Primary Care Physician
Maggie Duffin
Job Description
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent disease and injury. Will refer patients to other doctors who are specialists if further treatment or diagnoses is required. This is the doctor you see every year or every few years for physicals, check-ups and immunizations.
Necessary Certification Requirements
Apply for their medical license, which requires them to pass either the U.S Medical Licensing Exam or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam. Certification usually has to be renewed every few years and requires re-passing one of these exams.
Daily Activities
- See patients: diagnose, treat, give medical advice, prescribe medications.
- Administrative duties: fill out patient charts, records, and insurance paperwork.
Education Requirements
- A 4 year pre-med undergraduate degree
- 4 years in medical school for a Doctorate of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
- At least 2 years of residency (clinical training).
Average Income
Beginning: $100,000
Average: $180,000
Potential: $220,000
Necessary Skills to Succeed
- Communication skills
- Observant
- Sharp memory
- Strong social skills
- Friendly and warm
- Must be a good listener
- Cooperative
- Must have the desire to help people
Practice Settings
- Clinic
- Hospital
- Private Practice
Job Outlook
1.03% job growth
Meet Dr. Karen Palmer, a primary care physician at Portsmouth Regional Hospital