In Australia and New Zealand physicians and paediatricians are medical doctors who have completed advanced training in a medical specialty with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) to diagnose and manage complex medical conditions (1).

Physicians treat the medical conditions of adults and paediatricians treat infants, children and adolescents.

Physicians are often referred to as specialists, specialist physicians or consultant physicians. Examples of specialty include cardiology, neurology and medical oncology (2).

Their role can include becoming a supervisor of physician training and play an important role in supporting trainees during training, guiding learning, and providing feedback on progress. They may also focus on research or medical administration.

Physicians and paediatricians practice in hospitals, private clinic and community medical centres.