What meaning does the suffix "-istry" convey in medical terms?

The suffix "-istry" conveys the meaning of "specialty of" in medical terms. This suffix is derived from the Latin and Greek languages, where it typically indicates a specific field of study or practice. In medicine, it often denotes a branch or an area of expertise, such as in the terms "dentistry" (the specialty of dental care) and "podiatry" (the specialty of foot care). The use of this suffix highlights the specialized nature of these fields, distinguishing them from more general practices or studies. Understanding this suffix is important in the medical field, as it helps categorize various specialties and indicates the focus of a particular discipline.