Main roles and responsibilities of a physician

Physicians are often referred to as medical doctors or medical practitioners. Consider these nine roles and responsibilities of this position to help you write accurate job descriptions and ask appropriate physician interview questions.

1. Providing medical expertise

Physicians are hired for their medical knowledge. They have extensive training in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, disease, pharmacology and medical ethics. Their expertise is developed through years of rigorous studies and practical clinical training.

Here’s a typical educational pathway for a physician:

• Bachelor’s degree: While physicians aren’t required to major in a specific subject, they usually complete undergraduate coursework in biology, chemistry, physics and math to qualify for medical school.
• Medical degree: It takes about four years to complete medical school and earn a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.
• Medical internship/residency: After graduating from medical school, physicians complete a postgraduate training program where they practice medicine under the supervision of experienced doctors. Residencies typically last three to seven years. The first year of a residency program is commonly referred to as the internship year. Many physicians choose a specialty during their internship.
• Fellowship: Some fields, such as cardiology, gastroenterology and infectious diseases, require post-residency fellowships. This can take another one to three years of training.

After completing their education and training, physicians can apply for board certification in a specialty and licensure to practice medicine in their state.

2. Performing duties based on career stage

Medical doctors take on increasing autonomy as they gain experience. Your hiring criteria will depend on the job you’re recruiting for.

Physicians may advance through the following career path after medical school:

• Intern: Newly graduated doctors begin work as interns in hospitals and clinics, applying their academic knowledge and developing clinical skills through supervised patient care.
• Resident: Residents continue working under supervision, refining their clinical and diagnostic skills and pursuing specializations.
• Chief resident: Some doctors serve as chief residents in the later years of their residency programs, performing administrative work, coordinating schedules and liaising between residents and supervising physicians. They may also act as mentors to new interns and residents.
• Fellow: Fellows receive advanced training in a specialty, providing patient care and/or assisting with research. They take on more clinical responsibility but remain under the supervision of attending physicians.
• Attending physician: Attendings have completed their residencies and practice medicine independently, assuming responsibility as the primary decision-makers for patient care. They supervise and mentor medical students, interns, residents and fellows. Attending physicians may also teach at medical schools.
• Department head: Some physicians take charge of a specific medical department, managing budgets, staff and daily operations.
• Chief of medicine: Also called a chief medical officer or medical director, this senior administrative role oversees the operations of a hospital or medical center. Duties include managing resources, hiring and training staff, setting policies and best practices and working closely with the CEO and board of directors.

3. Consulting with patients

Many physicians work in primary care, consulting with individual patients. They’re the first point of contact for health concerns, meeting patients in person or through virtual or telehealth services.

Primary care providers typically:

• Discuss health concerns with patients
• Take medical histories
• Perform physical examinations
• Review symptoms
• Order and interpret tests and labs
• Diagnose health problems
• Refer patients to specialists
• Provide ongoing care

4. Creating treatment plans

After diagnosing an injury and illness, physicians develop personalized treatment plans based on a patient’s condition and medical history.

To help improve outcomes and minimize complications, doctors may:

• Recommend over-the-counter medications or home treatments
• Prescribe medications
• Perform medical procedures
• Consult with colleagues or refer patients to specialists
• Recommend lifestyle changes to manage chronic conditions
• Coordinate care with physiotherapists, dietitians and other health care providers
• Monitor patient progress and adjust care plans as needed

5. Focusing on preventive care

Physicians also play an important role in preventive care, helping patients maintain good health.

To detect health issues early and prevent potential problems from developing, doctors typically:

• Assess risk factors based on medical history and lifestyle
• Provide routine screenings and immunizations
• Perform regular health check-ups
• Provide guidance on nutrition, lifestyle and exercise
• Recommend interventions for weight loss or smoking

6. Providing specialty care

Some physicians are specialists with advanced knowledge of specific body systems, diseases and conditions. They acquire this expertise through additional years of medical training.

Your organization may hire specialists to care for patients with complex conditions and provide treatment options and diagnostic services that aren’t available through primary care providers.

