Family Doctors or General Practitioners (GPs) use their thorough knowledge of medical science and the human body to help their patients become and/or remain healthy. Because they provide ongoing care for patients and keep track of their medical histories, GPs are best positioned to both diagnose and recommend treatment for their patients’ healthcare needs. Sometimes treatment is in the form of prescriptions for medicines, creams or diet and exercise changes; other times it requires referrals to other healthcare specialists.
The Cool Things They Do:
- Interview patients, perform physical examinations, and order tests to diagnose illnesses, injuries and disorders
- Prescribe and administer necessary treatments for patients’ emergency and long-term health problems
- Counsel patients about disease prevention and lifestyle choices
- Offer advice and support
- Consult with other health professionals and referring people to specialized care
Working Conditions:
Family doctors/GPs work in offices, treatment rooms and hospitals. Their work requires a great deal of focus and emotional strength, as each day brings new patients with new problems to be treated. They have irregular schedules and work very long hours, usually 60-70 hours a week. While on-call, they can be called into the hospital at any time of day or night. They constantly risk exposure to disease and sickness.
Most Family Doctors/General Practitioners Work In:
- Private or group practices
- Healthcare clinics
- Community practices
- Universities
Personal Characteristics/Skills:
- Genuine interest in helping people
- Proficient knowledge of medicine and the drive for lifelong learning
- Patience, empathy, emotional strength
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to instill confidence
- Strong ethical standards
- Passion and energy for their work
Education and Training Required (for Canada) :
Bachelor’s Degree and Doctor of Medicine certificate followed by 2-3 years residency (for Canada)
Length of Study/Training (for Canada) : 8-12 years post-secondary
Certification (s) (for Canada) :
National: licensing by Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)
Ontario : licensing by College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Helpful High School Courses:
- Math
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- English
Employment Prospects - VERY GOOD
Canada’s aging population requires an ever-increasing supply of medical services and the number of recent graduates will not likely meet the demand created. Rural and low-income areas and group practices/clinics provide the greatest opportunities for employment.
Earnings:
Average annual
salary: $100,000 to $200,000, depending
on place and region of practice.
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