Medically Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD on June 29, 2021 A physician is a general term for a doctor who has earned a medical degree. Physicians work to maintain, promote, and restore health by studying, diagnosing, and treating injuries and
diseases. Physicians generally have six core skills: Physicians diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses. Other responsibilities include: There are generally two types of physicians: medical doctors (MD) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO). They use the same methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, but DOs also focus on the body’s musculoskeletal system, preventative medicine, and holistic patient care. Some specific types of physicians include: Physicians spend several years studying and working as interns or residents before becoming certified doctors. Depending on the type of physician, this process can take between 7 and 15 years. The stages of becoming a physician are: Before medical school Students interested in becoming doctors take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Medical school applicants also need an undergraduate degree, usually in a science-related field. Medical school In general, medical school takes about 4 years. Students learn about science, innovations in treatments and diagnosis, problem-solving, prevention and care, communication skills, and medical ethics. Deciding where to focus During the last year of medical school, students decide which type of medicine they will practice based on personal interests, clinical experiences, and other factors. They apply for a residency program in their chosen field. Residency training During graduate medical education (GME), resident physicians receive supervised, hands-on training in programs accredited by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education. Residents train alongside established doctors in a variety of settings and with a diverse pool of patients. Continuing medical education Before they can practice medicine, a physician needs a state license. They can also choose to become board certified in their chosen specialty. Because the medical field is constantly changing, they must continue their education and stay up-to-date on technologies and trends. Reasons to See a PhysicianThe most common type of physician is a primary care physician, also known as a family doctor. They’re trained to treat a little bit of everything and coordinate care in one location. Some of the most common issues that they handle are:
Which term refers to a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system?A branch of medicine that specializes in the care of women during pregnancy and childbirth and in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the female reproductive organs. It also specializes in other women's health issues, such as menopause, hormone problems, contraception (birth control), and infertility.
Which term refers to a physician who specializes in diagnosing?The physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders in physical and chemical body processes is a: physiatrist.
Which term means a specialist in diagnosing and treating diseases disorders and problems associated with aging?Geriatrics. A branch of medicine practiced by a family physician or doctor of internal medicine who focuses on the aging process and the diagnostic, therapeutic, preventative and rehabilitative aspects of illness in the elderly.
Is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating abnormalities diseases and disorders of the heart?Cardiologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases or conditions of the heart and blood vessels—the cardiovascular system. You might also visit a cardiologist so you can learn about your risk factors for heart disease and find out what measures you can take for better heart health.
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