How to Be Family Doctor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 7, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Cause: Having a family doctor can be beneficial to one's health. Effect: Not only can they provide preventative care, but they can also help diagnose and treat illnesses, recommend lifestyle and dietary changes, provide referrals to specialists, and coordinate care. Additionally, having a family doctor means having someone who is familiar with one's medical history, which can be useful in emergency situations, and can also be helpful in managing chronic conditions.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a family doctor, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited school. During your undergraduate studies, you should strive to take classes in biology, physiology, chemistry, and other sciences.
Take the MCAT. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized exam that is required for admission into medical school. You will need to do well on this exam to be accepted into medical school.
Complete Medical School. After earning your bachelors degree, you will need to apply to and attend medical school. During medical school, you will learn the skills and knowledge necessary to become a physician.
Complete a Residency Program. After graduating from medical school, you will need to complete a residency program in family medicine or general practice. During this time, you will gain experience in treating patients in a variety of settings.
Obtain Medical Licensure. In order to practice medicine, you must obtain licensure in the state in which you wish to practice. Each state has its own requirements for licensure, so its important to research these requirements before applying for licensure.
Become Board Certified. Becoming board certified is an important step in becoming a family doctor. To become board certified, you must pass an examination administered by the American Board of Family Medicine. This exam tests your knowledge and skill in family medicine.

Finding a reliable and competent family doctor can be a complex process. It is important to do your research and ask the right questions when searching for a family doctor. Factors such as their education, experience, and training should all be taken into consideration.

communication style and bedside manner should also be considered. Taking the time to check credentials, ask for references, and read online reviews can help you find a family doctor who is reliable and competent. visiting the office and meeting with the doctor in person can also provide insight into the quality of care they provide.

By taking the time to research and ask questions, you can ensure that you find a reliable and competent family doctor who meets all of your needs.

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Job Description

Diagnose and treat patient illnesses and injuries.
Prescribe medications
Order and interpret diagnostic tests
Provide preventive care such as immunizations
Educate patients about health and lifestyle changes
Refer patients to specialists for further treatment
Monitor patient progress and provide follow-up care
Document patient health information
Assist in surgery when necessary
Communicate with other healthcare professionals

Skills and Competencies to Have

Comprehensive knowledge of general medicine and preventive care
Ability to diagnose and treat common medical conditions
Skilled in managing chronic illnesses
Knowledge of pharmacology and prescription medication
Competency in performing physical examinations
Ability to order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests
Effective communication and interpersonal skills
Understanding of health promotion and disease prevention
Empathy, compassion, and cultural sensitivity
Adherence to ethical standards and medical regulations

The most important skill to have as a family doctor is excellent communication. Effective communication with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals is essential for providing safe and effective patient care. Poor communication can lead to misdiagnoses, missed diagnoses, or even medical errors.

Good communication also allows for a better patient-doctor relationship, which can help build trust and increase adherence to treatment plans. Good communication also allows doctors to understand the full context of a patients medical history, as well as their lifestyle and personal beliefs, which can be important factors when making medical decisions. effective communication is key to providing the best possible care for patients.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a family doctor?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest medical advances related to family medicine?
How do you handle difficult conversations with patients and their families?
Describe a time when you had to make an ethical decision in your practice as a family doctor.
What strategies do you use to provide compassionate care to patients?
How would you handle a situation where a patient or family member is not following your medical advice?
How do you handle the stress of being a family doctor?
What is your approach to preventative care for patients?
What techniques do you use to maintain patient confidentiality?
Describe a time when you had to explain a complex medical procedure to a patient or family member.

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Health Records (EHR). A digital system for managing patient health information, including medical history, lab results, and medications (eg: Epic, Cerner).
Health Information Exchange (HIE). A secure network for exchanging health data between healthcare providers (e. g. , hospitals, clinics, laboratories) and other stakeholders (eg: Carequality, Surescripts).
Telemedicine. The use of telecommunications technology to provide patient care remotely (eg: Skype, Zoom).
Practice Management Software. Software that helps manage patient information, scheduling, billing, and other administrative tasks (eg: Athenahealth, eClinicalWorks).
Patient Portal. An online platform that allows patients to securely access their medical records and communicate with their doctor (eg: MyChart, FollowMyHealth).
Mobile Health Apps. Healthcare applications designed to be used on smartphones and tablets to improve health outcomes (eg: WebMD, AliveCor).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
American Medical Association (AMA)
American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
American College of Physicians (ACP)
American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM)
Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM)
Association of Departments of Family Medicine (ADFM)
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC)
National Medical Association (NMA)

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Common Important Terms

Diagnosis. The process of determining the cause of a medical condition or symptom through examination, tests, and medical history.
Treatment. Medical care given to a patient for a particular illness or injury.
Prescription. A written order for a medication or treatment from a physician.
Referral. The process of sending a patient to another specialist for additional care or treatment.
Screening. A simple test to identify potential health problems and diseases early on.
Wellness. The practice of maintaining optimum physical and mental health.
Immunization. A shot or series of shots that help protect against certain diseases.
Prevention. Taking measures to reduce the risk of developing certain medical conditions or illnesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does a Family Doctor provide?

A Family Doctor provides a range of services, such as physical exams, preventive health care, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and injuries, and health education.

How often should I visit my Family Doctor?

It is recommended that adults visit their Family Doctor every 1 to 2 years for a check-up. People with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, should visit their Family Doctor more often.

What should I bring to a doctor's appointment?

It is important to bring any medications you are taking, a list of any allergies you have, and a list of questions or concerns you may have about your health.

What is the difference between a Family Doctor and an urgent care clinic?

A Family Doctor is a primary care physician who provides ongoing care to an individual and their family. An urgent care clinic provides short-term treatment for minor illnesses and injuries.

What is the best way to find a Family Doctor?

The best way to find a Family Doctor is to ask for referrals from family, friends, or other healthcare professionals. You can also contact your local health department or search online for local Family Doctors.