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Medical specialists

Medical specialists are involved in a patient’s care depending on the type and extent of the injuries. Some specialists you may encounter include:

Intensive care physician: a doctor who specialises in the management of patients who require the complex support available in an intensive care unit.

Registrar: a senior doctor who directs the hospital unit team and patient management. The registrar may also assist the specialist/consultant in caring for the patient.

Visiting Medical Officer:  a visiting medical officer is a senior doctor subcontracted by the hospital to provide oversight and mentorship for registrars and residents.  This role may also be called a VMO or consultant.

Neurosurgeon: a surgeon who is a specialist in the management of disorders of the nervous system, brain and spine.

Neurologist: a medical specialist who has a high level of expertise in diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the brain, brain stem and cranial nerves.

Neuropsychologist: a psychologist who is trained in understanding how the brain works and how it affects behaviour, memory, learning and personality.

Occupational therapist: a therapist who has the expertise to improve or maintain independent functioning in all aspects of daily living.

Physiotherapist: a therapist who deals with the physical problems caused by the brain injury in order to maximise physical functioning.

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Other hospital staff

As well as the above medical specialists, there are many professionals who may form part of the medical team for treating a stroke, traumatic brain injury and other brain disorders.

Below are brief explanations of those likely to be involved in acquired brain injury situations.

Nursing team: specific nurses are usually assigned to a patient and are responsible for the immediate care of the patient. A more senior member of the nursing staff usually coordinates the overall management of the ward including patient care, staff and support services

Resident: a junior doctor who will rotate through all the specialist areas of a hospital in order to gain experience and skills unique to these areas.

Medical director: a senior doctor responsible for a department or unit.

Ward Consultant: a doctor who is assigned to a particular ward to oversee the care of patients in the ward.

Orthotist: a specialist technician who develops and fits mechanical devices such as a brace, splint or body jacket.

Speech language pathologist: a specialist who assesses and treats communication and swallowing difficulties. Sometimes there may be damage to the voice and articulation mechanisms, such as the breathing, tongue and facial muscles.

Social worker: a social worker provides a wide range of social services including support, information, referral and counselling to patients and families.

Other professionals who may be involved in monitoring a person’s condition or providing care at different stages of recovery include a dietician, ear nose and throat (ENT) specialist, ophthalmologist, psychiatrist, radiologist, recreational therapist and rehabilitation coordinator.