Doctor

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

There are more than 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 and assessing and treating them
• 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 £21,862 (plus supplements) for a junior doctor up to £173,638 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 over 33,000 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. The number of doctors has increased steadily over the past few years, but there is still a shortage.

All entrants must start by studying for a degree in medicine. Most candidates have three A levels with high grades, plus supporting GCSEs (A*-C). Universities may accept equivalent qualifications. Some entrants 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 seven years training for qualification as a hospital specialist or GP.

On average, hospital doctors should 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). Many GPs work towards becoming a GP with a Special Interest (GPwSI). This involves extending their skills in areas such as minor surgery, drug misuse, sexual health or diabetes. There are opportunities to work abroad.

Further details