physician

American  

[fi-zish-uhn] / fɪˈzɪʃ ən /

noun

1. a person who is legally qualified to practice medicine; doctor of medicine.

2. a person engaged in general medical practice, as distinguished from one specializing in surgery.

3. a person who is skilled in the art of healing.

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physician British  

/ fɪˈzɪʃən /

noun

1. a person legally qualified to practise medicine, esp one specializing in areas of treatment other than surgery; doctor of medicine

2. archaic any person who treats diseases; healer

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Other Word Forms

• physicianly adjective

Etymology

Origin of physician

1175–1225; physic + -ian ( -ician ); replacing Middle English fisicien < Old French

Example Sentences

“We still hear stories about people who are saying, you know, my physician dismissed it or misdiagnosed it, or told me to just go home and wait,” Ferrer said.

From Los Angeles Times

The Sunshine State tops the list for physician shortages, according to a 2026 report by Medicus Healthcare Solutions, a staffing agency.

From MarketWatch

The company’s team of in-house clinicians helped develop the tool alongside its engineers, and a panel of more than 230 physicians are providing medical expertise and safety feedback.

From The Wall Street Journal

"It'll be up to patients to talk with their physicians to see if that might be right for them," said the official, whose name was not given.

From Barron's

The research team says health and mental health professionals, including pediatricians, family physicians, and social workers, should talk with young people about their use of pre-workout supplements.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• doctor
• specialist
• surgeon