- Published: December 9, 2021
- Updated: December 9, 2021
- University / College: Stanford University
- Level: Secondary School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 36
In other words, the family doctor provides comprehensive medical services including counseling and general medical care to a family or individual without regard to gender and age. At work, the family practitioner examines patients, executes various tests, analyses and diagnoses their conditions and prescribes medications or treatment (Careers. org, 2010).
Education, training and working environment
Compared to general practitioners, family practice physicians generally have broader training. By training, a family doctor must complete a residency in medicine (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010). To become a practitioner, one must attend four years in college and medical school which usually takes four years. Further one must be an intern for at least one year before undertaking specialized training in family medicine for two years.
Family practitioners in many cases work in clinics or small private offices. Closely related to this profession are others like general practice, nursing, medicine, Osteopathy, and veterinary medicine. In order to join this noble profession, aspiring practitioners must be self-motivated, have the desire to serve sick people, able to withstand long hours and a lot of pressure at work (Careers. org, 2010).
Like it happens with numerous other professions, it is advisable to seek board certification and registration as a family practitioner with recognized professional bodies. Practitioners’ wages vary depending on several factors as it happens in other fields. In the United States, for example, one may typically make between 120, 000 USD and 190, 000 USD in a year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010). In the United Kingdom, family doctors may make between £50, 000 and £175, 000 on average.
Conclusion
On top of the hefty pay, family practitioners receive, they are always motivated by the fact that they do a lot to save lives. It is important that practitioners should be emotionally stable, have good bedside manners, have the ability to make quick decisions when attending emergencies and willing to study to keep up with advances in the medical field. Ladies and gentlemen thank you and have a pleasant day.
