Physicians, M.D.s, are medical doctors who treat disease and injury. Physicians often evaluate and provide patient care in public or private hospitals, clinics, or private practices. Physicians can prescribe medications for preventative and curative treatment. Their work hours can be long and irregular. Although many physicians become internists, generalists, or family practitioners, most specialize in other medical fields.
Specialties include:
- Anesthesiologist - administers anesthesia
- Cardiologist - treats heart disease
- Dermatologist - treats skin conditions
- Gastroenterologist - treats digestive problems
- Gerontologist - provides care for elderly
- Gynecologist - treats female reproductive system problems
- Neurologist - treats brain and nervous system problems
- Obstetrician - provides pregnancy care and delivers babies
- Oncologist - treats cancer
- Orthopedist - treats musculoskeletal problems
- Pathologist - interprets disease in tissues
- Pediatrician - provides care for children
- Pulmonologist - treats respiratory problems
- Surgeon - performs operations
- Urologist - treats urinary problems
Physician Career Spotlight
Average Salary*
$100,000 - $275,000
Educational Requirements*
Students should take the most challenging high school courses (including AP or IB courses) available in science, math, and English.
After three or four years of college, prospective physicians must attend medical school. Undergraduate requirements for admission to all medical schools include one year of basic chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, one year of biology, and one year of physics. Some medical schools also require course work in calculus, English, humanities, or social sciences. Prospective students who want to attend medical school must also take the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test).
Medical school usually includes two years of additional study in both basic and clinical sciences and is followed by a two year-long hospital internship. Physicians who want to specialize must then undertake a residency in their specialty which may take 3-6 years.
Associated Affiliations
American Medical Association - 515 North State St., Chicago, IL 60610
Association of American Medical Colleges - 2450 N Street, NW, Washington, DC 20037-1126 (202) 828-0400
