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Physicians


Overview

Introduction

Physicians diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the human body. A physician is licensed to prescribe medications and perform surgery. Many physicians specialize, thus becoming a pediatrician, obstetrician, or another specialist. Physicians hold either a doctor of medicine (M.D.) or osteopathic medicine (D.O.) degree. Approximately 756,800 physicians are employed in the United States.

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$208,000

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Employment Prospects

Good

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Minimum Education Level

Medical Degree


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Experience

Clinical training and a residency


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Skills

Interpersonal
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Personality Traits

Helpful
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Earnings

Physicians have among the highest average earnings of any occupational group. The level of income for any individual physician depends on a number of factors, such as region of the country, economic status of the patients, and the physician's specialty, skill, experience, professional reputation, and personality. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, mean annual earnings for all phy...

Work Environment

The offices and examining rooms of most physicians are well equipped, attractive, well lighted, and well ventilated. There is usually at least one nurse-receptionist on the physician's staff, and there may be several nurses, a laboratory technician, one or more secretaries, a bookkeeper, or receptionist.

Physicians usually see patients by appointments that are scheduled according to indi...

Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that this field is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2028. Population growth, particularly among the elderly, is a factor in the demand for physicians. Another factor contributing to the predicted increase is the widespread availability of medical insurance, through both private plans and public programs. More physicians wi...