Career Advice > CAREER DISCOVERY

Medical Doctor

Medical Doctor

Being a medical doctor is a rewarding job because it allows you to help people, save lives, and make a positive impact on society. It's a career where you can use your medical knowledge to care for others and improve their well-being.

Medical Doctors, also known as General Medical Practitioners of "GP", diagnose, treat and prevent human physical and mental disorders and injuries.

Lifesaving Impact: Medical Doctors diagnose, treat, and heal patients, often saving lives in the process. The sense of accomplishment from helping people recover is immeasurable.

Varied Specializations: Becoming a doctor opens the door to a vast array of specializations, from surgery to pediatrics, cardiology, and more. You can choose the field that aligns with your interests and passion.

Trusted by the Community: Doctors are highly respected in society. People turn to them for guidance and treatment in times of illness, making them a trusted and valued part of the community.

Continuous Learning: Medicine is a field of lifelong learning. Medical knowledge and technology are constantly evolving, which keeps the profession intellectually stimulating and ensures you're always at the forefront of advancements.

 

There is plenty of support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who want to pursue this career path. For example, the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) is a program aimed at supporting medical students from Indigenous backgrounds and those interested in working in rural and remote areas. This program helps increase the number of Indigenous doctors and improve healthcare accessibility in remote regions.

Another example of support is The Indigenous General Practice Registrars Network (IGPRN) which is a network for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GP registrars to provide professional and cultural support to one another. All Indigenous GP registrars are invited to be a part of IGPRN and it is free to join. IGPRN works to ensure that we continue to Close the Gap and esnure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders play a critical role in the Australian health system. The network was formed in 2008 by Indigenous GP registrars who saw that the challenges and opportunities they faced would be experienced better with support from their peers. Today, it continues on in its mission to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GP registrars.

 

What a typical day looks like

 

  • Conducts examinations and questions patients to determine the nature of disorders and illnesses, and records patients' medical information.

  • Orders laboratory tests, x-rays and other diagnostic procedures, and interprets findings to assist in diagnosis.

  • Provides overall care for patients, and prescribes and administers treatments, medications and other remedial measures.

  • Monitors patients' progress and response to treatment.

  • Advises on diet, exercise and other habits which aid prevention and treatment of disease and disorders.

  • Refers patients to, and exchanges medical information with, specialist medical practitioners.

  • Reports births, deaths and notifiable diseases to government authorities.

  • Arranges the admission of patients to hospitals.

 

 

 

How to become a Medical Doctor 

Becoming a Medical Doctor (General Practitioner)  is a rewarding but demanding journey that requires a strong educational foundation and ongoing professional development. Here are the steps to pursue a career as a GP:

Education: Start by completing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or equivalent degree at an accredited medical school in Australia. This typically takes around six years. Alternatively, you can pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. It's important to choose a program that is recognized by the Medical Board of Australia.

Internship and Residency: After completing your medical degree, you'll need to undertake an internship in a hospital, followed by a period of supervised training known as a residency. This practical experience is crucial for gaining clinical skills and knowledge.

Professional Associations: Consider joining organizations such as the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM). These associations offer resources, support, and pathways to gain fellowship as a GP. Fellowship is a mark of professional excellence and demonstrates your commitment to high standards of care.

 

Is this career for me?

Considering a career as a medical doctor is a significant decision. Here are ten questions to help you assess if you are suited for this profession:

 

  1. Am I genuinely interested in medicine? I am genuinely interested in medicine and am motivated by a true passion for the field.

  2. Do I have a strong background in science and biology? Yes, I have a strong background in science and biology, which are foundational to medical studies.

  3. Am I emotionally resilient and capable of handling stress?  I am emotionally resilient and capable of handling stress, crucial for the demanding and emotionally charged aspects of healthcare.

  4. Am I prepared for the many years of education and training required? I understand the commitment to extensive education and training required for becoming a medical doctor.

  5. Can I work well in a team and collaborate with other healthcare professionals? I can work effectively with others in a collaborative and teamwork-oriented environment.

  6. Am I comfortable with the responsibility of making life-altering decisions for patients? I recognize the significant responsibility of making critical decisions for patients' well-being.

  7. Do I have strong communication skills for patient interactions? I possess effective communication skills essential for building trust and providing quality patient care.

  8. Am I dedicated to lifelong learning and staying updated with medical advancements? I am committed to lifelong learning as medicine is an ever-evolving field, and staying updated is imperative.

  9. Can I handle long and irregular working hours, including being on call? I am prepared to work irregular hours, including being on call, which is common in medical practice.

  10. Am I passionate about helping people and making a positive impact on their health and well-being? I am passionate about helping people and making a positive impact on their health and well-being, which is the driving force behind pursuing a career in medicine.

Reflecting on these questions will help you determine if a career as a medical doctor aligns with your skills, interests, and values. It's also important to seek guidance from medical professionals, engage in relevant experiences, and thoroughly research the field to make an informed decision.

 

Want to Learn More?

To continue your exploring this as a career path visit the follow career and training websites and related links:

 

  •  yourcareer.gov.au
  • Australian Indigenous Doctors Association
  • General Practice Registrars Network
  • Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
  • Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine

 

 

 

ARTICLE SOURCES

LabourMarketinsights.gov.au

Yourcareer.gov.au

Note salary information source taken from ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.


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