The field of medicine encompasses a broad range of health providers. In general, they perform examinations of patients, diagnose illnesses, educate patients and treat disease and injury. Physicians are practitioners of medicine. They devote their entire career to learning about providing care for their patients with new technologies, equipment, techniques and medications. There are two types of physicians: the doctor of medicine (MD) and t he doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO). MDs and DOs may practice general medicine or concentrate on a medical specialty. They work as leaders and coordinators of the health care team, referring patients to appropriate resources for care and services and overseeing the practice of other health care providers.

Physicians care for healthy people and for those who are ill or injured. They perform physical examinations, diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and other disorders. They can prescribe and administer medications and treatments, provide immunization services, care for pregnant women and deliver babies, perform surgery, and conduct research to a id in disease control or the development of new treatments. The practice of medicine is evolving as the health care system changes. Managed care and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are creating an increased demand for primary care physicians who provide most health care needs for their patients and refer them to other specialists as needed.

Areas of Specialization

There are many specialties and sub-specialties within medicine, each dealing with specific populations and clinical focuses. Specialty certification is earned through residency training programs that require three to seven years of study beyond medical school.

Medical Specialties and Sub-Specialties

Work Environment

Physicians may work long and erratic hours responding to emergencies and the intensive care needs of their patients. They may practice independently or in a group, work in hospitals, public health agencies, health provider organizations, government agencies, or educational institutions. In addition to providing patient care, many physicians are involved in research, teaching, and administration. More physicians are working for organizations rather than practicing independently. Physicians, especially primary care specialists, are especially needed in rural areas because of past trends towards specialization and the tendency to locate practices in urban areas.

Length of Training

Physicians must train for 11 or more years after high school before they are qualified to practice medicine. Individuals may apply for medical school after three years of college. Most complete at least the Bachelor's degree and some have graduate degrees. Prospective medical students may major in any subject area, as long as they successfully complete required courses in math and science. Applicants also must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Since admission to medical school is highly competitive, interested students should have high grade-point averages and high MCAT scores. Individuals considering medicine should begin preparing in high school by taking a wide range of science, math, and liberal arts courses. Good grades and participation in school organizations and volunteer work demonstrate the ability to manage time and set priorities, traits both colleges and medical schools look for in applicants. The first two years of medical school consist of basic medical science (anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, ethics, and law). Students learn how to interview and communicate with patients, take medical histories, perform physical exams, and recognize symptoms of illness. During the last two years of medical school, students apply their classroom knowledge to the art of patient care. They rotate through medical specialties and take electives in areas of special interest.

Licensure/Certification

Graduates pursue specialty training in residency programs. Residencies last from three to five years after medical school, depending on the specialty. After completing the residency program and passing the specialty board exam, the physician may enter practice as a board-certified member of that specialty. Sub-specialties require that physicians complete two or more years of additional study, known as a fellowship after the residency program. For example, if a pediatrician wanted to become a neonatologist, specializing in the care of critically ill newborns, he or she would acquire two years of fellowship training after the pediatric residency. Completion of a fellowship prepares the physician to sit for the subspecialty board examination.

The rapid changes in medicine demand that physicians make a life-long commitment to learning. Continuing medical education programs, professional training seminars, and reading in medical journals are mandatory for the physician to maintain skills and stay abreast of new developments in medicine and health care. Physicians may hold one of two degrees: the doctor of medicine (MD) or the doctor of osteopathy or osteopathic medicine (DO). Both MDs and DOs use accepted and approved methods to diagnose and treat disease. MDs a retrained in the tradition of allopathic medicine, which uses treatment actions proved to produce effects different from those of t he disease. DOs are trained in osteopathic medicine, which emphasizes the musculoskeletal system and uses manipulative therapy when appropriate. Both MDs and DOs may practice general medicine, one of the primary care specialties, or any other of the specialties or sub-specialties. Both types of degrees are recognized and accepted by residency programs. Students in allopathic and osteopathic medicine receive the same basic educational training and must meet the same Texas State Board of Medical Examiners licensing requirements. Specialists may earn significantly more, depending upon the specialty and the location of their practice.

Educational Programs

(Doctor of Medicine) Baylor College of Medicine
Texas A&M University System Health Science Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
UT Health Science Center at San Antonio
University of Texas Houston Health Science Center
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas

(Doctor of Osteopathy)
University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth

Professional Associations

American Medical Association
www.ama-assn.org

Texas Medical Association
www.tex med.org

Texas Osteopathic Medical Association
www.txosteo.org

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