医术 (yī shù) literally combines 医 (yī), meaning 'medicine' or 'to heal', and 术 (shù), meaning 'art', 'skill', or 'technique'. Together, it refers to the practical ability and expertise a medical practitioner possesses — not just theoretical knowledge, but the hands-on competence to diagnose, treat, and care for patients effectively. It emphasizes proficiency gained through training and experience.

This term is commonly used in formal or respectful contexts — for example, when praising a doctor’s competence ('他的医术很高明'), evaluating traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, or discussing medical education standards. It carries a positive, often admiring connotation and is rarely used in casual speech about oneself. Unlike broader terms like 医学 (yī xué, 'medical science'), 医术 focuses specifically on applied clinical skill rather than academic study or research.