One of the most important doctors out there is a family physician or primary care physician. This person can sometimes be known as a general practitioner.
Typically general practitioners work in private practice, and that means looking for a job in one of the many medical facilities across the country.
So what is needed to get work as a general practitioner? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know to help you find work in this field.
General Practitioner Job Description
The core purpose of any doctor is to diagnose and treat their patients. This includes taking medical histories, medication, and ordering tests.
General practitioners also help guide patients when it comes to diet and preventative care. A general surgeon will carry out operations on routine health issues.
General practitioners are usually the first stop for any patient, and then if more specialized care is needed, they refer their clients to another doctor. They can be either a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) or an M.D. (medical doctor).
Pay Info & Requirements
When you are looking to find a general practitioner job, there are a lot of factors to consider. There are the educational requirements as well as the salary for a general practitioner.
Many studies look into this, and the end number will depend on the state you are working in, along with your educational achievements.
Typically though, a general practitioner’s salary lies somewhere between $130,000 and $230,000 per annum.
There are, of course, educational requirements, which we will discuss in the following section, but there are some interpersonal and other qualities that you will need to be a successful general practitioner. Here are some of those:
- Good communications skills
- Compassion, patience, and empathy
- Detail-oriented
- Leadership ability
- Dexterity
- Stamina
- Deductive skills
Education Requirements
Most general practitioners have had 4+ years of college, not counting their 3 – 7 years of residency. You will need to start with a standard undergraduate degree.
Then the general practitioner hopeful will move on to medical school. In order to get into this, you will have to submit transcripts and pass the MCATs.
If you intend to come out with the ability to be a general practitioner, you will need the following.
- A medical degree
- Foundation training
- General practice training
- License, certifications, and registration in the state you plan to practice in
Duties
Some of the day to day duties that a general practitioner can expect to do are below.
- Record medical history of their patients
- Update information and charts of patient
- Order tests
- Review tests to help with diagnoses
- Create treatment plans for any potential health issues
- Answer questions
- Help patients by discussing hygiene and diet
How to Apply to Jobs
Once you have the requirements, you will want to craft a resume and get all your certifications and transcripts ready. There are several ways to apply for general practitioner jobs.
You can, of course, approach local offices and see if they are hiring, but the most efficient way is to check online job boards to find positions that are available in the city or state you reside in.
Then like any other job, you will submit an application and go through the interview process. If you’re looking for some places to find jobs check out this link.
Summary
There is a need for general practitioners; in fact, some sources cite the need for up to 5000 new ones in the states alone.
Recent worldwide events have only exacerbated this desperate need for this type of medical profession. So if you have the requirements and are wanting to become a general practitioner, now is the time to apply.
With hard work, dedication, and a bit of patience, you will find the path to joining the ranks of these medical professionals quite easily.
Once the education and certification part is done, the easy part begins: Sending out resumes and applications to facilities and hospitals that are looking for what you have to offer.
If you are looking to leave the state where you are currently residing, make sure to check out the requirements and certifications you will need in the new state to ensure you have everything you need to get work as a general practitioner.