Difference between Physician And Doctor

Although the terms ‘doctor’ and a ‘physician’ may sound synonymous, there is indeed a difference between them. Whenever we have a general health discomfort or any ailment, we seek a medical professional’s help such as a doctor or a physician. Having known the difference in what they do and treat, it is quite easy for you to seek the right person for your health concern.

The two terms can be used interchangeably in many instances. However, it is essential to understand the fact that all doctors are physicians, but not all physicians are doctors.

Generally, a ‘doctor’ is the title reserved for someone who has completed graduation in medical school and has an additional MD or DO post graduation degree. Medical doctors generally don’t require rigorous research or dissertation, rather it is more professional education. General doctors in addition to specialists like Podiatrists, Dentists, Optometrists, Clinical psychologists, Chiropractors, Nephropathy are also referred to as doctors. Thus doctors specialize in particular fields like surgery, oncology and dermatology. To specialize in such fields, they usually go through 11 to 13 years of studying.

A physician is someone who completes the basic four years of the medical degree from an accredited medical school and pursues the M.D with additional years of the internship experience. The duty of the physician is to take appointments of patients and prescribe them medications and treatments for their general wellness. It is the physician you consult if something is wrong in your body. They plan the treatment depending upon the symptoms exhibited in you. They perform a thorough diagnosis and physical examination of patients. They may also suggest you with essential tips on how to prevent diseases and maintain hygiene. Also, they may refer you to the doctor who is a specialist in a particular field.

The doctors and physicians also differ in the ways and methods of treatment. Physicians recommend only drugs and medications to treat patients. On the other hand, doctors recommend certain surgeries if they notice any serious medical issues. As they are experts in their own field and have done specialization in that field they keenly diagnose the condition and recommend surgery.

Thus in short, a doctor refers to someone who has done specialization in a particular field whereas a physician refers to one who has completed a doctorate in general medicine. For example, if you have a fever you may get an appointment from a physician and for more complicated diseases or disorders you may seek help from a specialist doctor.