Career Choice: Doctor

What do Doctors do?

Physicians, or doctors, have an effect upon all our lives. When we are sick, they tell us what is wrong. They give us medicine and other kinds of treatment. They examine us and listen to us tell them how we feel. They tell us what is good for us to eat and how we can have better hygiene. They may be part of a team that works together for our health.

Many doctors work long hours, at all times. Almost one-third of physicians worked 60 hours a week or more in 2002. Often, older doctors have fewer new patients and tend to work shorter hours. Physicians who are on call may have to go to the hospital when someone gets sick. Sometimes, doctors must travel between their offices and the hospital to care for their patients.

How do I prepare to become a Doctor?

Becoming a doctor requires more training than most other jobs. It usually takes at least 11 years to become a doctor: 4 years of university, 4 years of medical school, and 3 years working in a hospital. A few medical schools let students go to university and medical school for 6 years combined instead of the usual 8 years. For some specialties, a doctor may have to work in a hospital for up to 8 years.

To become a doctor, you should study mostly math, English, and science when you go to university. You may also want to work for no money at a hospital or clinic to get experience.

After you finish university, you will have to go to medical school. It is not easy to get into medical school. You have to do very well in university and on medical school entrance tests.

Students spend most of the first 2 years of medical school in labs and classrooms. They take lots of science courses. They also learn to ask patients the right questions and how to examine them. They learn how to tell what sickness a patient has. In the last 2 years, students work with patients and doctors in hospitals and clinics. There, they learn many ways to treat a patient's disease.

It costs a lot to become a doctor. More than 80 percent of medical students must borrow money to go to school. If you want to be a doctor, you should like to heal sick people. You should also not mind the long hours of study and work. You must make sure to keep up with new medical knowledge. You have to know how to talk to sick people. And you should be able to make decisions in emergencies.

What are the earning potentials?

Weekly Earnings (full time and before tax)

• $1250 - All Ages
• $931 - Ages 20-24

Source: ABS Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership, August 2003.

What are the Job prospects for Doctor?

• Very Good < Doctor
• Good
• Average
• Below Average
• Limited