Become An Acute Care Physician

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Working As An Acute Care Physician

Documenting/Recording Information
Getting Information
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Assisting and Caring for Others
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Deal with People
Unpleasant/Angry People
Unpleasant/Hazardous Environment
Stressful
Make Decisions
$285,803
Average Salary

What Does An Acute Care Physician Do

Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They often counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.

There are two types of physicians, with corresponding degrees: M.D. (Medical Doctor) and D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Both use the same methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, but D.O.s place additional emphasis on the body's musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic (whole-person) patient care. D.O.s are most likely to be primary care physicians, although they can be found in all specialties.

Duties

Physicians and surgeons typically do the following:

Take a patient’s medical history
Update charts and patient information to show current findings and treatments
Order tests for nurses or other healthcare staff to perform
Review test results to identify any abnormal findings
Recommend and design a plan of treatment
Address concerns or answer questions that patients have about their health and well-being
Help patients take care of their health by discussing topics such as proper nutrition and hygiene

Physicians and surgeons work in one or more specialties. The following are examples of types of physicians and surgeons:

Anesthesiologists focus on the care of surgical patients and on pain relief. They administer drugs (anesthetics) that reduce or eliminate the sensation of pain during an operation or another medical procedure. During surgery, they are responsible for adjusting the amount of anesthetic as needed and monitoring the patient's heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and breathing. They also work outside of the operating room, providing pain relief in the intensive care unit, during labor and delivery of babies, and for patients who suffer from chronic pain. Anesthesiologists work with other physicians and surgeons to decide on treatments and procedures before, during, and after surgery.

Family and general physicians assess and treat a range of conditions that occur in everyday life. These conditions include anything from sinus and respiratory infections to broken bones. Family and general physicians typically have regular, long-term patients.

General internists diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a range of problems that affect internal organ systems such as the stomach, kidneys, liver, and digestive tract. Internists use a variety of diagnostic techniques to treat patients through medication or hospitalization. They work mostly with adult patients.

General pediatricians provide care for infants, children, teenagers, and young adults. They specialize in diagnosing and treating problems specific to younger people. Most pediatricians treat common illnesses, minor injuries, and infectious diseases, and administer vaccinations. Some pediatricians specialize in pediatric surgery or serious medical conditions that commonly affect younger patients, such as autoimmune disorders or chronic ailments.

Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) provide care related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the female reproductive system. They treat and counsel women throughout their pregnancy and deliver babies. They also diagnose and treat health issues specific to women, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, hormonal disorders, and symptoms related to menopause.

Psychiatrists are primary mental health physicians. They diagnose and treat mental illnesses through a combination of personal counseling (psychotherapy), psychoanalysis, hospitalization, and medication. Psychotherapy involves regular discussions with patients about their problems. The psychiatrist helps them find solutions through changes in their behavioral patterns, explorations of their past experiences, or group and family therapy sessions. Psychoanalysis involves long-term psychotherapy and counseling for patients. Psychiatrists may prescribe medications to correct chemical imbalances that cause some mental illnesses.

Surgeons treat injuries, diseases, and deformities through operations. Using a variety of instruments, a surgeon corrects physical deformities, repairs bone and tissue after injuries, or performs preventive or elective surgeries on patients. Although a large number perform general surgery, many surgeons choose to specialize in a specific area. Specialties include orthopedic surgery (the treatment of the musculoskeletal system), neurological surgery (treatment of the brain and nervous system), cardiovascular surgery, and plastic or reconstructive surgery. Like other physicians, surgeons examine patients, perform and interpret diagnostic tests, and counsel patients on preventive healthcare. Some specialist physicians also perform surgery.

Physicians and surgeons may work in a number of other medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties. The following specialists are some of the most common examples:

Allergists (specialists in diagnosing and treating hay fever or other allergies)
Cardiologists (heart specialists)
Dermatologists (skin specialists)
Gastroenterologists (digestive system specialists)
Ophthalmologists (eye specialists)
Pathologists (specialists who study body tissue to see if it is normal or abnormal)
Radiologists (specialists who review and interpret x rays and other images and deliver radiation treatments for cancer and other illnesses)

Physicians work daily with other healthcare staff, such as registered nurses, other physicians, medical assistants, and medical records and health information technicians.

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How To Become An Acute Care Physician

Physicians and surgeons have demanding education and training requirements. Almost all physicians complete at least 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of medical school, and, depending on their specialty, 3 to 7 years in internship and residency programs.

Education

Most applicants to medical school have at least a bachelor's degree, and many have advanced degrees. Although no specific major is required, all students must complete undergraduate work in biology, chemistry, physics, math, and English. Students also take courses in the humanities and social sciences. In addition, some students volunteer at local hospitals or clinics to gain experience in a healthcare setting.

