Doctors apply medical knowledge in their two major roles, which include diagnosing and treating illnesses. In performing their roles, doctors make rounds in hospitals to check on the progress of their patients and give instructions to nurses on the kind of care to give to the patients. Doctors also recommend some cases to specialists who give patients the specialized care required. These specialized doctors run clinics that offer consultation and specialized services. Doctors can either work as general practitioners who handle general illnesses or specialize in fields such as pediatrics, cardiology, psychiatry or anesthetics.
The nurses provide guidance and specialized care to patients. They work with doctors, surgeons, and physiotherapists to help patients progress. Nurses help patients them access toilets, ensure they get enough food, drink and rest, keep patients as mobile as possible to prevent stiff muscles and assist them in bathing.
The role of pharmacists is to administer drug therapy. Pharmacists distribute drugs prescribed by medical practitioners and give advice on how to take the drugs. They monitor patients' response to drugs and may orders lab tests if they notice adverse reactions to drugs. The pharmacists work in collaboration with physicians on drug therapy management, administering immunizations, and educating patients on the use of drugs.
Hospital administrators are medical officers who manage hospitals, clinics, and/or hospices and to ensure the smooth running of the hospital. Large hospitals employ administrators to manage each department. Administrators act as liaisons between hospital governing boards, medicals staff, subordinate staff and department heads to ensure the hospital functions as a whole. Administrators recruit and hire staff, plan hospital budgets, create and set policies, and set the hospital rates. They evaluate the medical staff and attend hospital staff meetings where they receive up-to-date information on the hospital.