Physicians, most commonly referred to as doctors, are medical professionals whose primary job is to diagnose and treat illnesses. They can also provide counseling on diet, hygiene and disease prevention. Some physicians become surgeons and can perform operations to treat medical conditions, injuries, deformities and the like.
Medical SpecialtiesThere are many lines and specialties in medicine. Some of the more common ones are:
- Allergy & Immunology
- Anesthesiology
- Dermatology
- Family Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Medical Genetics
- Neurology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Ophthalmology
- Pathology
- Pediatrics
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Preventive Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Surgery
- Urology
Medicine is one of the most respected professions you can choose. However, the path to becoming a physician is full of challenges, starting from education and then handling the responsibilities that come with the job.
How to Become a PhysicianThe following is the route one needs to follow to become a practicing physician.
Prerequisites- High school diploma or equivalent
- Satisfactory MCAT scores
- Bachelors Degree; 4 year undergraduate degree program
- MD or DO degree; 4 years of medical school
- Residency; 3 to 7 year internship period and fellowships depending on specialty
- License; State license to practice medicine
- Lack of work-life balance
- Having to work with terminal patients and incurable diseases
- Not enough time to invest in your patients
- Ethical dilemmas
- Staying up-to-date with technology
The route to becoming a physician is tough, and the challenges of being a physician are even tougher, but all the hard work isn’t in vain. Medicine is a prestigious and very rewarding career path.
High IncomePhysicians are high income earners. Most medical practitioners are paid well. One’s specialization, expertise, and experience dictate the pay.
Job SatisfactionAccording to studies, most physicians report high satisfaction with their career choice. Research, training opportunities and freedom for practice were identified as the contributing factors.
About the Author:
Amita Vadlamudi is a retired Information Technology professional. In addition to blogging on the current website, Amita Vadlamudi also maintains a personal website, aboutamitavadlamudi.com, where she posts fitness related articles.