physician /fizish′ən/ [Gk, physikos, natural] , a health professional who has earned a degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) after completing an approved course of study at an approved medical school. Satisfactory completion of National Board Examinations, usually given during both the second and the final years of medical school and after graduation, is also required. An M.D. or D.O. usually enters a hospital internship or residency program for at least 2 years of postgraduate training before beginning practice or further training in a specialty. To practice medicine, an M.D. or D.O. is required to obtain a license from the state in which professional services will be performed. See also osteopath.
