physician

[ fi-zish-uhn ]

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.

physician

/ 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

Other Words From

• phy·sician·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of physician¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of physician¹

C13: from Old French fisicien, from fisique physic

Example Sentences

Johnson died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after a caesarean section eight years ago, spurring a public uproar and lawsuits by her husband against Cedars-Sinai and several physicians, which were ultimately settled.

From Los Angeles Times

But Oz is a controversial figure in the medical world whose television appearances have drawn criticism from fellow physicians who say he backs questionable alternative medicine and unproven weight loss products.

From Los Angeles Times

"These concerns have been ignored for too long, leading to a toxic debate where physicians feel ignored and PAs feel demoralised."

From BBC

The breadth of Chiari type-1 presentations has made it difficult for physicians to develop a consistent treatment protocol for their patients.

From Science Daily

“America is facing a healthcare crisis, and there may be no physician more qualified and capable than Dr. Oz to Make America Healthy Again,” Trump said in a statement.

From Salon

Related Words

• doctor
• specialist
• surgeon