Becoming a Family Physician - A Career in Family Medicine
Examine your motivations to become a family physician. Is it because you like the specialty and the work involved? Or is it because you don't know what else to do? Probably no job is easy, but neither is a career in medicine. Ask yourself truthfully and honestly why you would like to become a family physician. If it is an answer that you are satisfied with, then do consider it as a viable option. Of course, you may change your mind later, but at least know your current motivations to wanting a career in medicine.
Try to do well in school and get good marks. Try to make use of the time you have in high school to enjoy classes, and try to find something interesting about the subjects that you learn. It's really probably your last opportunity to be exposed to such a wide spectrum of knowledge. Take advantage of it while you can. Don't rush through school. Sure, it may be boring and dry sometimes, but just try to make it as interesting for yourself as you can. You may even learn something useful down the road someday!
You will need a degree in medicine and obtain a license. In addition, you will likely need to undergo residency training in family medicine and a license to practice family medicine. Depending on where you live, you may first need to complete a Bachelor's degree before going into medical school to obtain the degree in medicine. Students in certain countries may enter medical school directly from high school. Try to find all the medical schools that you think you might have an interest in and thoroughly read through their admission policies including what prerequisite courses or standardized tests are required, curriculum, and the success rates of their graduates obtaining good positions. Prepare as early as possible for admission. You do not want to miss deadlines, or not do something that could easily have been done. After completing medical school, admission into a residency program and residency training in family medicine is usually required to specialize in family medicine.
Obtain some relevant job experience or do some job shadowing with family physicians. This will allow you to find out what being a family physician is like, and may also help you get into the type of residency program that you desire. Maybe you really hate it. Maybe you love it. It's a great opportunity to broaden your horizons even if you decide not to become a family physician in the future. Getting job or volunteer experience will also look very favorable to future employers, as they will know that you were capable enough that someone trusted you with their work. It will also allow you to get reference letters if you need any. Last, but not least, you will gain practical experience and contacts as a family physician that may help you in your future job.
Decide if you want to further specialize in a sub-specialty in the future. Be careful about specializing too early, though, or even specializing at all, as that specialty may become obsolete or not in as much demand when you are ready to go into the workforce. However, specializing definitely has its advantages, as you will be one of the recognized experts in your sub-specialty.
Decide if you would like to open your own practice, to work for someone else's practice, or to work at a clinic or hospital. If working for someone, choose your employer carefully. If you do not think that you would fit in a particular workplace environment, you probably should not even apply there. Of course, you should try not to be picky, but do try to make an effort to think a little about what type of work environment you desire. You don't want to be finding another job in two months.
Once you have a career as a family physician, try to distinguish yourself a little every day. The objective is not to get a promotion or a pay raise, although that would be a nice bonus, but just as a duty to yourself. A pledge to yourself to try to make your job a little bit better for other people. The extra effort will make yourself feel pleased, as well as really do a service to others. Also consider upgrading your skills once in a while by taking courses or learning by yourself, and try to be generous in sharing your knowledge with others. Try not to over-exert yourself, though, when working or when spending extra time to learn skills. But do put in a good day's work. Work in a relaxed manner. Work at a comfortable pace, but just do not slack at your duty. After all, it's your profession!
Wish you every success with your job as a family physician!
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