When considering a career in medicine, many people wonder about the difference between a surgeon and a physician. Both play critical roles in healthcare, but they differ in their specialties, training and responsibilities. If you’re exploring career paths in healthcare, it’s important to understand these distinctions, especially if you are amid a physician job search or reviewing a physician job description to determine the right fit for you. 

Are physician and surgeon the same thing?

At first glance, the terms “physician” and “surgeon” might seem interchangeable, but they are not. The primary difference between the two lies in their education (physician schooling) and the nature of the care they provide.

A physician is a general term for anyone who has completed medical school and is licensed to practice medicine. Physicians receive extensive training that includes an undergraduate degree, followed by four years of medical school. Afterward, they complete a residency program, typically lasting between three and seven years, depending on their specialty. While many physicians focus on diagnosing and treating medical conditions without surgery, they can specialize in fields like pediatrics, internal medicine or family medicine.

On the other hand, a surgeon is a type of physician who specializes in performing surgeries. Surgeons undergo additional years of education and training after medical school to learn specific surgical techniques.

What is the difference between a physician and surgeon?

The main distinction between a physician and surgeon is their specific area of expertise. While both are medical professionals, their training, skills and daily responsibilities can vary significantly.

Physicians typically focus on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases or injuries without performing surgical procedures. They may prescribe medications, recommend lifestyle changes or coordinate care with other healthcare providers. Physicians often work in settings such as hospitals, private practices and outpatient clinics.

In contrast, a surgeon is a type of physician who has additional, specialized training that enables them to perform surgeries. After completing medical school, surgeons enter a residency program that focuses on surgery and lasts anywhere from five to seven years depending on the surgical specialty. 

The physician and surgeon difference becomes apparent here: while both are trained to treat patients, surgeons have the expertise to perform invasive procedures, while physicians typically do not.

Can physicians perform surgeries?

Can physicians do surgery is a common question for those who are unfamiliar with the roles of physicians and surgeons. While some physicians may have surgical training and experience, most general physicians do not perform surgery. For instance, a family doctor or an internal medicine physician may diagnose a condition and recommend treatment, but if surgery is required, they will refer the patient to a surgeon.

However, certain specialties within the medical field allow physicians to do surgery in a limited capacity. For example, dermatologists can perform procedures like mole removal or biopsies. Similarly, gynecologists may perform minor surgeries, such as tubal ligation. While these are not considered major surgeries like those performed by specialized surgeons, they still require surgical training and are often part of the physician’s practice.

Can you be a physician and a surgeon?

Yes, it is possible to be both a physician and a surgeon, but it requires additional years of training. To become a surgeon, you must first complete medical school as you would to become a physician. Afterward, you must apply to a surgical residency program, which can last from five to seven years depending on the specialty. During this residency, you will gain in-depth experience performing surgeries and learn how to manage surgical patients.

Becoming both a physician and a surgeon requires a significant commitment to education, but it is achievable for those who are passionate about both clinical care and surgical intervention. For example, a general surgeon may focus on abdominal surgeries while still maintaining a general physician’s approach to patient care. This dual expertise allows them to treat a wide range of medical conditions, both surgically and non-surgically.

To clarify the physician and surgeon degree requirements: A surgeon, like a physician, must complete a bachelor’s degree and then medical school. However, to become a surgeon, additional specialized training in the form of a surgical residency program is required. The residency program, which can be quite demanding, equips the surgeon with the specific skills needed to perform surgeries in their chosen specialty, such as orthopedics, neurosurgery or cardiovascular surgery.

If you’re currently considering a medical career or embarking on a physician job search, understanding the differences between various medical roles is crucial for finding the right fit for your skills and interests. Whether you’re drawn to patient diagnosis, preventative car, performing surgery or specific areas of need, there are many opportunities to specialize in the medical field.

To find the latest and most exclusive surgeon and physician opportunities, visit PracticeLink’s renowned job board.