Primary Care Physician
Laugh, it's free medicine!
Kali Lepisto
Basic Information
- Diagnoses and treats a wide variety of diseases.
- Uses their knowledge in association with the results and physical problems of patients of all ages.
- Preforms complete physical examinations. Treats most common illnesses.
- Care includes early intervention, diet information, emotional counseling, and the monitoring of growth and development.
- Advises individuals and families on preventative health care practices and recognize the symptoms of diseases and illnesses.
- Prescribes medication and sees that immunizations are kept up to date. Reports to public health authorities of any births, deaths, and cases of contagious diseases.
- Refers their patients with complex medical conditions to physicians who have specialized in the study of a particular bodily system or medical field.
- Works in comfortable offices with access to medical diagnostic equipment and laboratories.
- Usually works forty to sixty hours a week due to night and weekend on-call responsibilities.
- Must take fifty hours of continuing education each year to keep their licenses. Located in hospitals, health maintenance organizations, and medical clinics.
What do you need to do to succeed in this career?
Helpful High School Courses:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Chemistry
- Foreign Language (minimum of two years)
- Statistics
- Probability
Majors and Degrees:
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Medical Residency Programs
- Medicine and Graduate Medical Programs
Advancement Opportunities:
Most primary care physicians join medical groups, health maintenance organizations, or open their own practices when they complete their training and licensing requirements. As they gain experience, they see more patients and earn more money. Some conduct research, teach in medical schools, or write. Others become department heads in hospitals.
Colleges:
Northern Michigan University
1401 Presque Isle Avenue
Marquette, MI 49855-5301
(906) 227-1000
Michigan Technological University
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, MI 49931
(906) 487-1885
Lawrence University
711 East Boldt Way
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-7000
Associations/Professional organizations for this career:
American Academy of Family Physicians
Telephone: 800-274-2237
or 913-906-6000
Fax: 913-906-6075
AAFP Headquarters - Leawood, Kansas
American Academy of Family Physicians
11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
Leawood, KS 66211-2680
Leawood Business Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.to 5:30 p.m. CT
Mailing Address
American Academy of Family Physicians
P.O. Box 11210
Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
AAFP Washington Office
1133 Connecticut Ave., NW
Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: 888-794-7481 or 202-232-9033
Fax: 202-232-9044
The Association of Primary Care Physicians
River Road, Suite 302
Louisville, KY 40206
APCP Fax: (502) 426-82722301
APCP Main Office: (502) 426-9680
APCP Toll Free Fax: (888) 640-9680
APCP Toll Free Phone: (888) 426-9680