|
Pathway: Diagnostic & Therapeutic Services
Job: Physician
Job Description
Physicians diagnose illnesses and prescribe and administer treatment for people suffering from injury or disease. They examine patients; obtain medical histories; order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests; and counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare.
Necessary Education
Bachelor’s Degree and Medical Degree and 3 to 8 years of internship and residency.
Helpful High School Courses
Physics, Biology, Mathematics, English, Chemistry, Health, Psychology
Working Conditions
- Many work in small private offices or clinics, often assisted by a staff
- Others work in groups or healthcare organizations that provide back-up coverage and allow for more time off
- Many work long, irregular hours
- Travel frequently between office and hospital to care for patients
- May deal with patients’ concerns over the telephone, and may make emergency visits to hospitals or nursing homes
Salary Range
- 2003, Delaware average annual salary,
$111,680 (and higher depending on specialty)
- 2003, Delaware average hourly wage,
$53.69 (and higher depending on specialty)
Career Ladder Information
- There are two types of physicians: the MD – Doctor of Medicine, and the DO – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
- Formal education and training requirements are among the most demanding of any occupation, but earnings are among the highest
- Physicians are much more likely to work as salaried employees of group medical practices, clinics, or integrated healthcare systems than in the past
- All States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories license physicians. Physicians must pass a licensing examination in order to be licensed
- For those seeking board certification, physicians must pass a final examination in a specialty. There are 24 specialty boards, ranging from allergy and immunology to urology
Personal Qualities and Interests
You:
- Have a desire to serve patients
- Are able to survive the pressures and long hours of medical education and practice
- Are flexible and self-motivated
- Are emotionally stable and able to make decisions in emergencies
- Are willing to study throughout your career to keep up with medical advances
Did you know?
Almost one-third of physicians worked 60 hours or more a week in the year 2000. More than 80 percent of medical students borrow money to cover their expenses.
Additional Information
|