• Anesthesiologists help patients with pain during and after medical procedures. Their duties include selecting medications and dosages, managing sedation, monitoring vital signs and adjusting the amount of anesthetic to keep patients stable.
• Cardiologists diagnose and treat health conditions related to the heart, veins and arteries. They may order tests, perform procedures and prescribe medications. There are also subspecialties such as pediatric and interventional cardiology.
• Dermatologists are physicians who specialize in conditions related to the skin, hair and nails, such as acne, eczema and melanoma. They may perform skin biopsies, laser surgery and cosmetic procedures.
• Obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) specialize in reproductive health. Some OB/GYNS focus on general reproductive health, while others deliver babies and care for patients before, during and after birth.
• Oncologists treat patients with cancer, developing treatment plans that may include surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Subspecialties include radiation, geriatric, pediatric and surgical oncology.
• Pediatricians are experts in the unique developmental needs of infants, children and teens. They perform health check-ups, administer vaccinations and treat illnesses and injuries. Some pediatricians may specialize in cardiology, surgery or adolescent medicine.
• Psychiatrists focus on mental health and managing disorders such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. They use a variety of techniques to care for patients, including medications and therapy.
• Radiologists analyze and interpret medical imaging to help diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. Specialties include diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, and radiation oncology.
• Surgeons perform operations to repair tissue, insert medical devices, reset bones, remove tumors or change a patient’s physical appearance. They examine patients, create surgical plans and manage situations in the operating room. Surgeons can perform general surgery or operate on specific body parts or organ systems.

7. Communicating with patients and health care teams

Physicians have a responsibility to share health information clearly with patients, families and healthcare teams. Effective communication ensures patients receive safe, consistent care.

Their role often includes:

• Providing information and advice to patients about health and wellness
• Discussing diagnoses and treatment options so patients understand their path to recovery
• Explaining potential side effects or risks of medications and procedures
• Communicating instructions to nurses, physician assistants and other members of health care teams to ensure seamless care
• Creating dialogues with colleagues and specialists to collaborate, integrate expertise and make informed decisions

8. Providing guidance to new physicians

Experienced physicians are a vital resource for new medical doctors, helping them build confidence, develop their skills and handle challenging situations. By sharing expertise and passing on knowledge to another generation of practitioners, physicians help improve the quality of medical care.

Some aspects of this role include:

• Supervising interns and residents
• Providing mentorship to less experienced physicians
• Leading educational workshops and seminars
• Teaching in medical schools and hospitals
• Modeling best practices
• Offering career advice

9. Staying up-to-date with skills and best practices

Medical treatments and technologies evolve over time, and physicians have a responsibility to ensure their knowledge is current.

To deliver the best evidence-based care to patients, doctors should:

• Participate in continuing education programs
• Attend conferences and workshops
• Review recent clinical research and treatment protocols in their field
• Collaborate with colleagues
• Assess and refine their approach based on evolving standards of care
• Keep up with medical laws and ethics

Frequently asked questions about physicians

Is there a difference between a doctor and a physician?

The term “physician” refers to medical practitioners who have completed medical school. The term “doctor” may refer to any person who has a doctorate-level degree, including medical doctors.

However, since “doctor” can apply to anyone who holds a PhD, the title doesn’t always indicate medical experience. For example, a university English professor may use the title “Dr. Davis” even though they’re not a medical professional.

What’s the difference between a Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine?

Physicians can hold one of two advanced medical degrees: a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Physicians with either degree can become licensed and practice in a variety of medical specialties.

MDs are graduates of allopathic medical schools, which take a traditional approach to treating illnesses and injuries. DOs graduate from osteopathic medical schools, which combine conventional treatments with a whole-person approach to wellness.

They also receive additional training in a technique called osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which involves applying pressure to bones, muscles, joints and tissue to treat headaches, arthritis and other ailments. About 11% of all physicians in the United States are osteopathic doctors.

Are physicians required to do continuing education?

Continuing education requirements are common, and doctors must complete them to renew their medical license. Every state sets its own licensing requirements, often specifying the number of continuing education hours required per year or during the licensure period. States may also require physicians to complete education in certain categories.