Physicians evaluate their patients' health by examining patients; ordering laboratory tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic procedures; and consulting with other medical practitioners. They prescribe and administer medications / treatments, and inoculate / vaccinate patients. Physicians advise on health care including health promotion and disease, illness, and accident prevention. Specialists in surgery perform and supervise surgical procedures to correct physical abnormalities / deficiencies and repair injuries.

Physicians must complete a bachelor's degree and then complete a Doctor of Medicine degree at a recognized institution. In Quebec, you must complete a college program in health science and one year of pre-medicine university studies, and must graduate from an approved medical school. Physicians must finish two to three years of a family medicine residency program, and also complete the qualifying examinations of the Medical Council of Canada and obtain a licence from the licensing authority in the province / territory where they'll work. With additional training, they may become a specialist physician.

Surgeons are required to complete a Bachelor of Science degree or, in Quebec, a college program in health science, and one year of pre-medicine university studies. Surgeons must graduate from an approved medical school with training in a chosen area of specialization. Surgeons must complete the certifying examinations of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and obtain a licence from the licensing authority in the province / territory where they'll work. They also need to complete an additional period of supervised fieldwork / practical training or specialty residency program. The minimum residency program duration is four years and must be taken at a designated teaching hospital recognized by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. They may also need to complete two additional years of subspecialty training.