myfuture :: Occupation Information - Medical Practitioner

Medical Practitioner
( GP, Doctor, General Practitioner )


	Duties and Tasks Specialisations Quick Facts Work Conditions Personal Requirements Related Industries Labour Market Related Jobs Earnings Related Courses Further Information State Specific Information	Checking a patient's blood pressure
	Medical practitioners diagnose physical and mental illnesses, disorders and injuries, and prescribe medications and treatment to promote or restore good health.

Duties and Tasks

Medical practitioners may perform the following tasks:

examine the patient to determine the nature of the disorder or illness, and record the patient's medical information
order, perform and analyse laboratory tests, X-rays and other diagnostic images and procedures
provide overall care for patients and prescribe and administer treatments, medications and other remedial measures
aid in the prevention of diseases and disorders by advising patients on diet, exercise, hygiene and general health
prescribe and administer medication and inoculate patients to prevent infectious or contagious diseases
provide pre and post-natal care
report births, deaths and notifiable diseases to government authorities
arrange for patients to be admitted to hospital
refer patients to other medical specialists and exchange relevant medical details.

Specialisations

Sports Doctor

Quick Facts

Learning Area	Biology Chemistry
Work Demand	Including full use of hands/fingers Including good vision for detail Including mainly indoor work Including reading or writing
Work Field	Health and Community Services
Work Interest	Analytic or Scientific Helping or Advising
Skill Level	Professional Jobs

Work Conditions

Medical practitioners are involved in a wide range of activities including consultations, attending emergencies, performing operations and arranging medical investigations. In caring for patients, medical practitioners work with many other health professionals.

Medical practitioners sometimes have to deal with unpleasant conditions due to a patient's illness or injury. Adopting strict hygiene practices is important.

Depending on their area of specialisation, medical practitioners may have to work long, demanding and irregular hours. This may include working on weekends and at night or being on call 24 hours a day.

Personal Requirements