Have you ever wondered how doctors know exactly what to prescribe? When a treatment plan is made, it isn’t just a guess, and it isn’t based on tradition. It is based on Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM).

However, a single doctor cannot read the thousands of new research papers published every day. This is where Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) come in.

These guidelines are maintained by authoritative Governing Bodies - massive international organizations that review the latest science and publish the rules for treating specific diseases. Below is the ultimate directory of the organizations that define the standard of care worldwide.

1. 1.
   Internal Medicine & General Practice
2. 2.
   Respiratory (Lungs)
3. 3.
   Cardiology & Hypertension
4. 4.
   Endocrinology (Diabetes)
5. 5.
   Gastroenterology & Liver
6. 6.
   Obstetrics & Gynaecology
7. 7.
   Infectious Disease & Public Health
8. 8.
   Kidney (Renal)
9. 9.
   Oncology (Cancer)
10. 10.
    Psychiatry (Mental Health)
11. 11.
    Rheumatology (Joints)
12. 12.
    The Evidence Generators (High-Impact Journals)
13. 13.
    General & Multidisciplinary Authorities
14. 14.
    Medical Classification Systems (Student Reference)
15. 15.
    National Guidelines of Bangladesh

You can find commonly used national and international guidelines in our Telegram group: https://t.me/MBBSInternBangladesh

1. 1.
   ACP (American College of Physicians)

   
   

   The Publication: ACP Clinical Guidelines

   Description: The ACP produces rigorous evidence-based guidelines for internal medicine, focusing on "High Value Care"—treatments that are effective without being unnecessarily expensive.

   Topics: Low back pain, Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), and blood pressure targets.

   Official Source: https://acponline.org/guidelines

   
   
2. 2.
   NIH (National Institutes of Health - USA)

   
   

   The Publication: NIH Clinical Guidelines & Clinicalinfo

   Description: As the world's leading medical research agency, the NIH provides high-authority protocols. While the specific COVID-19 panel has been retired, the NIH remains the definitive source for infectious diseases and chronic condition research.

   Topics: HIV/AIDS (Clinicalinfo), Viral Hepatitis, and Rare Diseases.

   Official Source: https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov | https://www.nih.gov/health-information

1. 1.
   GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma)

   
   

   The Publication: Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention

   Description: GINA is the global network for asthma care. Their annual report is the "Gold Standard," updated every year based on new evidence.

   Topics: Asthma diagnosis, the "step-wise" treatment approach, and acute management.

   Official Source: https://ginasthma.org

   
   
2. 2.
   GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease)

   
   

   The Publication: GOLD Reports

   Description: The counterpart to GINA, focusing exclusively on COPD. It dictates how the disease is staged (Groups A, B, E) and treated worldwide.

   Topics: Spirometry criteria, inhaler therapy selection, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

   Official Source: https://goldcopd.org

   
   
3. 3.
   BTS (British Thoracic Society)

   
   

   The Publication: BTS Guidelines

   Description: A leading authority in respiratory medicine. Their guidelines on Oxygen use and Pneumonia are famous and widely used in Commonwealth countries.

   Topics: Emergency Oxygen use, Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP), and Pleural Disease.

   Official Source: https://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/guidelines-and-quality-standards/

1. 1.
   ESC (European Society of Cardiology)

   
   

   The Publication: ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines

   Description: The ESC represents cardiology professionals across Europe. Their guidelines are highly visual, detailed, and updated frequently to reflect new trials.

   Topics: Acute Coronary Syndromes (Heart Attack), Heart Failure, Atrial Fibrillation, and Valvular Heart Disease.

   Official Source: https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines

   
   
2. 2.
   AHA / ACC (American Heart Association)

   
   

   The Publication: AHA/ACC Guidelines

   Description: The leading authority in the Americas. They are globally recognized for establishing the protocols for emergency cardiovascular care (CPR) and Stroke.

   Topics: CPR (BLS/ACLS), Stroke management, Cholesterol, and Heart Failure.

   Official Source: https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/guidelines-and-statements

   
   
3. 3.
   ISH / ESH (International & European Society of Hypertension)

   
   

   The Publication: ISH Global Hypertension Practice Guidelines

   Description: These organizations are dedicated solely to blood pressure. They define what "High Blood Pressure" is and how to lower it.

   Topics: Hypertension grading, lifestyle modifications, and drug combinations.

