A physician, ideally, is a medical professional who is trained to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. They are also responsible for providing preventative care and educating patients on how to maintain their health. Physicians typically have a degree in medicine and must pass a licensing exam in order to practice. They may specialize in a particular field of medicine, such as pediatrics or cardiology. Physicians are often referred to as healers due to their ability to help people recover from illness and injury.