Medical Doctor: Career Profile, Employment Outlook, and Educational Requirements

<h2 id="section---WhatIsAMedicalDoctor">What Is a Medical Doctor?</h2> <p>Medical doctors diagnose and treat patients for illnesses and injuries. They begin this process by taking and reviewing medical history, examining the patient and performing any necessary diagnostic tests. Medical doctors will then begin treatment by prescribing medication, counseling patients on various health subjects and addressing any additional concerns. These professionals will also talk with patients about any preventative care and techniques to prevent any further complications or health issues. Throughout the process medical doctors will update charts and patient information, and work with nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide the best care possible. The following chart provides an overview about becoming a medical doctor. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td> Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Training Required</b></td><td> 3- to 8-year residency depending on specialty</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Licensure or Certification</b></td><td> Licensure is required in all states; board certification is available</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Key Responsibilities</b></td><td> Examine patient and take history; order and perform diagnostic testing and analyze results; administer treatment and prescribe medication; refer patients to other healthcare professionals</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td> 3% for <i>physicians and surgeons</i>*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $258,490 for <i>physicians working in medical and diagnostic laboratories </i><br />$178,260 for <i>physicians working in general medical and surgical hospitals</i>*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanIExpectFromACareerAsAMedicalDoctor">What Can I Expect from a Career as a Medical Doctor?</h3> <p>As a medical doctor, you may administer tests and prescribe treatments or medications. You may focus on a specialty, such as pediatrics, surgery, internal medicine, primary care or anesthesiology. This career may require long and unpredictable hours. Interpersonal skills and communication skills are usually essential in this career because it is your role to help patients understand the causes, conditions and cures of their illness or injury. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsTheEmploymentOutlook">What Is the Employment Outlook?</h3> <p>The BLS reported that as of 2020, physicians and surgeons held about 727,000 jobs and worked primarily in physician's offices, hospitals, government agencies, outpatient centers and educational facilities. The BLS projected 3% employment growth for physicians and surgeons during the 2020-2030 decade, which is faster than average. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatEducationDoINeed">What Education Do I Need?</h3> <p>To become a medical doctor, you complete four years of school at the undergraduate level, four years of medical school and a residency. Your choice in an undergraduate program may be in any area you prefer, however, students typically earn their undergraduate degree in a science or health-related area. To be accepted into medical school, you will likely have to take and pass the Medical College Admission Test. As a medical student, you take courses such as pharmacology, medical ethics, microbiology, anatomy, physiology and biochemistry to earn a Doctor of Medicine or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. </p> <p>A residency, which may last as little as three years or up to eight years, follows medical school. The length of a residency program is usually related to your chosen specialty. During residency, you practice medicine under the supervision of licensed physicians. If you want to become highly specialized in a specific area of medicine, you may be required to complete a fellowship following residency. </p> <p>All states require doctors to hold a professional license, which requires passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). The USMLE assesses your medical knowledge and abilities. Each state's medical board handles licensing requirements. You may also consider becoming board certified through the American Board of Medical Specialists. Board certification is not mandatory, but it allows you to prove your abilities in a medical specialty or subspecialty. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3> <p>For those interested in alternative careers, there are several options in the medical field that require a doctoral or professional degree. Chiropractors are doctors that work specifically with the neuromusculoskeletal system and treat pain through spinal adjustments and more. Dentists are doctors that treat the teeth, gums and mouth. These professionals work to prevent poor oral health and may specialize in areas like orthodontics or dental pathology. Podiatrists are doctors that diagnose and treat complications with the feet, ankles and lower legs. They are qualified to perform surgery in these areas as well.</p>