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Medical Doctor - Job Description, Duties, Education, Skills, Salary, & Growth

Medical Doctor


  • Career Profile
  • Resources
  • Job Openings

Jump to:

  • Responsibilities
  • Skills
  • Working Conditions
  • Salary Outlook

Job Description

 

Medical doctors, also known as allopathic physicians, take a biological approach to healing and are the most familiar type of doctor to people in this country.

Most complete at least four years of undergraduate, followed by for years of medical school, and an additional residency program.

Some require a fellowship on top of the aforementioned requirements, adding another 1 - 3 years.

If you hold a medical degree, there is a high demand for your job skills in many areas. Physicians may work in general or family practice as well as a variety of specialties.

These speciality areas include:

  • Anesthesiology

  • Family & General Medicine

  • General Pediatrics & Internal Medicine

  • Psychiatry

  • Obstetrics

  • Gynecology

  • Surgery

From private practice to hospitals to independent clinics, physicians are in huge demand across the country.

Becoming a doctor takes dedication and a high level of ambition, but it's an investment that is sure to pay off in the long run. 

Continue to learn about responsibilities, skills needed, how to become an Allopathic Physician (M.D.), the MCAT, licensing requirements, and residencies. 

.

Responsibilities

 

Physicians work with patients to educate them about their illnesses, injuries, health conditions and preventative measures such as diet, fitness and smoking cessation. They also teach and work as administrators at medical centers and engage in medical research.

A medical doctor's responsibilities include:

  • Diagnosing diseases, illnesses, and/or conditions

  • Assessing the need for therapies and/or medicines and prescribing them

  • Providing information to patients and families regarding diagnosis and treatment goals

  • Monitoring patient progress and response to therapies and/or treatments 

  • Maintaining patient records and accurate information

.

Skills

 

Medical doctors require a high level of science acumen. Aspiring physicians should focus on the human sciences during their undergraduate career, including biochemistry, biology, and anatomy, as they serve as the foundation to a full understanding of diagnosis and treatment. 

Beyond a comprehensive understanding of science, a physician must possess highly developed communications and patient care skills.

Doctors often work with patients from all walks of life, and being able to sensitively and effectively communicate with anyone is fundamental to a successful career, as found in a recent study by the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. 

Confidence, empathy, respectfulness, and thoroughness all fall under patient care skills. While patients want a physician who can accurately and knowledgeably diagnose and treat their illness, they also want one who exhibits the aforementioned personality traits.

.

Working Conditions

 

Positions for physicians are available in a variety of health care settings. A physician may elect to set up a private practice, either alone or as part of a larger medical practice group.

Others choose to work in medical centers and hospitals, universities and other public agencies.

Medical schools are working to increase their enrollments as a looming doctor shortage is expected in all geographic regions and areas of the profession.

It is likely that physicians in the future will work fewer hours, which means lower earnings but they should be able to retire earlier. Low-income areas and rural regions will hold the greatest employment opportunities.

JAMA, the prestigious professional journal of the American Medical Association (AMA), is a major source for employment opportunities.

The website for the AMA is part of an active network that helps physicians find the right job for them, in the right location and environment.

 

.

 

Salary Outlook

Medical Doctor Salary
$162,939 25th Percentile
$188,223 50th Percentile
$210,554 75th Percentile
$78.34 Hourly
$90.49 Hourly
$101.23 Hourly
Estimated Annual Salary Average Hourly Wage Positions Nationwide
$183,940.00 $88.43 347,000

Resources

 

