======Mediwitch======
=====Introduction=====
A **Mediwitch** or **Mediwizard** is a witch or wizard who specializes in the magical medical field, serving as the magical equivalent of a [[Muggle]] nurse or paramedic. The term is most prominently used to describe the matron of the [[Hogwarts]] [[Hospital Wing]], [[Madam Poppy Pomfrey]]. The more formal and general term for a magical medical professional, akin to a doctor, is **[[Healer]]**. These individuals possess extensive knowledge of [[Healing Magic]], [[Potions]], and the treatment of magical ailments and injuries, ranging from common accidents to the effects of [[Dark Magic]].
=====Role and Responsibilities=====
The primary responsibility of a Mediwitch or [[Healer]] is the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients suffering from magical maladies. Their skills are essential for repairing damage that would be permanent or fatal in the non-magical world.
  * **[[Healing Magic]]:** They are proficient in a wide array of healing spells, such as `[[Episkey]]` for minor injuries and complex counter-charms for more serious afflictions. Their work often involves mending broken bones, neutralizing poisons, and treating bites from magical creatures.
  * **[[Potions]] and Remedies:** A deep understanding of medicinal [[Potions]] is crucial. This includes administering remedies like `[[Skelegro]]` to regrow bones, `[[Pepperup Potion]]` for the common cold, and using substances like [[Murtlap]] Essence and [[Dittany]] for wounds.
  * **Diagnosis:** Mediwitches must accurately identify the magical cause of an injury, whether it stems from a faulty potion, a misfired spell, a creature attack, or a dark curse.
  * **Long-Term Care:** For severe cases, such as the permanent magical damage inflicted upon [[Neville Longbottom]]'s parents, [[Frank and Alice Longbottom]], or the psychological trauma of [[Gilderoy Lockhart]], Healers provide ongoing care in specialized facilities like [[St. Mungo's]].
  * **Limitations:** Despite their considerable power, there are limits to magical healing. Scars from certain dark curses, like the one on [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s hand or the ones inflicted on [[Bill Weasley]] by [[Fenrir Greyback]], cannot be fully removed. Similarly, minds shattered by powerful curses cannot be restored.
=====Known Mediwitches and Healers=====
  * **[[Poppy Pomfrey]]:** The long-serving matron and Mediwitch of the [[Hogwarts]] [[Hospital Wing]], known for her strict but caring demeanor and exceptional healing skills.
  * **Dilys Derwent:** A former [[Hogwarts]] Headmistress (1741-1768) who was also a celebrated [[Healer]] at [[St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries]]. Her portrait hangs in both locations.
  * **Hippocrates Smethwyck:** A Healer-in-Charge at [[St. Mungo's]] during [[Arthur Weasley]]'s recovery from [[Nagini]]'s attack.
  * **Augustus Pye:** A Trainee [[Healer]] at [[St. Mungo's]] who was interested in "complementary medicine" involving [[Muggle]] stitches.
  * **Miriam Strout:** A [[Healer]] at [[St. Mungo's]] who was in charge of the "Janus Thickey Ward" for permanent spell damage and was reprimanded for failing to prevent an attack on [[Broderick Bode]].
=====Workplaces=====
Mediwitches and Healers are primarily employed in dedicated magical healthcare institutions.
  * **[[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]:** The [[Hospital Wing]] is staffed by a resident Mediwitch to provide immediate care for students and staff.
  * **[[St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries]]:** The main wizarding hospital in Great Britain, located in London. It employs a large staff of Healers specializing in different branches of magical medicine.
=====Etymology=====
The term "Mediwitch" is a portmanteau.
  * **//Medi-//:** A prefix derived from the Latin word //medicus//, meaning "physician" or "doctor."
  * **//-witch//:** A suffix denoting a female practitioner of magic.
The gender-neutral and more common professional title appears to be "[[Healer]]."
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * Healers at [[St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries]] are depicted wearing lime-green robes (Pottermore).