Career as a Physician

Typical Job
Pediatrician, General practitioner, surgeon, Anesthesiologists, gynecologists, Psychiatrists.

Typical Work
Doctors and physicians work diagnosing the effects or illness and injury on human beings. They play a pivotal role in society by examining, performing tests, performing surgery and operations and prescribing medicine to those affected by disease, injury or illness. There are many different fields of medicine in which one can enter with the main areas listed above. Doctors work with the general public providing them with healthcare to improve their lives or heal them. Medical work is very hands on and very personal. You will deal with patients on a daily basis and will perform a variety of tests, examination, operations and provide counselling on a daily basis to a wide variety of individuals. Doctors are typically employed by their respective governments or by a private healthcare provider. Many work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals, or other institutes. It is a very highly skilled position that requires a great deal of training and education.

Education Needed
To become a medical doctor is a long process that involves a great deal of hard work and dedication. First you will need to obtain a bachelor's degree from a recognized university, this degree can be in any field but many pre-med students chose biology, chemistry or biochemistry. Following this degree you will need to write an entrance aptitude exam (i.e. MCAT in Canada and the U.S.). If you obtain a high mark on this exam, combined with a strong showing in your undergraduate marks you may be accepted into medical school. You will need to complete four years of med school followed by three to eight years of residency/internship if you wish to specialize. It is a very long education process and one that will require dedication and determination. Often during your internship you will be forced to work very difficult shifts (some last 18 hours).

Skills and Interests
To become a physician requires many skills some of which include being self-motivated, able to make quick decisions in difficult situations, strong interpersonal skills, trustworthy, and have a desire to serve patients. Interests should include sciences (especially biology), helping others and working with the general public. You will need to work very hard in both school and on the job; it will require a great deal of personal stamina to become a medical doctor. When you start your career in medicine you will have to work very unorthodox hours and for long periods of time.

Salary Range
$150,000 (some family practitioners) - $300,000+ (Anesthesiologists)

Other medical career choices

Other career choices