When you are feeling unwell and need some advice about your symptoms, you will usually phone your local clinic for an appointment. The person you see is known as a doctor. They will typically provide a physical examination and ask about your symptoms before offering up a diagnosis and writing a prescription for medication if this is required or refer you for further tests if necessary. So, why do some people refer to doctors as physicians? Is there a difference between the two?
For many people, the words doctor and physician are used interchangeably, and they believe that they mean the same thing. But if they are one and the same, why do we have two words to describe the same job? And why do we often see roles advertised for physician jobs as well as doctors jobs? The experts at Health Jobs tell us there are actually many differences between the two jobs.
How Do Doctors Differ from Physicians?
Although most of us think of doctors as medical providers, not all doctors actually practice medicine. A doctor is actually someone who has earned a doctorate degree in a specific field, which includes medicine. It is also possible to become a doctor of theology, fine arts, education, veterinary medicine, and dentistry, for example. Anyone who has achieved a doctorate degree can be referred to as a doctor.
So, while not all doctors have studied medicine, all physicians have. Not every doctor is a physician, but every physician is a doctor. Doctors work in whatever field they have earned their doctorate degree. Physicians work primarily in the field of medicine and medical science.
How Do You Become a Physician?
To become a physician, you must first achieve a bachelor’s degree. It is not absolutely necessary to achieve this degree in a medical related field but many people who aspire to achieve a Doctor of Medicine will choose to study in a field such as biology, chemistry, psychology, medical technology, or another related undergraduate program.
After the four years it takes to achieve a bachelor’s degree, physicians must attend medical school for a further four years. At this point, they will have studied for eight years and will have their doctorate. The next part of the process is to join a residency program, which can take between three and seven years depending on the specialist field the individual wants to pursue.
So, while it takes eight years to become a doctor, it can take between 11 and 15 years to become a fully licensed physician.
Do Physicians Earn More than Doctors
Physicians in the U.S. can earn anywhere between $120,000 and $310,000. The actual salary a physician earns will depend on several factors including their specialty, how long they have been practicing medicine, and where they are located.
A Doctor of Fine Arts can earn an average salary of $72,000, whereas a Doctor of Education might earn anywhere between $51,000 and $115,000.
So, yes, if you are comparing a Doctor of Medicine, i.e., a physician, with a doctor in another field, they do earn more.
Summary
Most people assume that doctors and physicians are the same thing. But while a Doctor of Medicine is also known as a physician, not every doctor is. This is because it is possible to earn a doctorate degree in other fields such as theology, fine arts, education, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.
Anyone who obtains a doctorate degree is entitled to be called doctor, but that does not mean they are physicians. Only those who obtain a Doctor of Medicine are classed as a physician.
