They also advise patients on maintaining good health. They are classified by type of practice or specific area of specialization. They must be familiar with all types of instruments, medical tests, and medical equipment. They may perform surgery. They prescribe and give medication.
Physicians have among the highest average annual earnings of any occupational group.
Earnings vary according to specialty, the number of years in practice, geographic region, hours worked, and the physicians's skill, personality, and professional reputitation. Newly qualified physicians who establish their own practice must make a sizable financial investment to equip a modern office. During the first years of independent practice, physicians probably earn little more than the minimum needed to pay expenses. Most applicants have a bachelor's degree and many have advanced degrees. Typical medical school programs are four years.