Physician/Surgeon Overview - Preparation - Specialty Areas - Day In The Life - Earnings - Employment - Career Path Forecast - Professional Organizations - Overview PDF - Overview PowerPoint - Overview Podcast

Physicians and surgeons serve a fundamental role in our society and have an effect upon all our lives. They diagnose illnesses and prescribe and administer treatment for people suffering from injury or disease. Physicians examine patients, obtain medical histories, and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive health care.

There are two types of physicians: M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) and D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). M.D.s also are known as allopathic physicians.

While both M.D.s and D.O.s may use all accepted methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, D.O.s place special emphasis on the body's musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic patient care. D.O.s are more likely than M.D.s to be primary care specialists although they can be found in all specialties. About half of D.O.s practice general or family medicine, general internal medicine, or general pediatrics.

Physician/Surgeon Resources
Online	Downloads
Overview: Overview of the work of Physicians and Surgeons
Preparation: Programs, Degree Fields
Specialty Areas: Special Areas of Study
Day in the Life: Specialty Areas, the Workplace
Earnings: Salary Ranges
Employment: Statistics, Employment Options
Career Path Forecast: Predictions for Physicians/Surgeons
Professional Organizations: Resources, Networking, Support
Podcast: Overview of Career Paths for Physicians and Surgeons
Internet Resources: American Board of Medical Specialties American Academy of Family Physicians American College of Surgeons American Medical Association Association of American Medical Colleges Liaison Committee on Medical Education Medical Group Management Association

Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.