Medical doctor

A medical doctor, also known as a physician or medical practitioner, is a professional dedicated to the practice of medicine. The primary goals of medicine are to promote, maintain, or restore health. Doctors achieve this through the study, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of various conditions. These conditions can include diseases, injuries, or other physical and mental health issues.

While the term "doctor" is used globally, it can also refer to people holding non-medical doctoral degrees. In a medical context, the role is defined by a commitment to helping those in need.

To practice medicine effectively, a doctor must master several complex areas. They require thorough knowledge of medical sciences, such as anatomy and physiology. Anatomy is the study of body structures, while physiology is the study of how those structures function. Beyond scientific knowledge, doctors must possess competence in applying that knowledge to real-world situations. This practical application is often described as the art or craft of the profession. Furthermore, doctors follow medical ethics. These are professional rules that require them to show compassion, consideration, and benevolence toward their patients.

Medical roles can be divided into different types based on their focus. Some doctors work in general practice, providing comprehensive care to individuals and families. Others choose to focus on specific disease categories, types of patients, or treatment methods. These focused areas are called specialties. In the United States, specialists in internal medicine are known as internists. A more specific type of internist is a hospitalist, a term introduced in 1996. Hospitalists are specialists who work almost exclusively within a hospital setting. Currently, they make up about 19% of all general internists in the United States.

The history of medical professions shows a long evolution of roles. In the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries, a distinction remains between a physician and a surgeon. Historically, these were two separate and sometimes rival professions. A physician traditionally focused on expertise in treating patients with drugs. A surgeon focused on manual procedures. This distinction is reflected in history; in 1518, Henry VIII granted a charter to the London Royal College of Physicians. In 1540, he granted a separate charter to the Company of Barber-Surgeons.

In North America, the terminology and training paths are quite specific. In the United States and Canada, "physician" is a general term for all medical practitioners. Most U.S. physicians hold a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. Others attend osteopathic medical schools to earn a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. After graduating from medical school, these professionals must complete a residency. A residency is a period of specialized training in a chosen field. Some doctors go even further by completing a fellowship to study a subspecialty. To maintain their license, doctors must pass certification exams and undergo periodic recertification every seven to ten years.

Being a medical professional involves significant challenges and social responsibilities. Doctors are often viewed as members of a learned profession with high social status. However, the job often requires long, inflexible hours and shift work. These demanding schedules can lead to occupational burnout. Burnout is a long-term stress reaction that causes emotional exhaustion and a decreased sense of personal achievement. This can eventually lead to a lower quality of care for patients.

Additionally, some regions face serious supply issues. For example, the Association of American Medical Colleges warned that the U.S. could face a shortage of 90,000 doctors by 2025.

The relationship between doctors and their patients is deeply rooted in history. The word "patient" comes from the Latin word *patiens*, which means "one who suffers." This term serves as a reminder of the doctor's duty to those in pain. While modern medicine is often based on "biomedicine"—a scientific approach focused on physical processes—other traditions exist. Some people use alternative medicine, such as Ayurveda or homeopathy. These systems may include different ways of thinking about health, such as mind-body interventions or herbalism. Regardless of the specific tradition, the core goal remains the management of human health and well-being.