Prescribe and administer drugs and treatments. Immunize patients to protect them from preventable and communicable diseases. Provide ongoing treatment and monitoring for those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiac conditions. Track children's growth and development and take action if problems arise. Care for patients with complex medical problems, either alone or in consultation with medical or surgical subspecialists.
Most family physicians work in private offices, hospitals, and clinics.
They may work alone or with other physicians and are usually aided by nurses, technicians, and other support personnel. Students interested in becoming a physician should take the most challenging high school courses available in science, math, and English, including advanced placement courses. To enter medical school, students must have received a Bachelor's degree, with a high grade average in a pre-medical program or other related major.