Why do some doctors end in '-ologist' (oncologist, gynaecologist) while others end in '-trician' (paediatrician, obstetrician)?

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Why do some doctors end in '-ologist' (oncologist, gynaecologist) while others end in '-trician' (paediatrician, obstetrician)?

Question #69020. Asked by helenasykes.

zbeckabee
Answer has 6 votes

Currently Best Answer

zbeckabee
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19 year member
11752 replies avatar

Answer has 6 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

An "ician" is one who practices; a specialist; technician.

"Ology" means branch of learning.

An "ologist" is one who studies within that field.

Jul 30 2006, 12:29 PM

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Answer 1

smartie806
Answer has 5 votes

smartie806
20 year member
445 replies

Answer has 5 votes.

They come from the name of the field. Example:
Psychologists practice psychology; pediatricians practice pediatrics.

Jul 30 2006, 12:18 PM

Answer 2

-ology or -logy
SUFFIX: denotes a field of study or academic discipline, and -ologist describes a person who studies that field.
–ian
SUFFIX: 1. Of, relating to, or resembling: Bostonian. 2. One relating to, belonging to, or resembling: academician.

http://www.answers.com/topic/logy-suffix

Why do some doctors end in '-ologist' (oncologist, gynaecologist) while others end in '-trician' (paediatrician, obstetrician)?

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