The difference between a doctor and a clinician is in their level of education. Simply put, clinicians are all healthcare providers who deal directly with patients, while doctors are clinicians who focus on a particular specialty involving non-surgical treatment.
The clinician is a general term that encompasses every medical position that involves patients; therefore, the responsibilities for clinicians vary depending on the job title. Clinicians can be medical assistants, doctors, counselors, psychiatrists, etc.
On the other hand, doctors fulfill these responsibilities by providing medical care to patients, giving medical advice on what habits the patient must change to improve their health, and prescribing medicines to reduce illnesses or prevent them from occurring.
Clinicians are responsible for providing healthcare, treatment, and support to patients with varying ailments or diseases and support to prevent diseases.
One type of clinician is a registered nurse, whose duties are focused on the initial diagnostic procedure and the observation and assistance of patients. Surgeons are clinicians with more advanced responsibilities, such as treating injuries with surgical procedures.
Doctors instead focus on performing non-surgical diagnostic procedures and treatments in patients. General physicians are usually primary care doctors who treat varying illnesses and give checkups on a somewhat regular basis.
Psychiatrists focus on mental health and provide psychotherapy and medication to their patients. Regardless of specialty, physicians are consulted to regularly observe and track the status of a patient's health.