Learn about the important requirements, obligations, responsibilities, and skills that should be in a doctor job description.
Doctors are responsible for the health, well-being, and safety of people under their care. While some are specialists, all doctors are licensed medical professionals who receive training in working with the general population to assess, diagnose, and treat various health conditions. They are a vital part of every community.
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Doctor Job Description Template
Our healthcare facility is looking to hire a licensed medical doctor to handle patient diagnosis and treatment. An ideal candidate will have a Medical degree from an accredited university, experience working with and treating diverse populations, and a strong work ethic. This position will provide high-quality medical care to patients and administer various treatments. They will also work collaboratively with other medical staff, like nurses, social workers, and medical assistants.
Doctor Responsibilities
- Assess, diagnose, and treat medical problems in a diverse group of patients
- Thoroughly document, read, and understand a patient’s medical history
- Perform routine check-ups on patients
- Empathically listen to patient concerns
- Maintain patient confidentiality and follow HIPAA guidelines
- Improving patient health literacy through education and demonstration Referring patients for additional or supplemental care when needed- Meet continuing education requirements and staying up-to-date on the latest medical innovations
- Working with pharmaceutical, medical device, and other health product representatives to bring effective treatments to patients
Doctor Requirements
- A doctorate medical degree from an accredited school
- Be certified by the medical board, have state licensure, and a Federal DEA license
- Have completed a residency
- Experience working in the medical field, preferably in position that required the demonstration of leadership skills
- The ability to work well under pressure, in a complex, fast-paced environment, and strong decision making skills
- Flexible schedule that allows for long shifts and periods of on-call service
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong data analysis, evaluation, and summarization skills
Doctor Duties and Responsibilities
While a doctor is responsible for many things when working in a primary care, hospital, or private practice setting, here are some of the most common ones.
Assess, diagnose, and treat medical problems in a diverse group of patients
Being able to assess a patient’s symptoms accurately is perhaps the most critical part of a doctor’s role. Completing a residency (in either a general or specialty field) and having up-to-date and accurate training is essential for this responsibility. A proper diagnosis and prescribing the most appropriate treatment available also depend on a precise assessment.
Improving patient health literacy through education and demonstration
Not all patients are health literate, meaning it’s a doctor’s job to present information about their health condition and treatment in a way that is easy for them to understand. This can look like providing patients with educational materials like pamphlets or videos, encouraging them to go to a support group, or attending a seminar related to their diagnosis.
Putting scientific and medical concepts in a digestible format is a unique skill that takes many doctors years to learn. A compassionate, caring attitude is also helpful for this responsibility.
Meet continuing education requirements and staying up-to-date on the latest medical innovations
There are many federal and state regulations that mandate doctors to complete a certain number of continuing education requirements, which are meant to help keep them up-to-date on the latest medical innovations. In-person or collaborative virtual training also allows doctors to connect with other medical professionals, building their network of potential referrals and case consultation opportunities. A good candidate will have relevant CEUs listed on their resume.
Maintain patient confidentiality and follow HIPAA guidelines
Patient confidentiality is of the utmost importance in the medical field. Doctors must follow strict guidelines and laws (like HIPAA) that require them to protect patient health information (PHI) in a healthcare facility’s database and outside of it. Maintaining this confidentiality is a non-negotiable part of being a doctor, so candidates must have a proven track record of compliance with company policy and procedures.
Empathically listen to patient concerns
While it’s easy for doctors to have a hefty workload that limits the time they get to spend with each patient, they should aim to provide each patient with empathic and compassionate care. They should ensure that every person they provide medical advice and treatment feels heard and respected. Guidelines such as the Hippocratic oath outline doctors’ stipulations for working with patients.
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Related: Best Healthcare Jobs
Doctor Salary And Job Outlook
Median National Salary: $132,499/year
Education Required: Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy from an accredited medical school, and completion of a 3-4 year residency program
Number of Jobs: 816,900
Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 3% (As fast as average)
The Bottom Line
Being a doctor is something many people dream of, and a position that requires a significant amount of education and training. Hiring or applying for this position isn’t easy, but a thorough job description can help you find the best candidates or determine if you’re right for the job.
Whether you’re hiring for this position or looking for a job as a doctor, check out our list of the best free job posting sites for ideas. Post your doctor job description on ZipRecruiter today!
