Doctor: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What does a Doctor do?

A Doctor, or Physician, diagnoses and treats illnesses, manages patient care, and provides guidance on the maintenance of good health. Doctors perform medical examinations, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and treat a wide range of conditions.

They work in various specialties such as family medicine, pediatrics, or surgery, tailoring their care to the specific needs of their patients. Doctors collaborate with nurses, physician assistants, therapists, and other medical professionals to provide comprehensive healthcare services.

They are committed to ongoing education to stay abreast of medical research and practices to ensure the highest standard of care.

Doctor: Main duties

Doctors in the Healthcare field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

Conduct patient consultations to diagnose illnesses and discuss treatment options.
Perform physical examinations and order or conduct diagnostic tests.
Prescribe and administer treatment, including medications, and monitor patients' progress.
Update patient records with symptoms, treatments, and progress.
Provide health and wellness advice to patients.
Collaborate with medical staff to plan and implement comprehensive care for patients.
Participate in continuing education and training to remain up to date with the latest medical treatments and procedures.

Doctor: Key Qualifications

Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
Completion of a residency program in a specialized field of medicine.
Board certification in a medical specialty (varies by specialty and state).
State medical license to practice medicine.
Strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and other sciences.

Basic Skills and Requirements for Doctors

Excellent diagnostic skills and a thorough understanding of health and disease.
Exceptional communication skills for interacting with patients and their families.
Empathy and professionalism in providing patient care.
Ability to work under pressure in fast-paced environments, especially in emergency rooms or during surgeries.
Leadership skills and the ability to work well within a multidisciplinary team.

Salary Expectations for Doctors

Job	Branch	Avg. US Salary
Doctor	Healthcare	210,000 USD

The average salary for a Doctor in the U.S. is approximately $210,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Doctors may receive a wide range of benefits.

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$262,500
Senior	11+ years	$231,000
Experienced	6-10 years	$210,000
Mid Level	3-5 years	$189,000
Entry Level	0-2 years	$157,500

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Doctor Salary Country Overview.

Career Path for Doctors

Doctors can progress in various ways depending on their specialty and interests. They may advance to senior roles in hospitals or clinics, become consultants, or enter into research or teaching at medical schools. Some may choose to open their own practice or specialize further in sub-specialties. Leadership roles in healthcare administration or public health policy are also potential career paths.

Doctor: Work Environment

Doctors work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and community health centers. Their work can involve long hours, night shifts, and being on call. Doctors dealing with surgeries or emergencies may work in high-stress situations requiring precision and decision-making under pressure. Their work is both physically and mentally demanding but highly rewarding.

Doctor: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

Explore the demanding role of a Doctor, responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses, providing preventive care, and supporting patient health. Learn about the rigorous qualifications and diverse skills needed.