Physicians

Physicians are licensed medical professionals who diagnose, treat, and prevent disease and injury in patients. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and academic centers, and may focus on general care or specialist domains. The path to becoming a physician typically includes undergraduate education, a medical degree (MD or DO), and residency training in a chosen specialty. Many physicians also complete fellowships for subspecialization and pursue board certification in their field. Licensing requirements and examinations vary by country but generally require graduation from an accredited medical program, residency completion, and ongoing professional development.

Physicians perform patient assessment, order and interpret diagnostic tests, develop and implement treatment plans, prescribe medications, perform procedures, and coordinate care with other health professionals. They may practice as generalists or as specialists in areas such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, or family medicine. In addition to clinical duties, many physicians participate in teaching, research, and quality improvement activities, and may contribute to medical guidelines and policy discussions.

The physician workforce faces ongoing challenges, including aging populations, uneven distribution of physicians, burnout, and the need to improve access to high-quality care. Advances in medical science, technology, and health information systems have expanded diagnostic capabilities, telemedicine, and team-based care. Physicians are governed by professional ethical standards and licensing bodies and are often members of national or regional medical associations.