Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Physician.

Job Title – Physician

Description

A Physician and surgeon diagnoses and treats injuries or illnesses. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They often counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare. 

Typical Job Activities

Takes a patient’s medical history
Updates charts and patient information to show current findings and treatments
Orders tests for nurses or other healthcare staff to perform
Reviews test results to identify any abnormal findings
Recommends and design a plan of treatment
Addresses concerns or answer questions that patients have about their health and well-being
Helps patients take care of their health by discussing topics such as proper nutrition and hygiene

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Related Occupations

Medical doctor
Medical laboratory technologist
Radiation protection specialist
Radiographer
Physicist
Paediatrician

Educational Requirements

Senior Certificate with matric exemption

For a degree course in Medicine and most do post graduate studies
A few medical schools offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs that last 6 or 7 years. 

Students spend most of the first 2 years of medical school in laboratories and classrooms, taking courses such as anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, psychology, medical ethics, and the laws governing medicine. They also gain practical skills, learning to take medical histories, examine patients, and diagnose illnesses.

During their last 2 years, medical students work with patients under the supervision of experienced physicians in hospitals and clinics. Through rotations in internal medicine, family practice, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery, they gain experience in diagnosing and treating illnesses in a variety of areas.

Compulsory subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics
Recommended subjects: English

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Have good communication skills
Be able to have compassion
Be detail oriented
Have good leadership skills
Have good organisational skills
Must have patience
Have good problem-solving skills
Must enjoy working with sick people

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Employment Opportunities 

High

Market Competitiveness

High

Income Potential

Moderate

Self-Employment Opportunities

High

International Employment Opportunities

High

Possible Employers

Provincial and private hospitals
Universities
Private Practice
Medical companies and with specialist physicians
The National Accelerator Centre
Medical Research Council
Department of Health

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Relevant Contact Details

South African Medical Association
https://www.samedical.org/

Association of Surgeons of South Africa
www.surgeon.co.za/

Career Progress and Path

Further studies in the specific career field
Experience in specific field
Work performance
General Management studies

Possible Career Paths

Specialist career in the specific field
Own business

Employment Stability

Very stable

Reasons to consider this career

I am very interested in a specific subject or field
I can apply my special skills
I can be of service to people