What does "-iatrist" signify in medical terminology?

The suffix "-iatrist" is used in medical terminology to indicate a physician or a specialist who practices a particular branch of medicine. This suffix is commonly found in words related to healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat specific conditions or diseases. For example, a psychiatrist is a physician specializing in mental health, and a podiatrist focuses on foot health.

Understanding the meaning of the suffix is crucial as it distinguishes the professional's role in healthcare. While the other options refer to different roles within the medical field, such as nursing or pharmacy, "-iatrist" specifically denotes a practitioner who is a medical doctor with a specialized focus, thereby making the connection to physicians accurate and relevant.