A clinician is a healthcare professional qualified in the clinical practice of medicine, psychology, or psychiatry
. They provide principal care for patients, expertise in the ongoing management of chronic diseases or conditions, and care during specific situations such as hospitalization
. Clinicians can hold various positions and work with a wide range of patients, making it difficult to define their specific roles
. Some examples of clinicians include:
- Physicians
- Nurses
- Physician assistants
- Psychologists
- Speech-language pathologists
- Clinical pharmacists
- Optometrists
- Dentists
- Nursing officers
- Paramedics
Clinicians work directly with patients rather than in laboratories, community health settings, or research facilities
. They diagnose, treat, and care for patients, aiming to cure their illnesses, reduce pain and suffering, and extend life while considering the impact of illness on the patient and their family
. Clinicians undergo comprehensive training and exams to be licensed and some complete advanced degrees, such as a Healthcare Master of Business Administration
