Job Duties: Physicians and surgeons typically do the following: Take a patient’s medical history Update charts and patient information to show current findings and treatments Order tests for nurses or other healthcare staff to perform Review test results to identify any abnormal findings Recommend and design a plan of treatment Address concerns or answer questions that patients have about their health and well-being Help patients take care of their health by discussing topics such as proper nutrition and hygiene Career Overview: Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They often counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates. There are two types of physicians, with corresponding degrees: M.D. (Medical Doctor) and D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Both use the same methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, but D.O.s place additional emphasis on the body's musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic (whole-person) patient care. D.O.s are most likely to be primary care physicians, although they can be found in all specialties. Duties Physicians and surgeons typically do the following: Take a patient’s medical history Update charts and patient information to show current findings and treatments Order tests for nurses or other healthcare staff to perform Review test results to identify any abnormal findings Recommend and design a plan of treatment Address concerns or answer questions that patients have about their health and well-being Help patients take care of their health by discussing topics such as proper nutrition and hygiene In addition, surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, diseases, or deformities.