Medical schools are highly competitive. Most applicants must submit transcripts, scores from the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and letters of recommendation. Schools also consider an applicant’s personality, leadership qualities, and participation in extracurricular activities. Most schools require applicants to interview with members of the admissions committee.

A few medical schools offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs that last 6 or 7 years.

Students spend most of the first 2 years of medical school in laboratories and classrooms, taking courses such as anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, psychology, medical ethics, and the laws governing medicine. They also gain practical skills, learning to take medical histories, examine patients, and diagnose illnesses.

During their last 2 years, medical students work with patients under the supervision of experienced physicians in hospitals and clinics. Through rotations in internal medicine, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery, they gain experience in diagnosing and treating illnesses in a variety of areas.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Physicians and surgeons need to be excellent communicators. They must be able to communicate effectively with their patients and other healthcare support staff.

Compassion. Physicians and surgeons deal with patients who are sick or injured and may be in extreme pain or distress. Physicians and surgeons must be able to treat patients and their families with compassion and understanding.

Detail oriented. Physicians and surgeons must ensure that patients are receiving appropriate treatment and medications. They must also monitor and record various pieces of information related to patient care.

Dexterity. Physicians and surgeons must be good at working with their hands. They may work with very precise and sometimes sharp tools, and mistakes can have serious consequences.

Leadership skills. Physicians who work in their own practice need to be effective leaders. They must be able to manage a staff of other professionals to run their practice.

Organizational skills. Some physicians own their own practice. Strong organizational skills, including good recordkeeping, are critical in both medical and business settings.

Patience. Physicians and surgeons may work for long periods with patients who need special attention. Persons who fear medical treatment may require more patience.

Physical stamina. Physicians and surgeons should be comfortable performing physical tasks, such as lifting or turning disabled patients. Surgeons may spend a great deal of time bending over patients during surgery.

Problem-solving skills. Physicians and surgeons need to evaluate patients’ symptoms and administer the appropriate treatments. They need to do this quickly if a patient’s life is threatened.

Training

After medical school, almost all graduates enter a residency program in their specialty of interest. A residency usually takes place in a hospital and varies in duration, generally lasting from 3 to 7 years, depending on the specialty.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

All states require physicians and surgeons to be licensed; requirements vary by state. To qualify for a license, candidates must graduate from an accredited medical school and complete residency training in their specialty.

All physicians and surgeons also must pass a standardized national licensure exam. M.D.s take the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). D.O.s take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). For specific state information about licensing, contact your state’s medical board.

Certification is not required for physicians and surgeons; however, it may increase their employment opportunities. M.D.s and D.O.s seeking board certification in a specialty may spend up to 7 years in residency training; the length of time varies with the specialty. To become board certified, candidates must complete a residency program and pass a specialty certification exam from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), or the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS).

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Do you work as an Acute Care Physician?

Acute Care Physician Jobs

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Acute Care Physician Career Paths

Acute Care Physician

Physician

Chief Medical Officer

8 Yearsyrs

Physician

Clinic Physician Director

Pharmacist

Pharmacist

Physician

Licensed Practical Nurse

Nurse Manager

9 Yearsyrs

Licensed Practical Nurse

Registered Nurse Supervisor

7 Yearsyrs

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Help others decide if this is a good career for them


Average Length of Employment
Staff Physician 5.3 years
Family Physician 5.0 years
Emergency Room Physician 4.5 years
Family Practice Physician 4.2 years
Primary Care Physician 3.5 years
Family Medicine Physician 3.5 years
Physician 3.3 years
Acute Care Physician 2.0 years
Top Employers Before
Physician 17.1%
Medical Director 11.0%
Emergency Room Physician 7.1%
Internship 6.1%
Residency In Internal Medicine 5.9%
Primary Care Physician 5.1%
Pharmacist 4.6%
Resident 4.6%
Staff Physician 4.3%
Assistant Professor 4.1%
Medical Assistant 3.6%
Staff Nurse 3.6%
Family Practice Physician 3.6%
Family Physician 3.6%
Registered Nurse 3.1%
Physician Assistant 2.6%
Professor Of Family Medicine 2.6%
Ambulatory Care Coordinator 2.6%
Research Fellow 2.6%
Attending Physician 2.6%
Top Employers After
Physician 23.1%
Medical Director 12.3%
Family Medicine Physician 5.7%
Primary Care Physician 5.4%
Emergency Room Physician 5.1%
Staff Physician 4.9%
Family Practice Physician 4.6%
Assistant Professor 3.7%
Pharmacist 3.7%
Instructor 3.7%
Ambulatory Care Coordinator 3.1%
Senior Technician Specialist 3.1%
Family Physician 3.1%
Attending Physician 2.9%
Associate Professor 2.9%
Medical Assistant 2.6%
Professor Of Family Medicine 2.6%
Pharmacy Internship 2.6%
Internship 2.6%
Chairperson 2.3%

Do you work as an Acute Care Physician?

