What Does it Take to Become a Doctor?
A doctor (or medical doctor) is a health professional who diagnoses and treats illnesses and injuries. Typically, physicians work in hospitals or private practices. The field of medicine covers a wide range of specialties, each requiring extensive education and training. The most common specialties include internal medicine, ophthalmology and dermatology. Some of these disciplines also have sub-specialties. Most medical practitioners follow a standard procedure in assessing and treating patients. This includes taking a detailed medical history, performing a physical examination and interpreting lab or imaging results.
Many aspects of modern medicine reflect advances in technology and research. The science of genetics, for example, has led to a growing understanding of how certain diseases are hereditary. In addition, the use of antibiotics in the treatment of some infections has saved countless lives. Medical journals disseminate new discoveries and developments in the field.
Medical schools in most advanced countries provide instruction in the basic sciences, clinical skills and humanities. Upon graduation, students enter a residency program to learn the practice of medicine under supervision. Depending on the specialty, this may last three to seven years. Medical doctors must also pass a licensing exam to become certified to practice in the medical profession.
Most developed countries have national health care systems that cover the costs of some or all medical services for their citizens. Some of these systems are universal health care, in which the government pays for all health-related expenses, regardless of the beneficiary’s ability to pay. Other nations have a mix of private insurance and public programs.
A medical researcher must be able to interpret data and information, have excellent problem-solving skills, and be able to work independently. Additional qualifications include excellent communication skills, as well as good computer knowledge and a strong interest in science. The ability to perform specialized laboratory testing is also desirable, as is the ability to read and understand technical information. The ability to distinguish different colors and shades, characterize the clarity and viscosity of medical specimens, reagents and chemical reaction end products is also important. The researcher must also be able to visually inspect 2D and 3D specimens. Lastly, the researcher must be able to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
A doctor (or medical doctor) is a health professional who diagnoses and treats illnesses and injuries. Typically, physicians work in hospitals or private practices. The field of medicine covers a wide range of specialties, each requiring extensive education and training. The most common specialties include internal medicine, ophthalmology and dermatology. Some of these disciplines also have sub-specialties. Most medical practitioners follow a standard procedure in assessing and treating patients. This includes taking a detailed medical history, performing a physical examination and interpreting lab or imaging results. Many aspects of modern medicine reflect advances in technology and research. The science of genetics, for example, has led to a growing understanding of how certain diseases are hereditary. In addition, the use of antibiotics in the treatment of some infections has saved countless lives. Medical journals disseminate new discoveries and developments in the field. Medical schools in most advanced countries provide instruction in the basic sciences, clinical skills and humanities. Upon graduation, students enter a residency program to learn the practice of medicine under supervision. Depending on the specialty, this may last three to seven years. Medical doctors must also pass a licensing exam to become certified to practice in the medical profession. Most developed countries have national health care systems that cover the costs of some or all medical services for their citizens. Some of these systems are universal health care, in which the government pays for all health-related expenses, regardless of the beneficiary’s ability to pay. Other nations have a mix of private insurance and public programs. A medical researcher must be able to interpret data and information, have excellent problem-solving skills, and be able to work independently. Additional qualifications include excellent communication skills, as well as good computer knowledge and a strong interest in science. The ability to perform specialized laboratory testing is also desirable, as is the ability to read and understand technical information. The ability to distinguish different colors and shades, characterize the clarity and viscosity of medical specimens, reagents and chemical reaction end products is also important. The researcher must also be able to visually inspect 2D and 3D specimens. Lastly, the researcher must be able to prioritize work and meet deadlines.