Physician: Definition, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：medical doctor (physician)

physician 🔊

/fɪˈzɪʃn/

A doctor who treats illnesses with medicine, not surgery, often after diagnosing the problem.

Physician using a stethoscope to examine a patient in a clinic, medical professional illustration

medical doctor 🔊

➕

/ˈmɛdɪkl ˈdɒktə/

A professional who is qualified to practice medicine, focusing on diagnosing and treating illnesses using non-surgical methods such as medication and therapy.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'physis' (nature, origin) and the suffix '-ician' (specialist), via Latin 'physica' (natural science). Literally 'a student of nature'.

💡 Mnemonic

Link 'Physician' to 'Physics', as both come from 'physis' (nature). A physician is a specialist who understands the physics (or nature) of the human body and health.

📖 Example

If you have a persistent cough but don't need an operation, your family doctor might refer you to a physician who specializes in lung diseases. 🔊 In the case of a lingering cough that does not require surgical intervention, your general practitioner may direct you to a medical doctor focusing on pulmonary conditions.

🔗 Collocations

attending physician – The primary doctor responsible for a patient's care in a hospital.

primary care physician – A doctor who provides general medical care and coordinates specialist referrals.

🔄 Synonyms

doctor (n.) – A general term for a qualified practitioner of medicine.

medic (n.) – An informal term for a doctor or medical professional.

🌱 Derivatives

physicianship (n.) – The position, skill, or practice of a physician.

physicianly (adj.) – Relating to or characteristic of a physician.

📖 Cultural Story

The term 'physician' has its roots in the ancient Greek concept of 'physis', meaning nature. It originally referred to natural philosophers who studied the nature of the universe. In Latin, 'physicus' meant a natural scientist. Over time, especially in the Middle Ages, as knowledge of the human body was seen as part of natural science, the word evolved to mean a healer who uses natural means (medicine, diet) rather than surgery. This distinction from a surgeon, historically considered more of a craftsman, persists in modern medical terminology (e.g., internal medicine physician).