Final answer:
The suffix -ism refers to a process, practice, or doctrine and is often used in the context of belief systems or ideologies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The suffix -ism indicates a process, practice, or doctrine. It is commonly found in words that denote a belief system or ideology, such as capitalism or realism. In the context of a disease or medical condition, -ism does not imply the disease itself, but rather refers to the condition or practice associated with it, as in medicalism, which would relate to the practice of medicine or the policies surrounding it. It is crucial to differentiate this from specific medical terminology related to pathology, such as endemic disease, which is constantly present in a population.