======Medi-Witch======
=====Introduction=====
A **Medi-witch** is a witch who specialises in the field of [[Healing Magic]], serving as the magical equivalent of a [[Muggle]] doctor or nurse. The male counterpart is known as a **Mediwizard**. The more formal and seemingly gender-neutral title for this profession, particularly for those working at [[St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries]], is **[[Healer]]**. These individuals are responsible for diagnosing and treating a vast range of magical and non-magical ailments, from potion-induced illnesses to injuries caused by dark curses. They are highly respected and essential members of wizarding society, working in institutions like [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] and the primary wizarding hospital of Great Britain, [[St Mungo's]].
=====Biography=====
As "Medi-witch" is a professional title rather than a single individual, this section details the history of the profession through its most notable known practitioners.
  * **[[Poppy Pomfrey]]:** The long-serving Matron of the [[Hogwarts]] hospital wing during [[Harry Potter]]'s time at the school. [[Madam Pomfrey]] was an exceptionally competent and strict Medi-witch, capable of mending grievous injuries in moments. She famously regrew all the bones in [[Harry Potter]]'s arm using [[Skele-Gro]], healed [[Hermione Granger]] after her polyjuice mishap, and tended to countless students injured by magical creatures, jinxes, or [[Quidditch]] accidents.
  * **[[Healers]] at St. Mungo's:** Several [[Healers]] are mentioned by name during [[Arthur Weasley]]'s stay at the hospital after being attacked by [[Nagini]].
    - **[[Hippocrates Smethwyck]]:** The Healer-in-Charge on the Dai Llewellyn Ward for "Serious Bites," he oversaw [[Arthur Weasley]]'s treatment.
    - **[[Augustus Pye]]:** A Trainee Healer on the same ward who was interested in "complementary medicine" and suggested using [[Muggle]] stitches on Arthur's wounds.
    - **[[Miriam Strout]]:** A Healer on the Janus Thickey Ward for long-term residents with spell-damage. She cared for patients such as [[Gilderoy Lockhart]], [[Frank Longbottom]], and [[Alice Longbottom]]. She was placed on leave after [[Broderick Bode]] was mysteriously strangled by a pot of [[Devil's Snare]].
  * **[[Dilys Derwent]]:** A celebrated [[Healer]] who worked at [[St Mungo's]] from 1722 to 1741 before becoming Headmistress of [[Hogwarts]] from 1741 to 1768. Her portrait hangs in both locations, allowing her to travel between them.
=====Physical Appearance and Personality=====
There is no uniform physical appearance for a Medi-witch or [[Healer]]. They wear specific uniforms depending on their place of work; at [[St Mungo's]], [[Healers]] are seen wearing lime-green robes.
The profession demands a specific set of personality traits. A Medi-witch must be calm under pressure, highly knowledgeable, and deeply caring. They often display a firm, no-nonsense attitude to ensure patient safety and proper recovery. [[Madam Pomfrey]] is the prime example of this professional demeanour; while she could be sharp-tongued and was fiercely protective of her sanatorium, her actions were always driven by a profound dedication to her patients' well-being. She frequently expressed disapproval of the dangers present at [[Hogwarts]], yet never failed in her duty to heal those affected by them.
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
Medi-witches and [[Healers]] must possess a high degree of magical proficiency, particularly in specialized fields.
  * **[[Healing Magic]]:** This is the core skill of the profession. It encompasses a wide variety of charms and spells used to mend bones, close wounds, and counteract jinxes. Known spells include `[[Episkey]]` for minor injuries and the complex song-like spell `[[Vulnera Sanentur]]` for treating deep, cursed wounds.
  * **[[Potions]]:** A comprehensive knowledge of [[Potions]] is essential for treatment. [[Healers]] must be able to brew and administer a vast array of medicinal concoctions, including [[Skele-Gro]] for regrowing bones, [[Blood-Replenishing Potion]], [[Pepperup Potion]] for curing the common cold, and numerous antidotes to poisons and minor curses.
  * **[[Herbology]]:** An understanding of magical plants and fungi is crucial, as many are key ingredients in [[Potions]] or are directly involved in magical maladies. Knowledge of how to handle dangerous plants like [[Mandrake]]s or [[Devil's Snare]] is a required skill.
  * **Diagnosis of Magical Ailments:** A key skill is the ability to accurately identify the source of an injury or illness. This can be extremely complex, requiring the [[Healer]] to distinguish between the effects of a simple hex, a dangerous creature's bite, a potion gone wrong, or powerful [[Dark Magic]], such as the curse that afflicted [[Katie Bell]] via the opal necklace.
=====Possessions=====
While personal possessions vary, Medi-witches utilize a standard set of professional equipment.
  * **[[Wand]]:** The primary and most essential tool for casting healing spells and performing diagnostic charms.
  * **[[Potions]] Stock:** A well-supplied cabinet of medicinal [[Potions]] and potion ingredients is a staple of any infirmary or hospital ward.
  * **Medical Supplies:** In addition to magic, traditional supplies like bandages and splints are used to support the healing process.
  * **Uniforms:** At [[St Mungo's]], [[Healers]] are identified by their lime-green robes. The Matron of [[Hogwarts]] wears a traditional nurse's uniform.
=====Relationships=====
A Medi-witch's professional relationships are central to their role in the wizarding community.
  * **With Patients:** The relationship is one of a caregiver who holds ultimate authority over the patient's treatment and recovery. This is seen when [[Madam Pomfrey]] strictly limits visitors to the hospital wing or when the [[St Mungo's]] [[Healers]] manage the flow of information regarding their patients.
  * **Within Institutions:** Within [[Hogwarts]], [[Madam Pomfrey]] operates with significant autonomy and is respected by all staff, including the Headmaster. At [[St Mungo's]], there is a clear hierarchy, with titles like "Healer-in-Charge" and "Trainee Healer" indicating different levels of experience and authority.
  * **In Wizarding Society:** [[Healers]] and Medi-witches are highly respected professionals. Their role is as vital to the wizarding world as that of doctors and surgeons is to the [[Muggle]] world, making them indispensable members of the community.
=====Etymology=====
  * **Medi-witch:** The name is a straightforward compound word. The prefix **"Medi-"** is derived from the Latin //medicus//, meaning "physician," or //medeor//, meaning "to heal, to cure." The suffix **"-witch"** denotes a female practitioner of magic.
  * **Healer:** This alternative title is a direct and descriptive term for one who heals. It appears to be the more formal and professional term used within [[St Mungo's]].
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * While the term "Medi-witch" is used, "Healer" appears to be the more common and official job title in the books, especially in the context of [[St Mungo's]].
  * The wizarding world's approach to medicine presents a fascinating contrast to [[Muggle]] practices. Magical healing can be instantaneous for physical injuries but struggles significantly with damage caused by very powerful [[Dark Magic]] or that which affects the mind or soul, as seen with the permanent residents of the Janus Thickey Ward.
  * [[Arthur Weasley]]'s fascination with [[Muggle]] stitches highlights the different philosophies of healing; while wizards can magically seal wounds, they seem to have no equivalent for the simple, non-magical methodology of sewing skin together.
  * According to the Pottermore website, [[St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries]] was founded in the late 1500s/early 1600s by the famous [[Healer]] [[Mungo Bonham]] (Pottermore).