Family and General Practitioners
Physicians who diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries that commonly occur in the general population. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.
Related job titles:
Medical Doctor (MD), Physician, Family Practice Physician, Family Physician, Family Practitioner, Medical Staff Physician, Board Certified Family Physician, Family Medicine Physician, Primary Care Physician, Family Practice Doctor
Annual Median Wage: $167,000
Projected growth: Faster than average (20% to 28%)
Tasks:
Prescribe or administer treatment, therapy, medication, vaccination, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury.
Order, perform, and interpret tests and analyze records, reports, and examination information to diagnose patients' condition.
Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical history, reports, and examination results.
Monitor patients' conditions and progress and reevaluate treatments as necessary.
Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.
Advise patients and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, and disease prevention.
Refer patients to medical specialists or other practitioners when necessary.
Coordinate work with nurses, social workers, rehabilitation therapists, pharmacists, psychologists, and other health care providers.
Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, students, assistants, specialists, therapists, and other medical staff.
Plan, implement, or administer health programs or standards in hospitals, businesses, or communities for prevention or treatment of injury or illness.
Key Skills:
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Related Carees:
Physician Assistants
Podiatrists
Surgeons
Veterinarians
Registered Nurses
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Family and General Practitioners.
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