Become A Physician
Where do you want to work?
Working As A 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
$170,000
Average Salary
What Does A 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.
DutiesPhysicians 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 A 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.
EducationMost 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 QualitiesCommunication 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.
TrainingAfter 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 RegistrationsAll 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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Physician jobs
Physician Career Paths
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Attending Physician 6.5 years
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Physician Assistant 6.0 years
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Staff Physician 5.3 years
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Family Physician 5.1 years
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Family Practice Physician 4.3 years
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Certified Physician Assistant 4.2 years
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Medical Specialist 4.1 years
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Senior Medical Assistant 4.0 years
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Senior Physician 3.6 years
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Internal Medicine Physician 3.5 years
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Medical Doctor 3.5 years
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Primary Care Physician 3.4 years
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Medical Staff Physician 3.3 years
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Clinical Physician Assistant 3.2 years
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Physician 3.0 years
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Physician Specialist 2.9 years
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Physician Extender 2.8 years
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Family Practice Doctor 2.8 years
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Medical Assistant/Phlebotomist 2.8 years
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Professor Of Family Medicine 2.8 years
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Physician Liaison 2.6 years
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Pain Management Physician 2.5 years
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Medical Doctor MD 2.4 years
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Physician Assistant Student 1.5 years
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Student Medical Assistant 1.1 years
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Medical Director 12.3%
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Internship 11.7%
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Registered Nurse 7.7%
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Medical Assistant 5.7%
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Staff Physician 5.3%
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Research Assistant 5.0%
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Volunteer 4.2%
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Consultant 4.2%
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Resident 4.2%
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Billing Specialist 3.6%
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Resident Physician 3.3%
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Instructor 3.2%
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Medical Officer 3.2%
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Attending Physician 3.2%
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Medical Director 18.6%
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Registered Nurse 8.8%
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Medical Assistant 7.8%
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Consultant 5.2%
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Staff Physician 5.1%
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Internship 4.6%
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Research Assistant 4.3%
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Volunteer 4.1%
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Physician Assistant 3.7%
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Billing Specialist 3.4%
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Assistant Professor 3.4%
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Attending Physician 3.3%
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Medic 3.2%
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Director 3.1%
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MD 2.9%
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Medical Coder 2.9%
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Instructor 2.8%
Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Physician
Top Careers After Physician
Physician Demographics
Gender
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Female
63.6% -
Male
33.3% -
Unknown
3.1%
Ethnicity
-
White
72.6% -
Hispanic or Latino
11.7% -
Asian
11.1% -
Unknown
3.3% -
Black or African American
1.2%
Languages Spoken
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Spanish
51.5% -
French
11.6% -
Russian
5.3% -
Hindi
4.6% -
Arabic
4.2% -
Chinese
3.9% -
Portuguese
2.4% -
Mandarin
2.2% -
Italian
2.2% -
German
2.0% -
Urdu
1.8% -
Gujarati
1.3% -
Korean
1.3% -
Vietnamese
1.3% -
Turkish
0.9% -
Ukrainian
0.9% -
Armenian
0.9% -
