinics depending on the specialty of the doctors practicing there and the medical equipment available. In Switzerland, complementary medical assurance is required to take advantage of private clinics, except in the case of medical emergencies.
Those persons in possession of international health care insurance generally have access to these clinics.
Check-up
A check-up is medical exam provided by a doctor to establish the baseline of health of the patient and to identify early on potential illnesses, before symptoms arise. It can be performed in a doctor’s office, clinic or hospital and may include a series of exams including blood test, blood pressure measurement, weight assessment, asculation, stress test and x-rays.
Regular check-ups are important to ensure a good health and to prevent potential illnesses from developing and/or to treat problems that have gone unnoticed. When required, patients will be directed to a specialist more apt for specific problems.
It is recommended that everyone have a check up annually.
A biocheck-up is an exam offered by some doctors who wish to make a more in-depth exam. It includes most notably specific research based on a blood test. The goal is to make a specific diagnosis of eventual disequalibriums of the matabolism, nutritional or hormonal systems to reduce the potential for futur health complications. With this type of analysis, a certain number of difficult to identify illnesses or problems can be detected early and/or prevented and corrected with changes in lifestyle and diet.
Vaccinations
A vaccination consists of introducing into the human body an external substance that will create a positive immune réaction against the infectious disease. The vaccine is designed to stimulate the natural defenses within the organism to protect the body over the long term. In Switzerland, a complete series of vaccinations is strongly recommended, particularly among children. Additional vaccinations may be required for travelers going to certain destinations where disesase are more prevalent. More information about vaccines in Switzerland can be found on the website of the Confederation Suisse :
(lien : www.bag.admin.ch/themen/medizin/00682/00685/index.html?lang=fr).
Medical File
The médical file contains all the medical information relative to the health and well-being of the patient. While it legally belongs to the patient, it is generally kept and maintained by the doctor and is a legally protected document. The medical file contains doctors notes, letters, lab results and analysis and other documents tracing the history of the health of the patient.
Hippocratic Oath
The hippocratic Oath is a traditional ceremony practiced by young doctors at the completion of their degree in medicine. This text is of greek origin, likely from the 4century BC and is attributed to the medicine of Hippocrates. It represent the code of ethics for medicine. (useful link: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath).
Sermon of Geneva
The Semon of Geneva is a revised version of the Hippocratic Oath, decreed by young graduates of medicine in Geneva.
(Useful link: www.amge.ch/medecins/serment-de-geneve/).
International Medical Health Care Insurance
International medical health insurance is an internationally recognized health insurance that guarantees the insured complete medical coverage throughout the world. With this type of insurance, people are free to choose their doctor and/or hospital, in all countries. It is generally provided to expatriates and foreign students and allows for simple and effective management of their medical file while out of the home country, all while guaranteeing the best possible care.
FMH
The groupe FMH is a professional association of the medical corps in Switzerland and regroups 95% of the doctors in the country. It protects it members politically, but above all, guarantees the quality of the Swiss health care system and its financial viability. One of its principle tasks is monitoring medical post-graduate students. For more more information on the association : www.fmh.ch/fr/index.html
HUG & CHUV
The HUG (Hopitaux universitaires de Geneve) like the CHUV (Centre Hospitalier de Lausanne) are public medical establishments whose mission is based on three pillars : care, education and research. In Switzerland, outside of Geneva and Lausanne, only Basel, Bern, Zurich and Luzern have University hospitals. These two entities regroup a number of significant specialties and have become an important part of the Swiss medical landscape. The CHUV and the HUG are the two hosptials of reference for Swiss romand.
(Useful links: www.hug-ge.ch et www.chuv.ch ).
Emergency Numbers
Keep these emergeny numbers close by at all times:
Ambulance 144
Police 117
Fire 118
Poison 145
REGA 1414
Ambulances in Geneva can be reached by calling 144. This is a central number that will be directed to an intermediary who can best respond to the needs of the caller.
