The terms “physician” and “surgeon” are often used interchangeably in the medical world. However, they are distinct roles, each with its responsibilities and expertise. To make the right career choice, you must understand the basics of both career options and why they differ.
Knowing these roles’ differences can also help you understand how Imperial Locum ensures healthcare facilities are matched with the right professionals for their specific needs.
If you want to explore the difference between a surgeon and a physician and why they are vital in clinical services, this blog is for you!
How Physicians and Surgeons Have Evolved Over Time?
The roles of physicians and surgeons have undergone significant changes over the centuries. In ancient times, people connected these professions closely. Healers were responsible for both diagnosing illnesses and performing surgeries. However, as medicine advanced, the complexity of each field led to a division of roles.
Surgery dates back to ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece. Early surgeons used basic tools for procedures such as trepanation and the removal of part of the skull. Physicians, in contrast, concentrate on identifying and managing illnesses through non-surgical methods. Historically, they relied on remedies like herbs, natural extracts, and therapeutic practices to support healing.
Surgeons received specific training in surgical techniques, while physicians focused on non-invasive treatments and patient care. According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Ethics, the distinction between physicians and surgeons grew more pronounced during the Renaissance, with surgery often regarded as a lower-status profession than medicine.
Today, both are essential in the medical field. Each brings their expertise and plays a vital role in patient care. Let’s take a closer look at these medical specialties:
What is a Physician?
A physician is a medical professional specializing in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. Their main goal is to maintain the overall health and wellness of patients. They typically do not perform specialized procedures. Instead, they offer overall medical care. Here’s what they do as a physician:
- Diagnosis and Treatment: They thoroughly evaluate patients, conduct and analyze tests, and then recommend treatments based on these findings.
- Prevention and Wellness: They emphasize preventive care, guide patients in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and offer regular check-ups as a necessary part of their practice.
- Patient Management: They manage long-term conditions. These include diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
They can specialize in various areas, such as internal medicine, pediatrics, family medicine, or psychiatry. Their primary role is to ensure their patients stay healthy through consistent care and guidance.
What is a Surgeon?
A surgeon is often referred to as an “operating doctor” or “medical specialist” who performs surgeries on patients to treat injuries, diseases, and medical conditions that non-invasive treatments cannot manage alone. They have expertise in specific types of surgery, such as:
- Orthopedic Surgery: Focuses on treating bone and joint injuries, like fractures, arthritis, and sports-related damage.
- Cardiothoracic Surgery: Involves operations on the heart, lungs, and other organs in the chest.
- Neurosurgery: Deals with surgical care for the brain, spine, and nervous system
- General Surgery: This includes many procedures, mainly those involving the abdomen, such as appendix or gallbladder removal.
Differences Between a Physician and a Surgeon
The primary distinction between a physician and surgeon lies in their work. While both are vital to patient care, their roles and the approach to treatment vary considerably:
- Treatment vs Surgery: Physicians focus on non-surgical treatment, whereas a surgeon specializes in performing surgeries.
- Training and Education: Surgeons complete extensive training, including medical school, followed by a specialized surgical residency. This hands-on training allows them to master surgical techniques in fields like orthopedics or neurosurgery.
Physicians also attend medical school, but their training focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions through non-surgical methods. Afterward, they complete a residency in fields such as internal medicine or pediatrics, depending on their specialty.
- Patient Care and Interaction: Physicians often have long-term relationships with their patients, managing chronic conditions and preventive care. Surgeons may see patients for a specific surgical procedure and post-operative care.
Career Paths for Physicians and Surgeons
Physicians in the United States have a broad range of career paths, including specialties such as pediatrics, geriatrics, internal medicine, cardiology, and many others. Physicians can also choose to work in hospitals, private practices, or research. Surgeons, on the other hand, have specialized career paths based on the type of surgery they practice, such as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, or general surgery. Both professions offer opportunities for advancement, including becoming department heads, medical directors, or educators.
If you are looking for Physician and Surgeon jobs in the USA, Imperial Locum is the best platform to help you with high-paying and flexible locum tenens opportunities to get started today.
Salary Expectations for Physicians and Surgeons
Physician salaries vary based on specialty, location, and experience, with a range of $150,000 to $300,000 per year. Surgeons typically earn higher salaries, with some specialties reaching beyond $400,000 annually. According to a study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, physicians’ and surgeons’ wages are among the highest of all occupations, with a median annual salary of $239,200 or greater.
Both physicians and surgeons have job security, and there is a high demand for medical professionals in various specialties. The need for both physicians and surgeons is expected to grow consistently in the coming years.
Who Has Better Work-Life Balance: Physician vs Surgeon?
When it comes to work-life balance, there are clear differences between physicians and surgeons:
- Physicians usually have more regular hours, especially in fields like family medicine. Their schedule tends to be more predictable, allowing for better work-life balance.
- Surgeons, often work long, unpredictable hours because of surgeries especially emergencies can happen at any time.
Both disciplines can benefit from locum tenens opportunities. These short-term, contract-based positions offer more flexibility.
Why Locum Tenens Opportunities are Increasing for Physicians and Surgeons?
Locum tenens positions have become very popular among both specialties. These temporary staffing opportunities allow healthcare experts to work in different locations. They work without making a long-term contract. Here are the benefits:
- Flexibility: They can choose where and when they want to work.
- Variety: Locum tenens roles allow experts to experience different healthcare environments and patient populations.
- Higher Earning Potential: Many locum tenens positions offer competitive pay, often higher than permanent roles.
- Travel Options: For those who enjoy travel, locum tenens offers the chance to work in various cities and countries.
Locum tenens roles offer physicians and surgeons the freedom to choose when and where they work. These short-term positions provide valuable experience without long-term commitments. Medical Staffing Solutions can help facilitate these temporary jobs. They ensure that physicians and surgeons find positions that fit their needs and choices.
When to See a Physician or a Surgeon?
Your choice between a physician and a surgeon depends on what kind of care you need. When a condition calls for surgery, you turn to a surgeon. For everyday health concerns or issues that don’t need surgery, you visit a physician.
It’s important to note that many patients may need a physician and a surgeon. For example, a physician might diagnose a condition that requires surgical intervention, at which point they would refer the patient to a surgeon.
How Can Imperial Locum Support Your Healthcare Staffing Needs?
If you’re a healthcare facility needing staffing services, our staffing services offer reliable locum tenens services. We connect healthcare providers with skilled professionals, and our extensive network will give your patients the highest-quality care possible, even during staffing shortages.
Insightful Read: What are the Benefits of Locum?
We respond quickly to your staffing needs because we know how important timely healthcare support is.
Closing Insights
Understanding the difference between a physician and a surgeon is essential—not only for making informed healthcare decisions but also for choosing the right path if you’re considering a medical career. Physicians and surgeons both play vital, yet distinct roles in patient care. While physicians manage long-term conditions and offer preventive treatment, surgeons step in when medical issues require surgical solutions.
By knowing who does what, patients can seek timely, appropriate care—and professionals can better define their medical journey.
If you are a healthcare provider looking for medical staffing solutions, contact our team to find the right professionals.
