Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Medical Doctor.

Job Title - Medical Doctor

Description

A Medical Doctor is a practitioner of the science of medicine who examines patients, diagnoses diseases, prescribes medications and treats diseases, disorders and injuries of the human body.

Typical Job Activities

A general practitioner who cares for all general complaints that do not require in-depth treatment
A medical officer in hospitals
A specialists in a specific field
The medical doctor questions the patient, takes a medical history
Performs a physical examination seeking the true cause of the complaint
Medication may then be prescribed or the patient may be referred for further examination or treatment to a specialist
A general practitioner may perform small operations or assist surgeons with complicated operations

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Related Occupations

Chemist
Surgeon

Educational Requirements

Exceptionally High: 4-7 years University Studies - Completing a MBChB:
- Theoretical training: 6 years
- Student internship: 1 year
- Community Service: 1 year

Compulsory subjects: Mathematics and Physical Science
Recommended subjects: Biology

Competition to enter medical studies is stiff REGISTRATION: A student has to register with the Interim National Medical and Dental Council of South Africa as medical student and on completion of his training as medical doctor.

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

Have a strong desire to serve the sick and injured
Be sincere and have a pleasant personality
Be emotional stable
Be able to make decisions in emergencies
Have an aptitude for science and mathematics
Be willing to study to keep up with medical advances
Have the physical stamina to work long and irregular hours

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Employment Opportunities 

High

Market Competitiveness

Moderate

Income Potential

High

Self-Employment Options

High

International Employment Market

High

Possible Employers

Government - national, provincial, local councils and related organisations like - Training hospitals and universities
Big private companies - Hospitals, clinics and nursing homes
Medium or small Companies - Research laboratories
Own small business: Entrepreneurial opportunities in this field
Self-employed: Private practice

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Relevant Contact Details

The Interim National Medical and Dental Council of South Africa
http://www.hpcsa.co.za/

Career Progress and Path

Further Studies in the specific career field
Further studies in related fields
Experience in specific field Work performance
Experience in related fields
Do presentations, seminars, publish articles, etc.
General management studies

Possible Career Paths

Specialist career in the specific field
Management positions in the specific field
Management positions in related fields
Private practice
Own business

Employment Stability

Very stable

Reasons to consider this career

A job in government
A job in private companies
To start my own business
A stable job
To be of service to people
To learn new things
To work with people
To face intellectual challenges
To focus on a specific field