physician

noun

phy·​si·​cian fə-ˈzi-shən 

plural physicians

1

: a person trained in the art of healing

specifically : a health care professional (such as a dermatologist, internist, pediatrician, or urologist) who has earned a medical degree, is clinically experienced, and is licensed to practice medicine as usually distinguished from surgery : a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathic medicine

2

: someone or something that has a beneficial effect or influence

Do justice with mercy. That is what, in essence, the brilliant physician of the heart and soul, Maimonides, tried to teach us 900 years ago.

—Jack Weinstein

Synonyms

• croaker [slang]
• doc
• doctor
• medic
• medico
• sawbones [slang]

Examples of physician in a Sentence

you should always consult a physician if you develop a high fever

Recent Examples on the Web

Every physician should have the strategies and skills needed to be well despite the inevitable stressors of our careers. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024

In 2023, physicians spent an average of 15.5 hours per week on paperwork and administrative or operational tasks. —Aaron Weitzman, Axios, 19 Dec. 2024

These alternative payment models motivate physicians to prioritize patient engagement, quality and safety, patient experience and, consequently, patient outcomes. —Bishan Nandy, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Suki’s flagship product, called Suki Assistant, allows doctors to record their visits with patients and automatically turn them into clinical notes, helping physicians avoid the headache of manually writing out all of that information. —Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English phisicien, fisicien, from Anglo-French, from phisique medicine

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing physician

• family physician
• physician assistant
• physician-assisted suicide
• physician's assistant

Kids Definition

physician

noun

phy·​si·​cian fə-ˈzish-ən 

: a specialist in healing human diseases

especially : one educated and licensed to practice medicine

Medical Definition

physician

noun

phy·​si·​cian fə-ˈzish-ən 

: a health-care professional who has earned a medical degree, is clinically experienced, and is licensed to practice medicine : a doctor of medicine or a doctor of osteopathic medicine