Acute Care Physician Demographics


Gender
Female 59.8%
Male 37.6%
Unknown 2.6%
Ethnicity
White 57.6%
Hispanic or Latino 15.4%
Asian 10.7%
Black or African American 9.9%
Unknown 6.3%
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Foreign Languages Spoken
Spanish 66.7%
French 9.5%
Swedish 4.8%
Vietnamese 4.8%
Malayalam 4.8%
Korean 4.8%
Tamil 4.8%
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Acute Care Physician Education


Schools
University of Illinois at Chicago 7.2%
University of Missouri - Columbia 7.2%
University of Kentucky 5.8%
University of Maryland - Baltimore 5.8%
Western Michigan University 5.8%
Roseman University of Health Sciences 5.8%
Western University of Health Sciences 5.8%
Nova Southeastern University 5.8%
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine 4.3%
Ohio University - 4.3%
University of California - Los Angeles 4.3%
Wayne State University 4.3%
Johns Hopkins University 4.3%
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine 4.3%
Concordia University Wisconsin 4.3%
University of Miami 4.3%
Chatham University 4.3%
Case Western Reserve University 4.3%
Mercy College of Ohio 4.3%
University of Houston 2.9%
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Majors
Medicine 27.1%
Occupational Therapy 12.0%
Nursing 11.7%
Pharmacy 6.9%
Biology 6.3%
Physical Therapy 4.8%
Osteopathic Medicine 4.5%
Business 4.2%
Public Health 3.6%
Medical Assisting Services 3.3%
Health Care Administration 3.0%
Medical Technician 2.4%
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs 1.8%
Psychology 1.5%
Management 1.2%
Physiology And Anatomy 1.2%
Nursing Assistants 1.2%
Clinical Psychology 1.2%
Food And Nutrition 0.9%
Human Development 0.9%
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Degrees
Other 34.1%
Doctorate 22.8%
Masters 21.3%
Bachelors 14.0%
Associate 3.9%
Certificate 2.7%
Diploma 1.0%
License 0.2%
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Real Acute Care Physician Salaries

Job Title	Company	Location	Start Date	Salary
Neuro Critical Care Physician	Sanford Clinic North	Fargo, ND	Oct 10, 2016	$475,836
Critical Care Physician	Pikeville Medical Center, Inc.	Pikeville, KY	Jan 07, 2016	$425,000
Critical Care Physician	Pikeville Medical Center, Inc.	Pikeville, KY	Oct 20, 2016	$425,000
Cardiac Anesthesia Critical Care Physician	Spectrum Health Hospitals	Grand Rapids, MI	Oct 31, 2016	$420,000
Pulmonologist/Critical Care Physician	White River Health System, Inc.	Batesville, AR	Jan 07, 2016	$408,294
Pulmonologist/Critical Care Physician	Delta Regional Medical Center	Greenville, MS	Feb 17, 2016	$402,000
Pulmonologist/Critical Care Physician	Delta Regional Medical Center	Greenville, MS	Sep 04, 2015	$402,000
Critical Care Physician	Mayo Clinic	Menomonie, WI	Jul 25, 2016	$400,000
Pulmonologist/Critical Care Physician	Phelps County Regional Medical Center	Rolla, MO	Oct 19, 2015	$400,000
Critical Care Physician	Mayo Clinic	Eau Claire, WI	Jul 25, 2016	$400,000
Pulmonologist/Critical Care Physician	Northwest Physicians Associates, PC	Meadville, PA	Jan 07, 2016	$400,000
Physician, Critical Care	Geisinger Clinic	Wilkes-Barre, PA	Feb 11, 2016	$340,000 - $400,000
Critical Care Physician	Geisinger Clinic	Wilkes-Barre, PA	Jan 07, 2016	$340,000 - $400,000
Critical Care Intensivist Physician	Spokane Critical Care Associates, P.S.	Spokane, WA	Jan 07, 2016	$340,000
General Surgery, Acute Care Physician	Presbyterian Healthcare Services	Albuquerque, NM	Jan 07, 2016	$338,000
Pulmonologist/Critical Care Physician	Mercy Clinic Oklahoma Communities, Inc.	Ada, OK	Jan 15, 2016	$335,000
Pulmonologist/Critical Care Physician	Wellmont Medical Associates	Kingsport, TN	Jun 12, 2015	$332,500
Critical Care Physician	Kadlec Regional Medical Center	Richland, WA	Apr 29, 2015	$330,000
Acute Care-Hospitalist Physician	Spectrum Health Primary Care Partners	Fremont, MI	Jul 13, 2015	$282,349
Acute Care-Hospitalist Physician	Spectrum Health Primary Care Partner	Fremont, MI	Jul 15, 2015	$282,349
Critical Care Physician	Intensivo, LLC	Alton, IL	Dec 08, 2016	$280,000
Intensivist/Critical Care Physician	Critical Care Services, P.C.	Saint Louis, MO	Mar 01, 2015	$277,571 - $317,224
Intensivist/Critical Care Physician	Critical Care Services, P.C.	Saint Louis, MO	Aug 24, 2015	$277,571 - $317,224
Critical Care Physician	Mayo Clinic	Austin, MN	Jul 01, 2015	$271,406
Pulmonologist/Critical Care Physician	Little Rock Diagnostic Clinic, Pa	Little Rock, AR	May 11, 2015	$260,000 - $300,000
Pulmonologist/Critical Care Physician	Wentworth-Douglass Physician Corporation	Dover, NH	Aug 31, 2016	$257,500

