PHYSICIAN - Dr. Small

Responsibilities

Family physicians offer expert medical care to adults and kids. They evaluate, treat, and help prevent illnesses and injuries that regularly occur in the general population. What makes family physicians unique is that they can provide medical care to all members of a family, regardless of age or sex. On a daily basis they diagnose symptoms, perform vaccinations, prescribe medications, and offer health and wellness advice. Being a family physician is a great choice for individuals who like science, problem-solving, and creating long-term relationships with patients and their families.

Qualifications

Family Physician Duties and Responsibilities

While a family physician’s day-to-day duties and responsibilities are determined by where they work, there are many core tasks associated with the role. Based on our analysis of job listings, these include:

Provide Holistic Care to Patients

Family physicians see patients in their medical office and visit them in hospital settings when needed. Their job is to develop a roster of patients by providing comprehensive medical care. Family physicians help repair and improve diseased or injured body parts and internal health problems. They order prescriptions or additional therapy for patients when necessary.

Order and Interpret Diagnostic Tests

Family physicians request, perform, and interpret diagnostic and clinical tests. They analyze test images and results in light of their patient’s medical history to inform their examinations and make accurate diagnoses. Family physicians then explain test results to patients and implement a care plan.

Advise Patients on Needed Health Changes

Patients look to family physicians to provide expert advice concerning disease prevention. They may suggest critical changes in diet, activity levels, and hygiene. The lifestyle changes physicians recommend help patients improve their quality of life.

Monitor Patient Progress and Records

Another critical activity for family physicians is keeping accurate and detailed records that document their observations from medical exams. Over time, family physicians monitor patient progress and treatment responses. They continually evaluate their patients’ overall heath and adjust individual treatments as necessary.

Collaborate with Other Healthcare Professionals

Consulting with additional specialists and doctors about patient needs is another vital task for family physicians. Other healthcare professionals can offer different perspectives on client diagnoses and treatment options. Family physicians commonly coordinate care with physical therapists, pharmacists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers. They also refer patients to other specialists when further diagnosis or treatment is needed.

Family Physician Skills and Qualifications
Family physicians should be energetic, compassionate, and dedicated to meeting the long-term health needs of families. Employers expect physicians to have a valid state medical license and at least three years of experience as a practicing primary physician in a family care setting. The following skills are essential to getting the job done:

Family medicine experience – family physicians must have the combined skills of an internist and a pediatrician to care for children and adults
Analytical diagnosis – since all doctors are scientists, they use scientific techniques to sort through data and conflicting information to reach an accurate medical diagnosis
Physical fitness – performing physical tasks such as lifting or turning disabled patients is a requirement for family physicians. They also spend hours on their feet each day walking between patient rooms
Bedside manner – family physicians often interact with people who are sick, injured, or in pain. They need a kind and compassionate attitude when treating patients and their families
Problem-solving skills – physicians use problem-solving to evaluate patients’ symptoms and administer the appropriate treatments
Organization skills – handling multiple patient caseloads among different age groups requires that family physicians be organized
Leadership skills – family physicians who manage their own practice must effectively lead a staff of other professionals
Communication skills – since family physicians must communicate with a variety of patients of all ages as well as various support staff, they need excellent interpersonal skills
 

Family Physician Education and Training
Family physicians must meet demanding education and training requirements. In order to practice, they need a bachelor’s degree, a medical degree, and a minimum of three years of internship or resident experience in family care. Family physicians must also achieve certification from a medical board by passing the United States Medical Licensing Exam. Finally, all states require family physicians to be licensed to practice within their specific state.

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