physician

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'physician' is correct and can be used in written English.
Generally, the word 'physician' is used to refer to a doctor, and you can use it whenever you need to when describing a doctor or referring to a medical professional. For example, "The physician gave the patient a thorough examination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

30 Rock's drug dealer of a physician is prone to saying things like: "You seem nervous.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Admittedly, on other occasions, I feel profound regret that I am not a professional cricketer, a veterinary physician (prescribing tablets but never operating) or a scaffolder who is, as a result of my trade, absolved from all parking restrictions.

The Guardian - Opinion

He served simultaneously as physician in chief of medicine and head of the division of general internal medicine at Chedoke hospital in Hamilton.

The Guardian

Professor Jonathan Iredell, an infectious diseases physician who specialises in the transmission of antibiotic resistance, said Australia's national antimicrobial strategy would also mean funding for the sector was more secure.

The Guardian

But according to chief executive John Rogers, "there is definitely a need to develop assistant practitioner roles and physician assistant or associate is at the top end of that, but there are a lot more roles we are developing which have a huge impact and are less sexy".

The Guardian

The number of training places for physician associates – a new role in primary, emergency and adult medicine developed in the US where the clinician takes on some of the duties currently delivered by junior doctors – is increasing to 205; a 754% rise in one year.

The Guardian

Isn't the eponymous physician a pill-popping, misanthropic jerk with off-putting googly eyes and bedside manner as soothing as a 3am phone call from Stalin?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Even so, "It's not up to some primary care physician to conclude that a patient has a major psychiatric disorder".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'm quite confident to call this a miracle," Janusz Skalski, a physician at the children's hospital in Krakow, southern Poland, told the country's Gazeta Wyborcza daily.

The Guardian

It began, perhaps, with a German physician called Nordheim, who in 1938 demonstrated that most joints in healthy people can be made to pop when pulled upon.

The Guardian

The lung transplant physician who remembers the intricate, non-medical details of his patients' lives because, in his own words, he has "journeyed with them for years".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing specific areas of medicine, use more descriptive terms like "cardiologist" or "neurologist" instead of just "physician".

Common error

Avoid using "physician" in casual conversations or informal writing where "doctor" would be more appropriate. "Physician" can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "physician" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a qualified practitioner of medicine. As noted by Ludwig, it's a formal term for a doctor, often used in professional contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "physician" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun to describe a medical doctor. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's most suitable for formal and professional contexts. While synonyms like "doctor" exist, "physician" carries a more precise and professional tone. Usage patterns reveal its common presence in news, business, and science-related articles. When writing, remember to reserve "physician" for situations where formality is key, and avoid overuse in casual settings. The word is well documented in resources like The Guardian, The Economist and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doctor

A common and informal term for a physician.

medical doctor

A more general and widely understood term for a physician.

medical practitioner

A formal term for someone qualified to practice medicine.

general practitioner

Refers to a physician who provides primary care to individuals and families.

attending physician

A physician who has completed residency and is responsible for supervising medical students and residents.

consultant

A specialist physician who provides expert advice and treatment.

clinician

A health professional who works directly with patients, including physicians.

specialist

A physician who has expertise in a particular area of medicine.

healthcare provider

A broad term encompassing various medical professionals, including physicians.

medical professional

A general term for anyone working in the medical field, including physicians.

FAQs

How do I use "physician" in a sentence?

You can use "physician" to refer to a medical doctor, especially in formal or professional contexts. For example, "The "physician" recommended a new treatment plan."

What's the difference between "physician" and "doctor"?

"Physician" is a more formal and precise term for a medical doctor. While "doctor" is commonly used in everyday conversation, "physician" is preferred in medical or professional settings.

What are some synonyms for "physician"?

Synonyms for "physician" include "medical doctor", "general practitioner", and "medical practitioner", depending on the context.

When should I use "physician" instead of "doctor"?

Use "physician" in formal writing, medical reports, or professional communications. In casual conversation or general writing, "doctor" is usually sufficient and more appropriate.