zdravnik

Zdravnik is the Slovenian word for a physician, a medical professional who diagnoses, treats, and prevents illness. The female form is zdravnica, and the plural forms are zdravniki for male doctors and zdravnice for female doctors. The term is used to refer to physicians across various specialties, from general practice to specialized fields.

Typical duties of a zdravnik include taking medical histories, performing physical examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and developing treatment plans. They may also perform procedures within their scope, provide preventive care, and coordinate care with other health professionals such as nurses and specialists. Zdravniki work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and public health settings, and their work often involves ongoing patient relationships and case management.

Education and licensing for zdravniki generally require completing a university medical degree followed by postgraduate training in a chosen specialty. After completing training, physicians must obtain a license or registration from the national medical authority to practice. Many systems also require ongoing continuing professional development to maintain licensure and stay current with medical advances.

Variations in scope and title reflect local health systems. Broadly, the category includes general practitioners or family physicians who provide initial and ongoing care, as well as specialists who focus on specific organs, diseases, or procedures. Across cultures, zdravniks are central to diagnostic and treatment services and play a key role in public health and patient education.

Etymology: the term derives from a root related to health or curing, with suffixes common to agent-noun formations in Slavic languages.