Physician Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

As humans have developed more sophisticated technology and ways of learning about the world around us, the industry that has benefited the most is the field of medicine. When we are sick, injured or experiencing mental problems, we turn to physicians who have dedicated their lives to studying the human body and ways that it can be treated, healed, and improved. Physicians are also referred to as doctors of medicine, and they are the ones primarily responsible for examining, diagnosing, treating and researching problems that humans experience with their physical and mental capabilities. Physicians are able to choose one of many different fields of medicine to specialize in, from obstetrics and gynecology to neurology and pathology. Physicians are required to complete many years of education and clinical training before they are able to make decisions regarding a patient’s health and well being. Physicians are required to take the Hippocratic Oath, which makes harming or being neglectful of a patient a criminal offense.

Salary Outlook

It is important to note that the specialty a doctor has chosen, experience, and the facility in which they work is likely to have a large impact on the salary earned.

Average Annual Salary
$136,300
Salary Range
$110,800 - $158,100

Work Environment

Depending on their specialty, doctors are most often found working in hospitals or in their own private practice. However, it is increasingly common for doctors to be employed in public health clinics, emergency care clinics, correctional facilities, rehabilitation centers, research universities and in the military.

High School Preparation

Those individuals who think that they would enjoy the responsibilities of a doctor of medicine are encouraged to spend their high school careers advancing their knowledge of biology, anatomy, higher mathematics and medical procedures. Supporting courses for this line of work include chemistry, geometry, physics, humanities, emergency medical technology, and computer skills.

Requirements

After completing high school, it is necessary for the aspiring physician to enroll in an accredited pre-medical program at a traditional four year college or university. Following graduation, it is necessary to take the medical college admissions test (MCAT) and to seek enrollment in a medical school where they will choose a specialty and receive clinical training. Medical school is highly competitive and very expensive, and the typical course of study takes four years or more.

Career Outlook

The more people that are born and the greater number of elderly persons that continue to live well into their eighties and nineties means that there is an increased need for physicians in all types of specialties. As more people struggle to gain access to adequate health insurance, it will be increasingly important to fill positions for physicians at public health clinics and urgent care centers where no insurance is required.

Professional Organizations

American Medical Association
515 North State Street
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: (312) 464-5000
www.ama-assn.org