If you choose to be a Physician, you will diagnose illnesses and prescribe treatment for people suffering from injury or disease. There are two types of physicians: The M.D.­Doctor of Allopathic Medicine and the D.O.-Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Both types of physicians use all accepted methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery. D.O.s place a special emphasis on the body's musculoskeletal system and preventative medicine. About 33% of M.D.s and 50% of D.O.s are primary care physicians. You will usually be the first health professionals patients consult. Primary care physicians tend to see the same patients on a regular basis for preventive care and to treat a variety of ailments.

Physicians also:

     examine patients

     obtain medical histories

     order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests

     counsel patients on other preventative health care

You will need a state license if you choose to be a physician.

It takes many years of education and training to become a physician: 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of medical school, and 3 to 8 years of internship and residency, depending on the specialty selected. A few medical schools offer a combined undergraduate and medical school programs that last 6 rather than the customary 8 years.