1. Home
  2. ACADEMICS
  3. CareerTraQ
  4. A-Z Index

Family Practitioner (MD)

Occupation Information table
Overview: Family physicians provide complete medical services for people of all ages, males and females. They examine patients and diagnose immediate or potential health problems. They request laboratory tests and X-rays, diagnose diseases, prescribe medication and refer patients to specialists.
Duties: Family physicians and internists are often called primary care physicians since they are the first physician a patient visits with a health problem or to have a physical examination.

They perform physical examinations for health problems and specify diagnostic tests such as blood, tissue and body fluid tests, radiological tests, etc. They interpret test results.

They explain results of tests to their patients. If test results are positive indicating a health problem, they may refer the patient to a specialist.

They perform periodic, preventative medicine physical examinations for the purpose of early detection of health problems. They coordinate patients' visits to specialists.
Degree(s): A.S. Health Sciences 
A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science) 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 9% to 13% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average projected growth for all occupations.
Salary Range (National Average): $110,000 to $125,000
Education Level: This occupation generally requires an advanced degree (e.g. Ph.D.). The typical commitment is a minimum of 3 years of study beyond a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree.
Additional Training/Education: All states require family practitioners to be licensed. Licensing involves graduation from a medical school (usually 4 years), passing an examination, and up to 7 years of "residency" graduate medical training in internal general medicine. The minimum educational requirement for acceptance to most medical schools is 3 years of college study.
Recommended Skills:
  • Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.
  • Identifying the most appropriate equipment and tools needed to get a job done.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Using your hands to operated fine instruments and precision tools.
  • Being aware of the reactions of others, and understanding why they react the way they do.
  • Ability to identify a problem, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement a solution.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Using scientific methods to investigate and conduct experiments.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
  • Teaching others how to do something.
  • Analyzing the symptoms of a problem and deciding what actions should be taken to resolve the problem.
Recommended Values:
  • Being involved in helping other people in a direct way either individually or in a small group.
  • Being able to decide on how to get something done without significant direction from someone else.
  • Having a level of income that will afford you with luxuries, and which will allow you to become financially independent.
  • Gaining the respect of others by the nature and/or level of responsibility of your work.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.