Healer

Healer is a title used by Vulcan medical practitioners. It is regarded as the Vulcan equivalent of the Human title of doctor. Typically, Vulcan healers are trained in the treatment of animals as well as people. Some Vulcan medical practitioners use the title of doctor rather than healer, though what the distinction between the two in Vulcan culture may be (if there is a distinction at all) is unknown. Vulcan Medical Officers in Star Fleet are generally referred to as doctors rather than healers.

Outside Vulcan society, many other cultures also use the term. Often, it refers to a person who practices medicine without the extensive formal training a doctor receives, or someone who specialises in using methods from outside conventional medicine, such as naturopathy and herbalism.

It is also common for a healer to be associated with religion and spirituality. These healers use prayer, rituals or other spiritual means to cure diseases. Healers of this nature are often regarded as influential members of their communities.

In a generic sense, the term can be used to describe any person who regularly improves the health of another.