As the cornerstone of the medical industry, physicians are most patients’ first and most direct link to health care. Doctors diagnose and treat physical and mental disorders. They also perform physical examinations and diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and other disorders. They prescribe and administer medications and treatments, provide immunization services, care for pregnant women and deliver babies, perform surgery, and conduct research to aid in disease control or the development of new treatments.

Many physicians specialize in a particular field, such as surgery, obstetrics, or psychiatry.

The demand for physician services will continue to increase, especially in rural areas where many physicians are nearing retirement age.

Doctors need to deeply care about other people, their problems, needs, and pain. They also need compassion, resourcefulness, patience, perseverance, emotional stability, and the ability to make good decisions in emergencies.

Exceptional observation and analysis skills, good health, mental dexterity, and physical stamina are also essential.

All physicians need a strong grasp of scientific principles and their application to medical problems.

They require basic medical science knowledge--anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, ethics, and law--as well as an ability to demonstrate caring concern for patients.

Physicians must train for 11 or more years after high school before they are qualified to practice medicine: four years of undergraduate school, four years of medical school, and three years of residency.

After three years of college, individuals may apply for medical school through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). Applicants must also pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Since admission to medical school is highly competitive, with more applicants than there are class positions, interested students should have high grade-point averages and high MCAT scores.

Individuals considering medicine should begin preparing in high school by taking college preparatory courses, including math courses such as Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry; science courses such as biological science, physical science, and lab; English and social studies, including one unit in U.S. history; and two years of foreign language.

Physicians may work long and erratic hours responding to emergencies and the intensive care needs of their patients. They may practice independently or in group practices, or work in hospitals, public health agencies, health provider organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions.

In addition to providing patient care, many physicians are involved in research, teaching, and administration.