Allied health describes the broad range of health professionals who are not doctors, nurses or dentists. An allied health professional aims to provide the best patient outcomes by preventing, diagnosing and treating a range of illnesses and conditions. They often work within a multidisciplinary health team in settings that include:
Private practice
Hospitals
Community health centres
Mental health services
Care homes
Schools
Universities
Professions which are classified as Allied Health include:
Audiologist – Assessment, treatment and prevention of hearing and balance disorders.
Chiropractor – Diagnose and treat physiological and mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Dietitian – Advises patients on nutrition for health, weight management or for specific medical conditions.
Exercise Physiologist – Focuses on therapy and rehabilitation of injury, chronic disease and disability through exercise.
Medical Imaging Professionals – Including radiographers, sonographers and radiologists.
Occupational Therapist – Assist people with illness or disability to develop or maintain daily living and work skills.
Osteopath – Works with manipulation of the musculoskeletal system to treat and prevent injury.
Orthotists – Prescribe, design and fit braces and other devices to aid mobility and rehabilitation, correct deformity and relieve discomfort.
Perfusionist – Operates a range of machinery during surgery (and in ICU) to monitor a patient’s physiological status.
Pharmacist – Prepare, dispense and manufacture medicines and advise on their appropriate use. Pharmacists may also work in a research capacity.
Physiotherapist – Focuses on the diagnosis, management and prevention of movement disorders and injury.
Podiatrist – Treats conditions of the feet and lower limbs
Psychologist – Studies, treats and evaluates mental and behavioural processes.
Social Worker – Helps people deal with personal and social issues through counselling, community engagement, advocacy and various programmes.
Speech Pathologist – Assess and treat patients who have a communication disability. Speech pathologists may also work with patients who have trouble swallowing.