   Official Source: https://ish-world.com/guidelines/

1. 1.
   ADA (American Diabetes Association)

   
   

   The Publication: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes

   Description: Updated every January, this document sets the global benchmarks for diabetes care, diagnostic criteria, and treatment goals.

   Topics: Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, and insulin management.

   Official Source: https://professional.diabetes.org/content-page/practice-guidelines-resources

   
   
2. 2.
   IDF (International Diabetes Federation)

   
   

   The Publication: IDF Clinical Practice Recommendations

   Description: While the ADA is US-centric, the IDF represents the global diabetes community. Their guidelines are particularly useful for low-and-middle-income countries.

   Topics: Post-meal glucose management, Diabetic Foot, and Global Diabetes advocacy.

   Official Source: https://idf.org/our-activities/care-prevention/clinical-practice-recommendations.html

1. 1.
   AASLD (American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases)

   
   

   The Publication: AASLD Practice Guidelines

   Description: The definitive source for liver disease. If a doctor is treating Hepatitis or Cirrhosis, they are following AASLD.

   Topics: Hepatitis B and C cure, Cirrhosis management, and Liver Cancer (HCC).

   Official Source: https://www.aasld.org/practice-guidelines

   
   
2. 2.
   ACG (American College of Gastroenterology)

   
   

   The Publication: ACG Clinical Guidelines

   Description: These guidelines provide recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of general gastrointestinal disorders.

   Topics: GERD, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Ulcerative Colitis, and GI Bleeding.

   Official Source: https://gi.org/guidelines/

1. 1.
   RCOG (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists)

   
   

   The Publication: Green-top Guidelines (GTG)

   Description: Based in the UK, the RCOG produces the renowned "Green-top Guidelines." These are clinically focused and are the standard in the UK and Bangladesh.

   Topics: Pre-eclampsia, breech birth, postpartum hemorrhage, and endometriosis.

   Official Source: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/

   
   
2. 2.
   ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)

   
   

   The Publication: Practice Bulletins & Committee Opinions

   Description: The US counterpart to RCOG. Their bulletins are the standard of care for obstetricians in the Americas.

   Topics: Prenatal care, labor management, C-sections, and menopause.

   Official Source: https://www.acog.org/clinical

1. 1.
   IDSA (Infectious Diseases Society of America)

   
   

   The Publication: IDSA Practice Guidelines

   Description: These guidelines dictate the proper use of antimicrobials. They are essential for fighting antibiotic resistance.

   Topics: Pneumonia, UTI, Skin infections, and antibiotic stewardship.

   Official Source: https://www.idsociety.org/practice-guideline/practice-guidelines

   
   
2. 2.
   CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

   
   

   The Publication: MMWR, The Yellow Book, The Pink Book

   Description: The US national public health agency. They are the ultimate authority on vaccines, travel medicine, and STIs.

   Topics: STI Treatment (Syphilis, Gonorrhea), Vaccine schedules (The Pink Book), and Travel health.

   Official Source: https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/publications/index.htm

1. 1.
   KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes)

   
   

   The Publication: KDIGO Clinical Practice Guidelines

   Description: The global non-profit organization dedicated to developing evidence-based guidelines in kidney disease.

   Topics: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) staging, and Dialysis.

   Official Source: https://kdigo.org/guidelines/

1. 1.
   NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network)

   
   

   The Publication: NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

   Description: An alliance of leading cancer centers. Their guidelines are updated frequently and provide specific flowcharts for chemotherapy/radiation.

   Topics: Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Colon Cancer, and Prostate Cancer.

   Official Source: https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/category_1

1. 1.
   APA (American Psychiatric Association)

   
   

   The Publication: DSM-5 & Practice Guidelines

   Description: The DSM-5 is the definitive resource for diagnosing mental disorders, while their practice guidelines dictate treatment.

   Topics: Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and Panic Disorder.

   Official Source: https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/clinical-practice-guidelines

1. 1.
   ACR (American College of Rheumatology)

   
   

   The Publication: ACR Guidelines

   Description: The leading authority on autoimmune and musculoskeletal diseases.

   Topics: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus (SLE), Gout, and Osteoarthritis.

   Official Source: https://www.rheumatology.org/Practice-Quality/Clinical-Support/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines

1. 1.
   The Lancet

   
   

   The Publication: The Lancet Journals & Commissions

   Description: Famous for "Lancet Commissions," which are massive collaborations that set global health agendas.

   Topics: Global Health, Diabetes Commissions, and Clinical Trials.

