What is the meaning of the suffix '-ist' in medical terms?

The suffix '-ist' in medical terminology denotes an individual who specializes in a particular field or branch of medicine. This terminology is widely used to describe healthcare professionals who have expertise in specific areas. For instance, a physician specializing in the treatment of diseases related to the heart is referred to as a cardiologist, where 'cardio-' refers to the heart and '-logist' indicates one who studies or practices in that field.

In contrast, the other answer choices reflect different meanings that do not align with the definition of '-ist.' A type of medication refers to pharmaceuticals used for treatment rather than a specialization. A part of the body pertains to anatomical terminology and not to a specialist's role. Lastly, an indication of disease speaks to diagnostic criteria or symptoms rather than to the professional expertise offered by someone in the medical field.