General Health Practitioner
General health practitioners are also known as family doctors and cover a broad range of responsibilities. These physicians are typically the first person to deal with sick or injured patients and do not specialize in any one particular area of medicine. General health practitioners are responsible for accurately identifying and diagnosing the illness, disease, or injury and making any necessary specialist referrals.
He or she prescribes medication, runs basic tests, sets up treatment programs, and may perform minor surgery. General health practitioners typically have their own private practice, may work in a clinic setting, may decide to go into research fields, or may decide to teach others at medical schools.
Other general health practitioner duties include: training nursing staff or front desk representatives; interviewing, hiring, and firing medical personnel (including receptionists and nurses); maintaining accurate patient records; adhering to proper medical protocol; abiding by insurance guidelines; and collaborating with other medical professionals.
General health practitioners are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, or another related science area, and must hold an MD degree. Board certification is also required. Other recommended skills include: familiarity with insurance rules and regulations, computer skills, communication skills, the ability to travel, research skills, and the ability to multi-task.
The typical average salary of an experienced general health practitioner is about $156,000 per year.
