Becoming an Doctor


What is being a Doctor like ?

A career in medicine offers doctors an opportunity to provide a service to the public through the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, diseases and infections. Doctors are also increasingly expected to provide social support to their patients. Doctors are able to choose which area of medicine they practise in. This should suit their own personal aptitudes (for example, community based doctors such as general practitioners have daily face to face contact with patients, whilst other doctors concentrate on advancing medicine in terms of undertaking scientific research, which may involve less patient contact).

There are a large number of specialty career paths in medicine - with over 50 career options available, a doctor is assured of finding a suitable career. The options may include becoming a surgeon, a general practitioner, a geneticist, a psychiatrist, a medical lecturer at medical school, a medical researcher or a public health physician to name a few.

Medicine is a rewarding career; however, being a doctor involves a lifetime of learning, both formally and informally. Doctors have to update their knowledge and skills throughout their careers. In terms of the training period, it can take up to 12 years to progress within structured training - from studying medicine at undergraduate level to being appointed as a senior doctor (hospital consultant).

After graduation from medical schools, doctors undertake what is seen as an 'apprenticeship'. In simple terms, this means that you learn more about medical practice 'on the job' - whilst actually practising it within your level of competency, knowledge and skills. This is usually in the hospital or community setting. This 'apprenticeship' begins at the pre-registration house officer grade and continues until you become a consultant or a general practitioner.

Whilst the working conditions for doctors in general are improving and their hours have been reduced, it should be recognised that doctors as professional people do work relatively long hours and will be expected to be on-call at times. In addition, doctors in the training grades are usually studying for their specialty exams throughout this training period and this can be demanding and time consuming