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 Word Forms

• physicianly 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

Dr. Elizabeth E. Hudson, regional physician chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California, said people 65 and older, and those who are immunocompromised should get vaccinated.

From Los Angeles Times

After an intensive care physician failed to revive her, Frédéric Péchier gave her an injection and the patient went into a coma and survived.

From BBC

“People with blood pressure of 145 over 95 might be told by their primary care physician … that’s fine … just exercise more.”

From Los Angeles Times

Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, the regional physician chief of infectious diseases for Kaiser Permanente Southern California, said data continue to show an increase in coronavirus cases.

From Los Angeles Times

The substance is supposed to be administered only by a physician, officials say, and patients who have taken the drug should be monitored by a professional because of its possible harmful effects.

From BBC

Related Words

• doctor 
• specialist 
• surgeon