What is a General Physician?
General Physicians, often referred to as Family Medicine Physicians or General Internal Medicine Physicians (Internists), are medical doctors who diagnose, treat, and provide long-term comprehensive care for individuals of all ages or solely adults. They focus on preventative care and managing common acute and chronic illnesses, often acting as the first point of contact in a patient's healthcare journey.
Typical Education
A four-year bachelor's degree, followed by a four-year medical degree (M.D. or D.O.), and a mandatory three-year residency program in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine, is required.
Salary Range in the United States
The typical median annual salary for Family Medicine Physicians was $224,640 in May 2023.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (Family Medicine Physicians)
Day in the Life
How to Become a General Physician
- Earn a Bachelor's Degree: Complete a four-year undergraduate degree, typically focusing on pre-med coursework (biology, chemistry, physics, etc.).
- Pass the MCAT and Attend Medical School: Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and complete a four-year program at an accredited medical school, earning a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.
- Complete a Residency: Successfully complete a competitive residency program in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine, which typically lasts three years and provides extensive clinical training.
- Obtain Licensure: Pass the required U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) and obtain a state medical license.
- Achieve Board Certification (Optional but Standard): Become board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) or the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) to demonstrate expertise.
Essential Skills
- Diagnostic Acumen: The ability to quickly and accurately assess a wide range of symptoms across different body systems to determine the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Patient Communication: Excellent skills in active listening, empathy, and translating complex medical information into clear, understandable language for patients of all educational backgrounds.
- Clinical Endurance: The stamina and resilience to manage a demanding schedule, including long hours, high patient volumes, and often significant administrative paperwork.
- Continuous Learning: A dedication to staying current with the rapidly evolving medical research, clinical guidelines, and pharmacological developments.
- Triage and Prioritization: The skill to assess the urgency of a patient's condition and effectively manage competing priorities in a busy clinical setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide Comprehensive Primary Care: Serve as the main healthcare provider for patients, offering routine check-ups, health screenings, and preventative counseling across their lifespan.
- Diagnose and Treat Acute Illnesses: Examine patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe treatments for short-term conditions like infections, minor injuries, and common ailments.
- Manage Chronic Conditions: Develop and manage long-term treatment plans for chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and asthma, often coordinating care with specialists.
- Perform Minor Procedures: Conduct in-office procedures, such as vaccinations, minor wound care, joint injections, and skin biopsies.
- Referral and Care Coordination: Direct patients to specialists when complex care is needed and maintain oversight of the patient's entire healthcare journey.
Five Common Interview Questions
- "What is your approach to managing a patient with multiple chronic conditions who is non-adherent to their medication regimen?" — This assesses your skill in chronic disease management, patient motivation, and collaborative communication.
- "Why did you choose General Internal Medicine/Family Medicine over a specialty like Cardiology or Surgery?" — This evaluates your commitment to primary care, understanding of the broad scope of the role, and professional motivation.
- "A patient is demanding an antibiotic for a clear viral infection. How do you respond and educate them effectively?" — This tests your clinical judgment, ability to manage patient expectations, and communication skills regarding evidence-based practice.
- "Describe a medical error or near-miss you experienced or witnessed. What did you learn, and how did you handle the situation?" — This assesses your commitment to patient safety, self-reflection, and adherence to professional reporting procedures.
- "How do you prioritize your time between seeing patients, completing documentation, and responding to patient portal messages and lab results?" — This gauges your efficiency, organization, and time-management skills in a high-demand environment.
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