What is a Physician?

Whether known by the term doctor, medical doctor, or doctor of medicine, a physician is a medical professional whose field is the healing arts of medicine. This professional engages in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and injury, and may be either a doctor of allopathic medicine or osteopathic medicine. Allopathic physicians carry the title M.D., while Osteopathic physicians have the title D.O. Both disciplines are equally educated, skilled, and pass the same rigorous licensing requirements in order to practice.

While the terms doctor and physician are used interchangeably, physician is the more specific term as it designates only those with doctorates in the medical field. The term doctor is a more encompassing title as it is also assigned to those with advanced degrees in fields other than medicine (PhD., Ed.D, and LL.D, to name a few). All individuals who hold M.D.s or D.O.s are considered physicians, regardless of their areas of specialization (surgery, radiology, anesthesiology, among others).

Physician Education and Training

In order to obtain an M.D. or D.O., candidates must have extensive education and training. All will possess a Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university, undergo an additional three or four years of graduate education to earn the doctorate, and an additional three to seven years of internship in a medical environment; this final stage is designed to give the candidates hands-on, practical experience in their areas of specialization. After having earned licensing and certification, the physician must remain up-to-date in the discipline by completing a prescribed number of continuing medical education courses (the number and length of time are set by each states medical licensing board).

Greater than the sum of its parts

A physician, however, is more than a cold professional who looks at people in strictly biological terms. Good physicians have an understanding of the daily activities of their patients, and all the factors that can contribute to their well-being: stress, family life, and family history. The sharing of this information between a doctor and patient engenders a special trust, and the bond that is formed is vital to the complete care of patients.

Physicians are also among the most highly regarded members of a community, and perform numerous roles within it. Oftentimes they are asked to sit on various boards and committees out of respect for the profession, and the education and skill of the doctor. Many family physicians may have patients and their families who have been with three or even four generations.

When looking for a physician, begin with family doctors or general practitioners. Professionals in this field are able to properly diagnose and treatments ailments of their patients. If further or more extensive or specialized treatment is needed, they are in the best position to refer patients to the physician whose specialty is best suited to address the problem.