Who is classified as a physician?

The classification of a physician specifically refers to a doctor who is legally authorized to practice medicine. This designation entails completing a medical degree and obtaining the necessary licenses to diagnose, treat, and manage various medical conditions. Physicians typically undergo extensive training, including residency, to prepare them for a wide range of medical practices.

The other options, while they include healthcare professionals with specialized training, do not meet the legal and educational criteria necessary to be classified explicitly as a physician. Certified nurse practitioners have advanced training but typically operate under the supervision of a physician and do not have the full scope of practice that a physician does. Dentists, while they can perform surgical procedures related to oral health, are categorized separately from physicians as they focus on dental care rather than broader medical practice. Similarly, physical therapists, even with a doctoral degree, specialize in rehabilitation and physical health but do not practice medicine in the same capacity as a physician.