For cardiac emergencies, a cardiomobile will be deployed. In the case of accidents or transfers to hospitals, an ambulance complete with appropriate medical equipement will be sent. The choice of vehicule will depend on the health and state of the patient.
REGA is a safety and relief organization in Switzerland that deploys helicopters in the case of medical emergencies. This allows them to arrive at the scene of an accident quickly and in difficult to reach places, such as mountain accidents.
Locally known as TOX, le CSIT, which responds to the number 145, was founded in 1966 by the Swiss Pharmaceutical Society (SSPh) in collaboration with the University of Zurich. At any moment, a doctor will respond to all calls when a poison is ingested or suspected of being ingested. Once you have contacted TOX, it is important to explain in detail the symptoms presented by the patient, including their age and weight. It is also important to let the doctor know how much time has elapsed and the estimated dose of the ingested substance.
Medications
Medications in Switzerland are very strictly controlled by political authorities. The organisation of reference for this subject is the Institut Swiss of therapeutic products, Swissmedic.
(lien : www.swissmedic.ch/index.html?lang=fr ).
Equivalence
A specialized site that provides equivalences of Swiss medicines with foreign medicines sold in the Swiss market.
www.kompendium.ch/Search.aspx
Home delivery
Most pharmacies in Switzerland provide a free home delivery service for patients who are unable to travel themselves to the pharmacy. All pharmacies affiliated with DOC in the CITY deliver quickly and for free to DOC patients.
Doctor on Call
The doctor on call sees patients outside of normal working hours of most medical offices – generally evenings or weekends. The doctor on call is generally a solution in the event of medical emergencies and he/she will be called into the hospital or clinic to see the patient. It is recommended to call the on-call doctor and discuss the problem to avoid making an unnecessary trip to the hospital, office or clinic.
Emergency Doctor
Emergency doctors work in emergency rooms of hospitals or clinics. They are the first point of contact with the patient and evaluate and analyse the gravity of the patients injury or illness and provide the first treatment. Emergency service staff treats surgical illnesses, psychological problems, medical and socio-medical problems. The emergency physician treats a vast number of different problems before releasing the patient or sending them to the appropraite specialist. They treat both children and adults, although many hospitals in Geneva have pediatric emergency rooms.
Medical Laboratory
The medical lab is where all all the different tests are analysed and diagnosed. The lab may analyse a wide and varied range of tests including blood tests, saliva, urine etc. In Switzerland, the patient is rarely is in direct contact with the lab and it is the doctor who will administer and forward the tests for analysis. He/she will also receive the test results to share with the patient.
Network of Doctors
A network of doctors is a group of several doctors working together, that typically specialize in different branches of medicine to provide complementary services to their patients. This type of structure generally reduces costs for the doctors . For the patient, it facilitates easier appointments with varied specialists within the network and better ongoing care. Sometimes patients may even benefit from a reduction in their insurance fees, if they agree to be exclusively treated by a network. (with the exception of pediatrics, opthamology, gynecology and emergencies.)
Travel Doctor
The travel doctor works on two principals : prevention before travelling and treatment of illnesses contracted in foreign countries. It is recommended to visit these doctors up to 4-6 weeks before traveling, in order to ensure that the proper vaccinations can be given in an appropriate time frame if necessary. These doctors treat primarily tropical illnesses like malaria, hepatitis or cholera. For more information http://www.safetravel.ch/.
Travel Pharmacy/First Aid Kit
Everyone who travels should be equiped with a small medical first aid kit in the unfortunate event of a minor accident or illness while travelling. This may allow you to treat an illness or injury quickly and avoid a trip to the hospital.
Outside of prescription medicine, the kit should include:
band-aids
a disenfectant
bandages
eye drops
nasal spray or drops
anti-inflamatory/pain relief (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
anti diaretic
thermometer
oral rehydrations salts
sterile bandage
scissors
safety pin
