What does a Doctor do?
A Doctor (Medical Doctor) is a healthcare professional who works directly with patients to address healthcare needs and medical concerns. They diagnose diseases, injuries and illnesses, and conduct medical procedures. Patients also visit them for routine check-ups or prescriptions, and to maintain their health records.
In most practices, a Doctor manages a team of healthcare professionals such as Medical Assistants, Nurses and administrative staff, who collaborate with and support the Doctor’s work. Doctors work in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, family practices and clinics. Some Doctors specialize in areas, such as cardiology, psychiatry, dermatology and related fields.
Doctor skills and qualifications
The position of a Doctor requires long working hours, expert knowledge and strong critical-thinking skills. A strong candidate for this role is an effective leader and communicator. They have medical qualifications to support this designation, and are eager to continue their education. Essential skills and qualifications for this position include:
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Keen attention to detail
- Ability to work for long hours in a fast-paced environment
- Qualities of compassion, understanding, empathy, humanity, and patience
- Excellent communication skills to relate to patients and medical professionals alike
- Strong time-management skills to attend to many patients during working hours
Doctor experience requirements
Depending on your healthcare facility’s needs, look for an applicant with experience as a Primary Care Doctor. They are expected to be familiar with how to manage patients and know how to use medical equipment for diagnoses or treatments. Consider applicants who have volunteer medical experience.
Doctor education and training requirements
A successful Doctor has a graduate degree from an accredited medical school and at least two years of residency training at a medical facility. In Canada, a Doctor must complete both parts of the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) and become a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC). They also need to earn a medical license in their territory or province.
Doctors who specialize in a medical discipline need additional education and residency training to work. For example, Gynecologists need to complete two to five years of specialty residency training and pass the qualifying examinations by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. You may also ask applicants to participate in Continuing Medical Examination (CME) programs.
Doctor salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Doctor in Canada is $256,425 per year. Salaries depend on experience, location, and healthcare establishment.
Job description samples for similar positions
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