Doctors - Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, family and general practitioners:

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.

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.

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.

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.