They regularly examine healthy patients and counsel them on how to stay that way through nutrition, exercise and stress-reduction. When patients are ill, they order and perform tests to make a diagnosis, then prescribe and administer a plan of treatment. Dedication is the key to success as a physician - many work long, irregular hours, and all undergo a demanding and costly education. If you are compassionate, stable, motivated and decisive, you may enjoy a career in this challenging yet rewarding profession. Depending on specialization, residency may last up to eight years.
Physicians also study throughout their careers to keep up with medical advances.
Salary does vary according to years in practice, geographic location and reputation. However, a surplus of physicians and attempts to reduce health care costs mean that more opportunities will exist for those practicing general internal medicine, general family medicine and general pediatrics.