Medical doctors play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses and injuries in patients. They are the skilled professionals who help individuals maintain their health and recover from various medical conditions.
If you’re passionate about healthcare, enjoy solving complex problems, and have a strong desire to help others, a career as a medical doctor could be perfect for you.
What skills do I need as a medical doctor?
- Excellent clinical and diagnostic skills
- Strong communication skills
- Empathy and compassion
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Proficiency with medical equipment and technology
- Continuous learning and adaptability
What does the job involve?
- Examining patients and taking medical histories
- Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests
- Diagnosing illnesses and injuries
- Prescribing medications and treatments
- Performing medical procedures
- Counselling patients on preventive care and lifestyle choices
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals
- Maintaining detailed patient records
What industries do medical doctors typically work in?
- Healthcare & Social Assistance
- Education & Training
- Government
What Career Cluster do medical doctors belong to?
Medical doctors are dedicated to improving and maintaining the health of individuals and communities, so they make excellent Guardians.
What kind of lifestyle can I expect?
As a medical doctor, your work will typically be done in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. You may also work in research facilities or academic institutions. The job often requires long and irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, especially early in your career.
You can expect to earn an above-average salary throughout your career. The role also offers opportunities for specialisation and advancement, which can lead to more senior positions or even the option to open your own practice.
Most medical doctors work full-time, with many working more than 40 hours per week. The job can be physically and emotionally demanding, but many find it highly rewarding. Work-life balance can be challenging, particularly in some specialties, but it often improves as you advance in your career.
How to become a medical doctor
The road to working as a doctor can be long and challenging, but it’s well worth the effort if you’re passionate about healthcare and helping others. To become a medical doctor, you typically need to complete the following steps:
- Take and pass any required admissions tests, such as the UCAT or MCAT. You may also need to undergo other tests and interviews or submit other application documents.
- Complete a 4 to 6-year medical school program. Your first years are typically spent in the classroom, while the last part of your degree focuses more on practical training.
- Complete a residency program, which can be 3-7 years in length, depending on specialty.
- Obtain a medical license in your country or state. You’ll need this to be able to work and practice as a doctor, no matter what specialty you choose.
- Consider fellowship training for further specialties.
Many doctors also pursue continuing education throughout their careers to stay current with medical advancements, or move into different fields.
What can I do right now to work towards this career?
If you’re in high school and you’d like to find out if a career as a medical doctor is right for you, here are a few things you could do right now:
- Focus on science courses at school, especially biology, chemistry, and physics.
- Volunteer or find work experience at hospitals or clinics to gain exposure to healthcare environments.
- Participate in science fairs or research projects to develop critical thinking skills.
- Develop strong study habits, as medical education requires extensive learning and takes lots of dedication.
Where can I find more information?
You can read more detailed information about careers in medicine here:
- World Health Organization
- Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Australia/NZ)
- British Medical Association (UK)
- Irish Medical Organisation
- American Medical Association (US)
- Canadian Medical Association
Similar careers to medical doctor
- Registered Nurse
- Paramedic
- Dentist
- Veterinary Nurse
- Pharmacist
- Medical Researcher
- Public Health Specialist
- Medical Technician
Find out more about alternative careers on our Job Spotlights page.