Doktors

Doktors is a term used in several languages to refer to medical doctors who diagnose and treat illnesses, manage patient care, and promote health. In some contexts, the same spelling also denotes a holder of a doctoral degree rather than a physician, so the intended meaning depends on language and setting.

Education and licensure

Becoming a doktor typically requires completing a medical degree (such as an MD or MBBS), passing national licensing examinations, and completing a period of supervised training (residency or internship). Many countries require ongoing continuing medical education and, for specialists, board certification or equivalent credentials to maintain practice rights.

Roles and practice

Doctors work in varied settings, including primary care clinics, hospitals, emergency departments, and specialty centers. They examine patients, order and interpret laboratory tests and imaging, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, perform procedures, and provide guidance on prevention and healthy living. They often coordinate care with nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and other specialists, and may engage in teaching, research, or leadership roles within health systems.

Regulation and ethics

Medical practice is regulated by national or regional bodies that establish licensing requirements, professional standards, and codes of ethics. Core principles include patient confidentiality, informed consent, safety, evidence-based care, and the obligation to act in the patient’s best interest.

History and terminology

The title derives from Latin, meaning teacher. Usage varies by country: some languages use a form of "doctor" for physicians, while others reserve it for holders of doctoral degrees. In fiction and popular culture, doctors or doktor-related characters are common as healers or scientists.