As doctors of medicine, we have all experienced varying degrees of pride, sense of accomplishment, fulfillment, relief, and a host of other feelings as we came step by step through the long and arduous course that culminated in the degree of Doctor of Medicine. But a doctor does not a physician make. Consider the derivation of terms. Doctor comes from the Latin doctor , or teacher, which derives from docere , to teach. It now also refers to a person licensed to practice any of the healing arts including osteopaths, dentists, chiropractors, veterinarians, etc.
Physician derives from the Latin physica, or natural science.
Although at one time used to distingush doctors practicing non-surgical medicine from those specializing in surgery, it now more commonly refers to a licensed doctor of medicine engaged in processes that heal, relieve and comfort. A physician is what comes after the doctor. The physician is the well-rounded advocate for their patients and the community they serve. The physician treats not just the disease, but the patient as well. I suspect it is when we find the balance to fulfill our obligations not only to our patients but also to our communities, our families and ourselves.