### Question
How is the term physician defined?


### Answer
The term **physician** is defined in *42 U.S.C. § 11151* as the following:

> a doctor of medicine or osteopathy or a doctor of dental surgery or medical dentistry legally authorized to practice medicine and surgery or dentistry by a State (or any individual who, without authority holds himself or herself out to be so authorized)

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 11151*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 117-ENCOURAGING GOOD FAITH PROFESSIONAL REVIEW ACTIVITIES > SUBCHAPTER III-DEFINITIONS AND REPORTS**

