Department

A doctor is someone who is experienced and certified to practice medicine to help maintain or restore physical and mental health. A doctor is tasked with interacting with patients, diagnosing medical problems and successfully treating illness or injury. There are many specific areas in the field of medicine that students can study.

What does a doctor do?

Doctors meet and talk with patients and caregivers to diagnose, manage and treat illnesses and injuries. Of course, specific duties will vary depending on the area of medicine you intend to practice, but many of the core duties are required of all doctors. Some of those duties may include:

1. Listening carefully to patients to gather information regarding symptoms
2. Performing diagnostics to determine the root problem
3. Reading and interpreting laboratory results
4. Prescribing medication; administering treatments
5. Ordering and/or performing procedures as needed
6. Providing follow-up care of patients or referring them to other providers as necessary
7. Working closely with physician assistants, nurses, EMTs, pharmacists and other health professionals to ensure the best possible care of their patients
8. Staying up-to-date on emerging medical technology and the latest field research
9. Practicing compassion, understanding and caring manners