Doctor

Doctors are concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, diseases, disorders and injuries.

There are around 60 areas of work in which doctors can specialise. Many are hospital based, while a large number of doctors work as general practitioners (GPs).

GPs diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions. They also decide whether a patient needs to be referred for further treatment or investigations.

Hospital doctors work in one of several fields:

• medical - treating medical conditions and emergencies
• surgical - carrying out surgery and looking after patients before, during and after operations
• pathology - working in a laboratory investigating the causes and effects of disease
• psychiatry - working with patients with mental health problems
• other areas - such as anaesthetics, radiology and ophthalmology.

Some doctors work in areas such as pharmaceutical, occupational and public health medicine.

Salaries range from at least £22,190 (plus banding supplements) for a junior doctor up to £176,242 a year for some hospital consultants.

Working hours vary, but are often irregular and include nights, shifts and weekend work. Doctors work in different settings, including hospital consulting rooms, wards and operating theatres, or general practice surgeries.

A doctor should:

• have strong scientific ability
• have excellent communication skills
• be patient
• have an enquiring mind
• be able to put people at ease and inspire trust and confidence
• have a keen interest in science and healthcare
• be concerned for the care and well-being of people.

The NHS employs around 90,000 hospital doctors and 34,000 GPs in England. Some doctors combine NHS work with private practice. Other employers include private hospitals, the armed forces, public sector organisations such as the prison service, pharmaceutical companies, universities and research organisations.

All entrants must start by studying for a degree in medicine. Most candidates have high grades in three A levels, plus supporting GCSEs (A*-C). Universities may accept equivalent qualifications. Some entrants may already have a first degree. Paid or voluntary work experience, especially in a hospital or care situation, can be very helpful.

There are three stages to qualification as a doctor:

• degree in medicine - usually four to six years
• foundation programme - two years consisting of a series of four-month placements in hospitals and general practice
• specialty or general practice training - three to eight years' training for qualification as a hospital specialist or GP.

On average, hospital doctors become consultants within eight years of graduating from medical school. GPs may work as salaried employees, partners in a practice or as locums (temporary staff covering holidays and sickness). There are opportunities to work abroad.

Further details