Crossword Genius

Notice that woman specialist is a loyal follower? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

adherent

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'loyal follower?' is the definition.
'adherent' can be an answer for 'follower?' (adherent is a kind of follower). I'm not certain of the 'loyal' bit.

'notice that woman specialist' is the wordplay.
'notice' becomes 'ad' (both can mean an advertisement).
'that woman' becomes 'her' (her refers to a woman).
'specialist' becomes 'ent' (Ear, Nose and Throat specialist).
'ad'+'her'+'ent'='ADHERENT'

'is a' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for adherent that I've seen before include "One believes in and helps spread the doctrine of another" , "One supports" , "One supporting" , "Supporter; sticking" , "Person supporting" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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