Physician

Career Breakdown:

What is the pathway to becoming a Physician?

  • Every physician’s education journey begins the same way, regardless of their eventual specialty:

    • Undergrad-Typically 4 years, and always including the necessary medical school pre-requisites)

    • Medical School-4 years, either at an allopathic school (granting an MD), or an osteopathic school (granting a DO)

  • Following medical school, graduates undergo a process to match with a residency program.

    • Residency- 3-7 years, depending on specialty

  • Following residency, physicians may choose to participate in a fellowship program to specialize further.

    • Fellowship-1-3 years, depending on specialty; Optional

What is a Physician?

  • Role: Physicians focus on diagnosing, managing, and treating medical conditions. They conduct patient evaluations, prescribe medications, and manage overall health. Depending on their specialty, they may perform biopsies or skin lesion removals. Certain specialties may also be responsible for performing larger procedures, such as surgeries or applying radiation therapy.

  • Responsibility: Physicians are often aided by a care team of nurses and other assistants. However, it is the physician’s responsibility to approve a treatment plan for their patients. This process is known as medical decision-making.

  • Median Salary: $250,000 - $500,000

    Salary largely depends on specialty, and may fall below or exceed this range.

Skills and Qualities Needed to Become a Physician:

  • Medical Knowledge & Clinical Skills: Strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and disease processes.

  • Analytical & Problem-Solving Abilities: Diagnostic skills and quick decision-making could be the difference in a patient’s treatment.

  • Manual Dexterity & Precision: Hand-eye coordination for procedures; precision is especially critical for surgeons.

  • Communication Skills: Clear and empathetic communication with patients and healthcare teams.

  • Empathy & Compassion: Building trust and understanding with patients.

  • Emotional Resilience & Stress Management: Remaining calm under pressure and managing high-stress environments.

  • Attention to Detail: Thoroughness in diagnostics and procedural accuracy.

  • Adaptability & Continuous Learning: Staying updated with medical advancements and new techniques.

  • Ethical Judgment & Integrity: Making sound ethical decisions and maintaining patient confidentiality.

  • Time Management & Efficiency: Balancing patient load and delivering timely care.

“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.”

~ Hippocrates