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
1988
1988
1992
1996