A<unk>  is a health care professional who works as a caregiver of a patient in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, clinic, or patient's home.<unk> s work directly with patients rather than in a laboratory or as a researcher. A<unk>  may diagnose, treat, and otherwise care for patients. For example, clinical pharmacists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), nurses, nurse practitioners, dietitians, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physiotherapists, dentists, optometrists, physician assistants and physicians can be considered<unk> s. Many<unk> s take comprehensive exams to be licensed and some complete graduate degrees (master's or doctorates) in their field of expertise. A main function of a<unk>  is to manage a sick person in order to cure the effects of their illness. The<unk>  can also consider the impact of illness upon the patient and his or her family, as well as other social factors.
Clinician
Doctor
Proceduralist
Veterinarian
Pharmacist
Biomedical scientist
Caregiver
Nurse practitioner