Physicians, also known as doctors, help people who are injured or sick. They begin by asking patients about their medical history. Then they examine patients, give tests, and interpret test results. Doctors decide what treatments would be best and see that patients get them. Physicians also advise their patients on good health practices such as diet, exercise, and preventive health care.
Physicians often assign routine tasks to other health workers.
This gives doctors more time to handle the more complex medical procedures. Doctors who are in private practice may handle or oversee the business aspects of running an office. There are two types of physicians. These doctors can use all accepted methods of treatment, as well as perform surgery and prescribe medicines. M.D.s are also called allopathic physicians.