Marathi
0.7% -
Japanese
0.7% -
Swedish
0.4%
Physician
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Physician Education
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University of Phoenix
14.9% -
University of South Florida
6.8% -
Florida International University
6.4% -
Johns Hopkins University
5.5% -
Emory University
5.0% -
University of Illinois at Chicago
4.8% -
University of Florida
4.6% -
Temple University
4.4% -
George Washington University
4.4% -
University of Alabama at Birmingham
4.4% -
Michigan State University
4.3% -
University of Utah
4.1% -
University of the Sciences
3.9% -
Wayne State University
3.9% -
The Academy
3.9% -
University of Arizona
3.9% -
Walden University
3.7% -
Nova Southeastern University
3.7% -
Duke University
3.6% -
Drexel University
3.6% -
Medicine 21.1%
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Nursing 17.1%
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Business 10.6%
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Biology 6.0%
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Public Health 4.1%
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Psychology 2.9%
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Medical Technician 2.8%
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Education 2.6%
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Physician Assistant 2.3%
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Management 2.1%
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-
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Clinical Psychology 1.7%
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Veterinary Science 1.6%
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Accounting 1.5%
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Pharmacy 1.4%
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Other
29.0% -
Bachelors
23.3% -
Masters
16.6% -
Doctorate
13.8% -
Associate
9.2% -
Certificate
4.9% -
Diploma
2.5% -
License
0.7%
Schools
Majors
Degrees
Physician
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Real Physician Salaries
Job Title
|
Company
|
Location
|
Start Date
|
Salary
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physician | Mayo Clinic | Scottsdale, AZ | Sep 15, 2016 | $685,880 |
| Physician | Mayo Clinic | Rochester, MN | Jul 01, 2015 | $671,750 |
| Physician | Mayo Clinic | Jacksonville, FL | Jan 06, 2016 | $645,125 |
| Physician/Researcher | Mayo Clinic | Jacksonville, FL | Jul 20, 2016 | $645,125 |
| Physician | River To River Heart Group | Marion, IL | Aug 01, 2015 | $625,000 |
| Physician (Cardiothoracic Surgeon) | Lawnwood Cardiovascular Surgery, LLC | Atlantis, FL | Jul 11, 2016 | $600,000 |
| Physician/Surgeon | Kaleida Health | Buffalo, NY | Oct 01, 2015 | $584,601 |
| Physician (Cardiologist) | Summit Medical Group, Inc. D/B/A St. Elizabeth Phy | Cincinnati, OH | Jul 01, 2015 | $583,000 |
| Physician (Cardiologist) | Summit Medical Group, Inc. D/B/A St. Elizabeth Phy | Covington, KY | Jul 01, 2015 | $583,000 |
| Physician (Cardiologist) | Summit Medical Group, Inc. D/B/A St. Elizabeth Phy | Florence, KY | Jul 01, 2015 | $583,000 |
| Physician Urology | United Hospital Center, Inc. | Bridgeport, WV | Nov 18, 2015 | $550,000 |
| Physician | United Hospital Center Inc. | Bridgeport, WV | Jan 07, 2016 | $550,000 |
| Physician | The University of Kansas Hospital | Kansas City, KS | Jan 07, 2016 | $540,000 |
| Physician | Carolinas Physicians Network, Inc. | Charlotte, NC | May 01, 2015 | $249,922 |
| Physician | Carolinas Physicians Network | Kings Mountain, NC | May 25, 2016 | $249,922 |
| Physician | Carolinas Physicians Network | Albemarle, NC | Sep 26, 2016 | $249,922 |
| Hematology/Oncology Physician | Lester E. Cox Medical Centers | Springfield, MO | Nov 28, 2016 | $249,891 - $350,000 |
| Physician | Wellness & Care Group of Texas Inc. | Edgewood, TX | Jan 08, 2016 | $249,600 |
| Physician | Mid Illinois Hematology & Oncology Associates, Ltd. | Normal, IL | May 30, 2015 | $249,392 - $325,000 |
| Physician (In-Hospital Physician) | Mountain Medical Enterprises, PLLC | Harlan, KY | Jul 01, 2015 | $248,400 |
| Physician | Orthopedic Associates of The Lowcountry, LLC | Hardeeville, SC | Dec 12, 2016 | $248,353 |
| Physician | SCHC Pediatric Associates, LLC | Philadelphia, PA | Oct 01, 2015 | $199,033 |
| Physician (Neonatology) | Providence Health System | Washington, DC | Jan 07, 2016 | $198,265 |
| Physician | Darshan Aggarwal Md, Pa | Fort Pierce, FL | Jan 12, 2016 | $198,265 |
| Physician | Arkansas Health Group | North Little Rock, AR | Nov 11, 2016 | $198,078 |
| Physician (Clinical Educator) | Northeast Medical Group, Inc. | Bridgeport, CT | Jan 07, 2016 | $198,000 |
| Physician (Clinical Educator) | Northeast Medical Group, Inc. | Bridgeport, CT | Mar 28, 2016 | $198,000 |
| Physician | Sea Mar Community Health Centers | Yelm, WA | Jul 15, 2016 | $197,720 |
| Transplant Physician | Methodist Lebonheur Healthcare | Memphis, TN | Sep 21, 2015 | $197,199 |
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Top Skills for A Physician
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Top Physician Skills
- Internal Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Clinical Staff
- Cascade Internal Medicine 3915 Cascade Road Suite 330
- Provide care across the age spectrum in inpatient, outpatient, and emergency medicine settings.
- Supervised clinical staff, provided direction/instructions as needed.
- Provide coverage for team members when needed and work collaboratively with team members to ensure excellent patient care is administered.
- Provide patients with prescriptions, order MRI's, write up surgery orders.
Top Physician Employers
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