Doctors


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Doctors

Doctors - Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, family and general practitioners:

Interpersonal Relationships

  • Have a high level of social interaction with others. Physicians work closely with patients and other health care workers.
  • Are greatly responsible for the health and safety of others.
  • Are responsible for the work done by the health care workers they supervise.
  • Are often placed in conflict situations in which they must deal with patients and family members who might be angry or unpleasant.
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  • Communicate daily by phone and in person. They use e-mail and write letters and memos, but less frequently.
  • Usually work as part of a team of medical professionals.

Physical Work Conditions

  • Always work indoors in clinics and hospitals.
  • Often wear a special uniform, such as a white jacket.
  • Are exposed daily to the diseases or infections that their patients have.
  • Often wear masks or rubber gloves to protect themselves and their patients from disease.
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  • Work very near others. They must come into close physical contact with patients during examinations.

Work Performance

  • Must be very exact in their work and be sure all details are complete. Errors or omissions could seriously endanger the health and safety of patients.
  • Repeat the same physical and mental tasks.
  • Make decisions on a daily basis that substantially impact patients and their families.
  • Make nearly all their decisions and set their daily tasks and goals independently.
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  • Work in a somewhat competitive atmosphere where they must meet daily deadlines.

Hours/Travel

  • Usually work more than 40 hours per week.
  • Generally work a set schedule.
  • May be on-call, which means available to work on short notice to handle emergencies.
Source: Illinois Career Information System (CIS) brought to you by Illinois Department of Employment Security.