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Questions
about Family Physicians |
Question: I am having a difficult time deciding
exactly to which field of medicine I would like to dedicate
my life. I have narrowed it down to Sports Medicine
or General Medicine (Family Practice). What made you
realize that being a family physician was exactly what
you wanted to do?
Answer: I enjoyed all of my courses
in medical school. I found all aspects of medicine fascinating—no
matter what age of the patient or what type of medical
problem we studied. I also enjoyed learning about the
influences that lifestyle and social factors have on
people's health. When I spent time with a family physician,
I saw how therapeutic the relationship between the patient
and the doctor can be.
In my own life, I have found Family Medicine to be
a very rewarding career. I have delivered babies, cared
for children, and taken care of patients who were dying
of incurable diseases. The ability to touch people's
lives during the good times and the bad times is a blessing.
If you are interested in Sports Medicine, you should
know that many family physicians choose to get additional
training in this field and provide all aspects of athletes'
care. While injury prevention and rehabilitation are
important parts of sports medicine, if an athlete has
asthma or other medical problems their family physician
will be well-trained to deal with those problems, too!
Amy L. McGaha, M.D.
Assistant Division Director
Division of Medical Education
American Academy of Family Physicians
11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
Leawood, Kansas 66211
Phone: 800/274-2237
913/906-6000, ext 6710
Fax: 913/906-6289
E-mail: amcgaha@aafp.org
Question: What are the incomes, requirements of
college courses and out of college, and the percentage
of people who graduate and get a job right out of school?
Answer: The average starting salary
for family physicians is $125,000. To become a family
physician, you must complete 4 years of undergraduate
(college) work, 4 years of medical school, and 3 years
of residency. More information about specific course
requirements for admission to medical school can be
found at www.aamc.org
. Family physicians have no trouble finding a job,
as they care for all ages of patients with all types
of medical problems. According to a large physician
recruiting firm, family medicine is the 4 th most recruited
specialty.
Amy L. McGaha, M.D.
Assistant Division Director
Division of Medical Education
American Academy of Family Physicians
11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway
Leawood, Kansas 66211
Phone: 800/274-2237
913/906-6000, ext 6710
Fax: 913/906-6289
E-mail: amcgaha@aafp.org
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