What will I do in this job?

If you choose to be a Physician, you will diagnose illnesses and prescribe treatment for people suffering from injury or disease. There are two types of physicians: The M.D.—Doctor of Allopathic Medicine and the D.O.—Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Both types of physicians use all accepted methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery. D.O.s place a special emphasis on the body’s musculoskeletal system and preventative medicine. About 33% of M.D.s and 50% of D.O.s are primary care physicians. You will usually be the first health professionals patients consult. Primary care physicians tend to see the same patients on a regular basis for preventive care and to treat a variety of ailments.

Physicians also:

• examine patients
• obtain medical histories
• order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests
• counsel patients on other preventative health care

Do I need a special license?

You will need a state license if you choose to be a physician.

What type of education do I need?

It takes many years of education and training to become a physician: 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of medical school, and 3 to 8 years of internship and residency, depending on the specialty selected. A few medical schools offer a combined undergraduate and medical school programs that last 6 rather than the customary 8 years.

Will I find a job?

Employment of physicians and surgeons will grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2012 due to continued expansion of the health services industries.

How much will I make?

Salary depends on the type of physician you want to be.

Median Salary: $136,006 (Ranges from $121,000- $307,000)
(2000-2003)