Association of American Medical Colleges

USMLE Practice Materials

LCME Medical School Directory

American Medical Association - FREIDA Online

AAMC Medical School Admission Requirements

Title Company Location Posted
Medical Derm - $625,000 1st yr The Medicus Firm Dallas, TX 02.18.2019
Physician-led, Community-Owned, Not for Profit Health System $625,000 1st Year Income Private 4,500-square foot surgical suite Area’s only comprehensive aesthetic center 28 Exam rooms and 4 laser rooms Join a...
Medical Assistant-LGMD CCA Eunice-Full Time Lafayette General Health Lafayette, LA 02.18.2019
This position interacts with patients in a professional and caring manor. Is responsible for patient flow and also helping out in front reception area. RESPONSIBILITIES: In absence of the RN and/or when volume dictates, Initiates patient...
Medical Assistant-LGMD Urgent Care Clinic-PRN Lafayette General Health Lafayette, LA 02.18.2019
This position interacts with patients in a professional and caring manor. Is responsible for patient flow and also helping out in front reception area. RESPONSIBILITIES: In absence of the RN and/or when volume dictates, Initiates patient...
Medical Assistant-LGMD Internal Medicine of Acadiana Bellelo-Full Time Lafayette General Health Lafayette, LA 02.18.2019
This position interacts with patients in a professional and caring manor. Is responsible for patient flow and also helping out in front reception area. RESPONSIBILITIES: In absence of the RN and/or when volume dictates, Initiates patient...
Medical Assistant-LGMD Internal Medicine of Acadiana-Full Time Lafayette General Health Lafayette, LA 02.18.2019
This position interacts with patients in a professional and caring manor. Is responsible for patient flow and also helping out in front reception area. RESPONSIBILITIES: In absence of the RN and/or when volume dictates, Initiates patient...
Diet Hostess Hillcrest Medical Center Tulsa, OK 01.28.2019
This position is responsible for collecting and checking of menus, calculating patient's diets, tray delivery to patients of all doctor ordered/floor ordered meal trays, nourishment preparation, delivery and recording according to departmental...
Diet Hostess Hillcrest Medical Center Tulsa, OK 01.28.2019
This position is responsible for collecting and checking of menus, calculating patient's diets, tray delivery to patients of all doctor ordered/floor ordered meal trays, nourishment preparation, delivery and recording according to departmental...
Medical Assistant Baystate Medical Center Springfield, MA 02.18.2019
Full / Part Time: Full-Time Location: Springfield, Massachusetts Regular/Temporary: Regular Baystate Health is seeking a full time Medical Assistant for Baystate Urgent Care. What you will do: Patient and Room Preparation - Under...
Medical Assistant- LGMD CV Surgery-Full Time Lafayette General Health Lafayette, LA 02.18.2019
This position interacts with patients in a professional and caring manor. Is responsible for patient flow and also helping out in front reception area. RESPONSIBILITIES: In absence of the RN and/or when volume dictates, Initiates patient...
Medical Assistant - Medical Oncology Signature Healthcare Brockton, MA 02.23.2018
Responsible for assisting the healthcare team with the care and management of patients during their visit. Perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to maintain and support the office and to assure efficient patient flow through the...
Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA) Russell Medical Alexander City, AL 02.06.2019
Responsible for medical screening procedures and care of patients to physician office. Will be responsible for collecting blood samples, assisting the providers, as well as overall clerical duties. ***Must be willing to take AAMA certification...
Medical Assistant-LGMD-Family Medicine Henderson-Full Time Lafayette General Health Lafayette, LA 02.18.2019
This position interacts with patients in a professional and caring manor. Is responsible for patient flow and also helping out in front reception area. RESPONSIBILITIES: In absence of the RN and/or when volume dictates, Initiates patient...
Medical Assistant Neurosurgery Baystate Medical Center Springfield, MA 02.18.2019
Full / Part Time: Full-Time Location: Baystate Medical Practices Regular/Temporary: Regular Baystate Health is seeking a Medical Assistant for the Neurosurgery Department at Baystate Health. What you will do: Patient and Room...
Medical Assistant Per Diem Baystate Medical Center Springfield, MA 02.18.2019
Full / Part Time: Per Diem Location: Springfield, Massachusetts Regular/Temporary: Regular Baystate Health is seeking a per diem Medical Assistant for High Street Pediatrics. What you will do: Patient and Room Preparation - Under...
Medical Assistant Thoracic Surgery Baystate Medical Center Springfield, MA 02.18.2019
Full / Part Time: Full-Time Location: Springfield, Massachusetts Regular/Temporary: Regular Baystate Health is seeking a Full Time Medical Assistant for the Thoracic Surgery department. What you will do: Patient and Room Preparation -...
