Physician

The physician diagnoses diseases and treats them, using a variety of techniques. The primary care physician is usually the family doctor, who can treat most common minor ailments, and refers patients with more serious symptoms to specialist physicians. Other physicians work in the emergency room, treating accident victims, or deliver babies in the delivery ward. Some physicians train to be surgeons, and others study internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology or another of the many specialities. All physicians can order diagnostic tests, interpret the results and prescribe drugs to patients,and some, such as psychiatrists, use additional techniques like psychotherapy and counseling. The physician may work in a hospital, specialty clinic or institution, in research or in education. Some physicians are self employed and have a private clinic.