What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clinician
Example
The clinician carefully examined the patient's symptoms and ordered some tests. [clinician: noun]
Example
She is a skilled clinician specializing in pediatric medicine. [clinician: noun]
physician
Example
The physician prescribed medication to help with the patient's pain. [physician: noun]
Example
He is a highly respected physician known for his expertise in cardiology. [physician: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Physician is a more commonly used term than clinician in everyday language. Physician is widely recognized as a medical doctor, while clinician may have different titles depending on their specific profession.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clinician and physician?
Both clinician and physician can be used in formal contexts, especially when discussing medical matters. However, physician is generally considered more formal due to its association with medical doctors and their extensive training.
