From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: What Physicians and Surgeons Do
“Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance. 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 similar 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 work in all specialties.”
Source: 2022 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year estimates
Note: The table image above contains the three rows that have the word “physician” for the female population. Click on the image for the full table in Data.census.gov. For data dating back to 2010, click the drop-down under the table title.
From the Library / America Counts: Stories:
Source: 2010 to 2024 Quarterly Services Survey (QSS)
Source: 2021 Annual Business Survey (ABS) Program
Source: 1978-2021 Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS)
Source: 2021 County Business Patterns (CBP)
Source: 2021 Service Annual Survey (SAS) and administrative data
Source: 2020 Nonemployer Statistics (NES)
Source: 2017 Economic Census
From the Library: