How to become a Doctor / Physician

Physicians are medical doctors who focus on the non-surgical treatment of patients. Physicians tend to focus on one specific element of medicine, such as paediatrics, oncology, or cardiology, making them distinct from general practitioners, as well as surgeons.

Physicians are doctors involved in non-surgical medical care, who specialise in one area of medicine. They are therefore distinct from both general practitioners (GPs) and surgeons.

Broadly speaking, patients are referred to hospital-based specialist physicians after an initial consultation with a GP at a local/family clinic. Patients who come through urgent or emergency care will also be referred to a relevant physician once their problem or condition has been diagnosed.

Physicians tend to be highly specialised, building up expertise in one specific area over the course of their career. With advances in medicine being made all the time, continuing professional development is essential for physicians.

Examples of specialisms that might be pursued by a physician include (but are no means limited to):

• Paediatrics – the medical care of children
• Cardiology – treating disorders of the circulatory system
• Neurology – treating disorders of the nervous systems
• Oncology – the study and treatment of cancer
• Obstetrics and gynaecology – a specialism in pregnancy, childbirth, and the health of the female reproductive system