What is a Physician?

View the evolution of medical practitioners from the 16th century to present day

Up to 1700

Apothecary

Makes up medicines for treatment

Learn by apprenticeship to a master, as a trade

Physician

Diagnoses disease and gives instructions for treatment

Learn through reading medical theory, as an academic qualification

Surgeon

Deals with wounds and injuries, using instruments

Learn by apprenticeship to a master, as a trade

1518

1523

1540

1617

1701 to 1849

Apothecary

Now diagnosing disease and giving instructions for treatment

Introducing standards for making up medicines

Physician

Now learning practical medical skills and doing medical research

Surgeon

Now learning through a combination of academic qualifications and practical experience

1703

1745

Late 1700s

1800

1843

1850 to 1948

Apothecary

Increasing specialisation between pharmacy and general medical practice

Physician

Increasing specialisation in terms of non surgical treatments and medical science

Surgeon

Increasing specialisation in terms of surgical treatments and medical science

1852

1859

1880

1880

1880s

1921

1926

1928

1929

1938

1948

1948

1949 to present

Apothecary

Two professions, pharmacist and general practitioner (GP) with distinct qualifications

Physician

Hospital or laboratory based specialist for non surgical branches of medicine

Surgeon

Hospital or laboratory based specialist for surgical branches of medicine

1953

1957

1972

1978

1988

1988

1989

1992

1993

1996

2006

2010