Specialist Physicians

Nature of work

Specialists Physicians have an in-depth knowledge and highly specialized skills in a specific medical field. There are many specialties, which can be broadly grouped into clinical medicine, laboratory medicine, and surgery. This group includes residents training to become specialist physicians. Specialists in clinical medicine diagnose and treat diseases and physiological or psychiatric disorders and act as consultants to other physicians. Specialists in laboratory medicine study the nature, cause, and development of diseases in humans. Specialists in surgery perform and supervise surgical procedures. Specialists in clinical medicine usually work in private practice or in a hospital while those in laboratory medicine and in surgery usually work in hospitals.

Job duties

Specialists in clinical medicine:

• Diagnose and treat diseases and physiological or psychiatric disorders.
• Order laboratory tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic procedures.
• Prescribe medication and treatment and refer patients for surgery.
• Act as consultants to other physicians.
• May conduct medical research.

Specialists in laboratory medicine:

• Study the nature, cause, and development of diseases in humans and the structural and functional changes caused by diseases.
• Conduct microscopic and chemical analyses of laboratory samples and specimens.
• Supervise laboratory activities.
• Act as consultants to other physicians.

Specialists in surgery:

• Assess patients' diseases or disorders to determine appropriate surgical procedures.
• Perform and supervise surgical procedures to correct physical abnormalities and deficiencies and repair injuries.
• Act as consultants to other physicians.

Sample job titles

• anesthesiologist
• cardiologist
• dermatologist
• emergency physician
• medical examiner
• neurologist
• obstetrician-gynecologist
• opthalmologist
• pediatrician
• plastic surgeon
• psychiatrist
• radiologist
• specialist physician
• surgeon
• urologist

Skills

Compassion, sensitivity, and a desire to help people are important. Physicians must take final responsibility for their decisions and the effects they have on patients' lives. Therefore, emotional stability, ethics, maturity, and good judgement are essential. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are important. You should be able to inspire confidence and put people at ease. You must be willing to continually update your knowledge and skills. Good health and stamina may be needed, as physicians often work long hours.

Job requirements

Specialist physicians:

• A Bachelor of Science degree.
• Graduation from an approved medical school and specific specialty training are required.
• Completion of the certifying examinations of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and licensing by the provincial or territorial licensing authority are required.

Specialists in clinical medicine:

• Four to five years of specialty residency training are required.
• Two years of subspecialty training may also be required.

Specialists in laboratory medicine:

• Four to five years of specialty residency training are required.

Specialists in surgery:

• Five to six years of specialty residency training are required.
• Two years of subspecialty training may also be required.

Other considerations

The work is rewarding but can be challenging and emotionally demanding. Specialist physicians often work long hours. Most physicians are self-employed and administer their services through private practices. Most physicians are paid by fee-for-service, so earnings depend upon the fees paid by the government for various services and the number of patients served. Some physicians are paid through alternative funding plans. Movement to management positions like director of laboratory medicine or chief of surgery is possible with experience.

Regulations

Contacts

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