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Doctor Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Doctor, or Physician, is a medical professional who maintains their patients’ health. Their duties include diagnosing medical conditions, administering treatments and providing follow-up care to patients.

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Doctor duties and responsibilities

Doctors are often at the top tier of authority in a healthcare facility, as they are responsible for accurately treating patients. Because they are responsible for the well-being of their patients, this is a highly demanding position, with duties including:

  • Diagnosing injury, illness, and disease in both new and returning patients
  • Interpreting x-rays, laboratory results, and other diagnostic reports
  • Assessing symptoms and conducting follow-up appointments when needed
  • Prescribing medicines and referring patients for specialized care
  • Conducting surgeries, delivering babies and administering vaccinations
  • Collaborating with members of their healthcare team, such as Nurse Practitioners
  • Staying current with medical, technological and research developments
  • Answering patients’ questions and providing medical advice
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Doctor Job Description Examples:

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

If a Doctor job description sample is not quite what you’re looking for, similar job description samples include:

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Doctor job description FAQs

What are the day-to-day duties of a Doctor?

A Doctor interacts with patients to address their healthcare needs and provide guidance, through diagnoses, prescriptions, referrals, or other advice. They contribute to the medical field by collaborating with colleagues on publications and conferences. Primarily, they are the main point of contact for their patients on medical concerns.

What qualities make a good Doctor?

While a Doctor can have all the necessary qualifications on paper, when searching for a Doctor, look for applicants who have more than just medical experience. A strong Doctor candidate is approachable, compassionate, understanding, and has a strong work ethic. They maintain a high level of professionalism, regardless of how challenging and demanding their duties. They are willing to work hard to provide their patients with the best care and advice possible.

What are the different types of Doctor?

In this job description sample, we have mostly focused on primary care Doctors, or primary care Physicians. However, various professionals are also a Doctor. Specialty positions include Cardiologists, Dermatologists, Gastroenterologists, Oncologists and Neurosurgeons. If you are looking for a Doctor with more specific experience and qualifications, be sure to list these details in your job description.

How can you make a Doctor job description stand out?

A compelling job description attracts the best Doctors. To get the ideal applicant for your organization, include employee benefits and how your organization helps Doctors achieve work-life balance. Add in some daily activities or routines expected from them, as this will allow candidates to get an idea of what their schedule would be, should they be hired. Consider adding opportunities for career development such as research or teaching roles in your healthcare facility.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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