  1. Medical Derm - $625,000 1st yr Dallas, TX The Medicus Firm
    Physician-led, Community-Owned, Not for Profit Health System $625,000 1st Year Income Private 4,500-square foot surgical suite Area’s only comprehensive aesthetic center 28 Exam rooms and 4 laser rooms Join a...
  2. Medical Assistant-LGMD CCA Eunice-Full Time Lafayette, LA Lafayette General Health
    This position interacts with patients in a professional and caring manor. Is responsible for patient flow and also helping out in front reception area. RESPONSIBILITIES: In absence of the RN and/or when volume dictates, Initiates patient...
  3. Medical Assistant-LGMD Urgent Care Clinic-PRN Lafayette, LA Lafayette General Health
    This position interacts with patients in a professional and caring manor. Is responsible for patient flow and also helping out in front reception area. RESPONSIBILITIES: In absence of the RN and/or when volume dictates, Initiates patient...
  4. Medical Assistant-LGMD Internal Medicine of Acadiana Bellelo-Full Time Lafayette, LA Lafayette General Health
    This position interacts with patients in a professional and caring manor. Is responsible for patient flow and also helping out in front reception area. RESPONSIBILITIES: In absence of the RN and/or when volume dictates, Initiates patient...
  5. Medical Assistant-LGMD Internal Medicine of Acadiana-Full Time Lafayette, LA Lafayette General Health
    This position interacts with patients in a professional and caring manor. Is responsible for patient flow and also helping out in front reception area. RESPONSIBILITIES: In absence of the RN and/or when volume dictates, Initiates patient...
  6. Diet Hostess Tulsa, OK Hillcrest Medical Center
    This position is responsible for collecting and checking of menus, calculating patient's diets, tray delivery to patients of all doctor ordered/floor ordered meal trays, nourishment preparation, delivery and recording according to departmental...
  7. Diet Hostess Tulsa, OK Hillcrest Medical Center
    This position is responsible for collecting and checking of menus, calculating patient's diets, tray delivery to patients of all doctor ordered/floor ordered meal trays, nourishment preparation, delivery and recording according to departmental...
  8. Medical Assistant Springfield, MO Baystate Medical Center
    Full / Part Time: Full-Time Location: Springfield, Massachusetts Regular/Temporary: Regular Baystate Health is seeking a full time Medical Assistant for Baystate Urgent Care. What you will do: Patient and Room Preparation - Under...
  9. Medical Assistant- LGMD CV Surgery-Full Time Lafayette, LA Lafayette General Health
    This position interacts with patients in a professional and caring manor. Is responsible for patient flow and also helping out in front reception area. RESPONSIBILITIES: In absence of the RN and/or when volume dictates, Initiates patient...
  10. Medical Assistant - Medical Oncology Brockton, MA Signature Healthcare
    Responsible for assisting the healthcare team with the care and management of patients during their visit. Perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to maintain and support the office and to assure efficient patient flow through the...
  11. Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA) Alexander City, AL Russell Medical
    Responsible for medical screening procedures and care of patients to physician office. Will be responsible for collecting blood samples, assisting the providers, as well as overall clerical duties. ***Must be willing to take AAMA certification...
  12. Medical Assistant-LGMD-Family Medicine Henderson-Full Time Lafayette, LA Lafayette General Health
    This position interacts with patients in a professional and caring manor. Is responsible for patient flow and also helping out in front reception area. RESPONSIBILITIES: In absence of the RN and/or when volume dictates, Initiates patient...
  13. Medical Assistant Neurosurgery Springfield, MO Baystate Medical Center
    Full / Part Time: Full-Time Location: Baystate Medical Practices Regular/Temporary: Regular Baystate Health is seeking a Medical Assistant for the Neurosurgery Department at Baystate Health. What you will do: Patient and Room...
  14. Medical Assistant Per Diem Springfield, MO Baystate Medical Center
    Full / Part Time: Per Diem Location: Springfield, Massachusetts Regular/Temporary: Regular Baystate Health is seeking a per diem Medical Assistant for High Street Pediatrics. What you will do: Patient and Room Preparation - Under...
  15. Medical Assistant Thoracic Surgery Springfield, MO Baystate Medical Center
    Full / Part Time: Full-Time Location: Springfield, Massachusetts Regular/Temporary: Regular Baystate Health is seeking a Full Time Medical Assistant for the Thoracic Surgery department. What you will do: Patient and Room Preparation -...

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