   Official Source: https://www.thelancet.com/

   
   
2. 2.
   NEJM (The New England Journal of Medicine)

   
   

   The Publication: NEJM Original Research

   Description: Widely considered the most cited medical journal. If a major new drug is discovered, it is usually published here first.

   Topics: Major drug trials and breakthrough therapies.

   Official Source: https://www.nejm.org/

1. 1.
   NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence)

   
   

   The Publication: NICE Guidelines

   Description: Based in the UK, NICE provides national guidance to improve health and social care. It covers the entire spectrum of medicine.

   Topics: Hypertension, Diabetes, Mental Health, and Surgical Procedures.

   Official Source: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance

   
   
2. 2.
   SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network)

   
   

   The Publication: SIGN Guidelines

   Description: The Scottish counterpart to NICE. SIGN is famous for its extremely rigorous evidence review process.

   Topics: Asthma (with BTS), Diabetes, and Migraine.

   Official Source: https://www.sign.ac.uk/

   
   
3. 3.
   WHO (World Health Organization)

   
   

   The Publication: WHO Guidelines

   Description: The directing authority on international health within the UN. Guidelines often focus on public health and resource-limited settings.

   Topics: Malaria, Tuberculosis, HIV, Maternal Health, and Pandemics.

   Official Source: https://www.who.int/publications/i

1. 1.
   ICD (International Classification of Diseases)

   
   

   The Publication: ICD-11

   Description: Maintained by the WHO. While this is NOT a treatment guideline, it is the global standard for diagnosing and coding diseases.

   Topics: Diagnostic codes for every known disease and health condition.

   Official Source: https://icd.who.int/

1. 1.
   DGHS (Directorate General of Health Services - Bangladesh)

   
   

   The Publication: National Clinical Management Guidelines

   Description: The official government repository for standardized clinical protocols in Bangladesh. These guidelines are developed by the Disease Control division to ensure uniform treatment across all public and private healthcare facilities.

   Topics: Dengue (Clinical Management), COVID-19, Malaria, Kala-azar, Anthrax, and Filariasis.

   Official Source: https://dghs.gov.bd/site/page/86973b0c-62dd-4a43-92f2-b305e3264c88/-

2. 2.
   NTP (National Tuberculosis Control Program - Bangladesh)

   
   

   The Publication: Bangladesh National Guidelines and Operational Manual for Tuberculosis Control

   Description: Operating under the Mycobacterial Disease Control (MBDC) unit of the DGHS, the NTP provides the standardized framework for TB elimination in Bangladesh. These guidelines detail the clinical and programmatic standards for case detection, treatment adherence, and public health surveillance.

   Topics: Pulmonary and Extrapulmonary TB, Childhood TB Management, Drug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB), TB-HIV Co-infection, and TB Preventive Treatment (TPT).

   Official Source: https://www.ntp.gov.bd/guidelines/

3. 3.
   BSM (Bangladesh Society of Medicine)

   
   

   The Publication: National Guidelines for Medicine

   Description: The primary body for internal medicine in Bangladesh, working with the DGHS to create protocols.

   Topics: Dengue Syndrome, COVID-19, Malaria, and Kala-azar.

   Official Source: https://bsmedicine.org

   
   
4. 4.
   BADAS (Diabetic Association of Bangladesh)

   
   

   The Publication: Diabetes Care BADAS Guideline

   Description: BADAS is the largest diabetic association in the world. Their guidelines are the national standard for diabetes.

   Topics: Type 2 Diabetes management, Insulin protocols, and Diet.

   Official Source: https://www.dab-bd.org/

   
   
5. 5.
   BCS (Bangladesh Cardiac Society)

   
   

   The Publication: National Guidelines for Cardiology

   Description: The authoritative body for heart health in Bangladesh.

   Topics: Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), Hypertension, and Heart Failure.

   Official Source: http://www.banglacardio.org/

   
   
6. 6.
   OGSB (Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Bangladesh)

   
   

   The Publication: National Guidelines on O&G

   Description: The OGSB sets the rules for maternal health to reduce maternal mortality.

   Topics: Emergency Obstetric Care (EmONC), Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH), and Eclampsia.

   Official Source: https://www.ogsb.org/

   
   
7. 7.
   BPA (Bangladesh Paediatric Association)

   
   

   The Publication: National Guidelines for Child Health

   Description: Working with the government, the BPA ensures child health protocols align with WHO standards.

   Topics: Tuberculosis in Children, IMCI (Integrated Management of Childhood Illness), and Nutrition.

   Official Source: https://dghs.gov.bd