General practice doctors provide primary and continuing medical care for patients in the community. They take account of physical, emotional and social factors when diagnosing illness and recommending the required treatment. Patients may be referred to hospital clinics for further assessment and possibly for treatment. They increasingly work as part of a team alongside other healthcare professionals to discuss care options for patients and their families and help patients to take responsibility for their own health.

Tasks:

1. Analyze records, reports, test results, or examination information to diagnose medical condition of patient
2. Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical history, reports, and examination results
3. Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients
4. Make diagnoses when different illnesses occur together or in situations where the diagnosis may be obscure
5. Monitor patients' conditions and progress and re-evaluate treatments as necessary
6. Prescribe or administer medication, therapy, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury
7. Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioner when necessary
8. Advise patients and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, and disease prevention.
9. Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, students, assistants, specialists, therapists, and other medical staff.
10. Prepare government or organizational reports on birth, death, and disease statistics, workforce evaluations, or the medical status of individuals.

Key skills for doctor:

• Complex problem solving
• Critical and analytical thinking
• Integrity and dependability
• Social orientation
• Drive to continue learning throughout career
• Ability to work long hours, often under pressure

Average salary (2013):

The United Kingdom: £49,900 per year
The United States of America: $129,000 per year
Australia: AU$100,400 per year

Qualifications and training required:

Qualification as a General practice doctor is a lengthy process. Initially it is necessary to undertake a five year medical degree. This is followed by compulsory hospital and general practice based vocational training through the two-year programme. The final stage is speciality training for general practice, which takes a minimum of three years. Subsequent professional updating, such as attending lectures, conferences and meetings is also a key feature of the job.
Graduates from a non-medical background wishing to become a doctor must follow the same route, but can take the shorter, more intensive graduate medical degree. They must have good academic references, be highly motivated and possess appropriate personal characteristics such as perseverance and energy.