Physicians diagnose illnesses, prescribe, and administer treatment for people suffering from injury or disease. Physicians examine patients; obtain medical histories; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive health care.
There are two types of physicians: The Doctor of Medicine – MD and the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine – DO. MDs are also known as allopathic physicians. While both MDs and DOs may use all accepted methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, DOs place special emphasis on the body’s musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic patient care.
Most physicians travel frequently between office and hospital to care for their patients. Increasingly, physicians practice in groups or health care organizations that provide back-up coverage and allow for more time off.
Many physicians work long, irregular hours. More than one-third of all full-time physicians work 60 hours or more a week. Physicians on call deal with many patients’ concerns on the phone, and they may make emergency visits to hospitals or nursing homes.
$221,600
Overall employment of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Job growth is projected due to increased demand for healthcare services by the growing and aging population.
All medical school applicants must take the MCAT, a national examination, no less than one year before applying to start medical school.
To practice as a physician, one must earn a college degree followed by a 4-year degree for a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) from an accredited school and pass an examination for state licensure. At least one year of post-medical school experience is required, but most graduates of medical and osteopathy schools complete a longer period of specialty training called a residency, which lasts from three to five years.
Licensure is required in the state of Connecticut. Prerequisite: Connecticut requires graduation from an approved medical school, two years acceptable progressive graduate residency training; USMLE, NBME, FLEX or a State Board Licensing Examination; Current ECFMG certification or completed Fifth Pathway program if foreign trained.
American Medical Association
AMA Plaza, 330 N. Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
800-262-3211
www.ama-assn.org
American Osteopathic Association
142 East Ontario Street
Chicago, IL 60611
800-626-9262
www.osteopathic.org
National Medical Association
8403 Colesville Road, Suite 820
Silver Spring, MD 20910
202-347-1895
www.nmanet.org