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Top Skills for An Acute Care Physician

Top Acute Care Physician Skills

Urgent Care Physician
Acute Care
Clinical Areas

You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:

Worked as an urgent care physician and medical director at the San Pedro Urgent Care site.
Spearheaded a project to bring standardization of HIM Analysis functions across three acute care facilities.
Provide exceptional customer service and system representation for the leading Electronic Medical Records System among small and rural hospitals.
Gained experience managing patients with cardiopulmonary, post-surgical orthopedic, post-traumatic, and metabolic conditions
Participated in a computerized software conversion for EMR.

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Best states for an Acute Care Physician

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Top 10 Best States for Acute Care Physicians

North Dakota
New Hampshire
Kentucky
Idaho
Washington
South Carolina
Pennsylvania
Alaska
West Virginia
Arkansas

(76 Acute Care Physician jobs)
(99 Acute Care Physician jobs)
(160 Acute Care Physician jobs)
(94 Acute Care Physician jobs)
(722 Acute Care Physician jobs)
(230 Acute Care Physician jobs)
(823 Acute Care Physician jobs)
(81 Acute Care Physician jobs)
(86 Acute Care Physician jobs)
(99 Acute Care Physician jobs)

Top Acute Care Physician Employers

Pikeville Medical Center

Valley Pulmonary Group, PLLC

Springfield Clinic

MAYO CLINIC

Spectrum Health Primary Care Partner

Freeman Health System

Mercy Clinic Springfield Communities

Valley Intensivists, Pulmonologists and Sleep Spec

Fairview Health Services

Critical Care Systems

Top 10 Acute Care Physician companies

Pikeville Medical Center
Valley Pulmonary Group, PLLC
Springfield Clinic
MAYO CLINIC
Spectrum Health Primary Care Partner
Freeman Health System
Mercy Clinic Springfield Communities
Valley Intensivists, Pulmonologists and Sleep Spec
Fairview Health Services
Critical Care Systems

Become An Acute Care Physician

Working As An Acute Care Physician

What Does An Acute Care Physician Do

How To Become An Acute Care Physician

Acute Care Physician Jobs

Acute Care Physician Career Paths

Do you work as an Acute Care Physician?

Do you work as an Acute Care Physician?

Acute Care Physician Demographics

Acute Care Physician Education

Real Acute Care Physician Salaries

How Would You Rate The Salary Of an Acute Care Physician?

Top Skills for An Acute Care Physician

Top Acute Care Physician Skills

How Would You Rate Working As an Acute Care Physician?

Best states for an Acute Care Physician

Top Acute Care Physician Employers

Top 10 Acute Care Physician companies

Jobs From Top Acute Care Physician Employers

Find Acute Care Physician Jobs In Every State

Related to your recently viewed content

Best Companies Nearby

Become An Acute Care Physician

Working As An Acute Care Physician

What Does An Acute Care Physician Do

How To Become An Acute Care Physician

Acute Care Physician Jobs

Acute Care Physician Career Paths

Do you work as an Acute Care Physician?

Do you work as an Acute Care Physician?

Acute Care Physician Demographics

Acute Care Physician Education

Real Acute Care Physician Salaries

How Would You Rate The Salary Of an Acute Care Physician?

Top Skills for An Acute Care Physician

Top Acute Care Physician Skills

How Would You Rate Working As an Acute Care Physician?

Best states for an Acute Care Physician

Top Acute Care Physician Employers

Top 10 Acute Care Physician companies

Jobs From Top Acute Care Physician Employers

Find Acute Care Physician Jobs In Every State

Related to your recently viewed content

Related Jobs

Best Companies Nearby