Physicians and surgeons are health care providers that are vital to our overall health. They not only prescribe and administer various treatments from those inflicted with illness or chronic conditions but they also provide us with preventive care. Physicians work in small private offices, clinics, outpatient centers, professional schools, college, universities, and hospitals. Some make emergency visits to hospitals or nursing homes.  According to the Occupational Handbook, “Physicians and surgeons held about 567,000 jobs in 2004 and their projected employment rate is expected to grow faster than normal.” In addition, Physician earnings are considered one of the highest salaries of any occupation.

According to the Medical Group Management Association, Physician Compensation and Production report, 2005, physicians with less than 2 years of experience earned:

Anesthesiologist                   $259,948

General surgeons                 $228,839

Obstetrics/gynecology          $203,270

Psychiatry                           $173,922

Internal Medicine                  $141,912

Pediatrics                             $132,953

Family Practice                     $137,119

Benefits and Required Skills

Physicians have many duties including:

• Examining patients histories and medical symptoms
• Make diagnoses
• Offering medical and non medical treatment suggestions.
• Treating illnesses, disorders and injuries.

There are two types of doctors. MDs are medical doctors and DOs are Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine. MDs can hold various specialties including (but not limited to). Here is a brief non inclusive list of MD specialties:

Allergy physicians administer treatment for allergies.

Anesthesiologists administer pain medication during surgery.

Cardiologists deal with issues surrounding the heart.

Dermatologists deal with skin issues.

Family and general care physicians perform routine health care and diagnose and treat both adults and children.

General internist deal with stomach, liver, and kidney disorders.

Obstetricians and gynecologists they deal with women health care issues including birth of babies.

Psychiatrists deal with mental health issues.

Surgeons perform simple and complicated surgeries to treat injuries and diseases.

As a physician, must also possess these skills:

• Enjoy working in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to handle highly stressful situations.
• High intellectual capacity and sound mental faculties
• Sincere desire to help people and work in the health care industry.
• Ability to work independently and as a cooperative team member

Challenges You Might Experience

Education training for physicians is expensive. Physicians and surgeons work long and difficult hours (60+) and may suffer health and relationship issues due to these demanding work conditions.

Educational Background

Physicians must complete a rigorous training program. They complete 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of medical school from an accredited medical school, and 3 to 8 years of internship and residency program, depending on their chosen specialty.  Following medical school, almost all MDs enter a residency program whereas DOs serve a 12 month internship program and then enter residency for 2-6 years depending on their specialty. Once they’re done with residency, they must pass state licensing requirements.

The information found on this website is not designed to replace the patient/physician relationship.