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Play these interactive games to learn more about health care in Northern Minnesota. Sound enhances the website experience.
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Registered Nurses
Licensed Practical Nurses
Nursing Assistants
Dentists
Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist
Pharmacists
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians
Radiologic Technologists
Information Technology (Computer and Information Systems Managers)
Personnel and Training Managers (Human Resources)
Medical Doctor (Physician)
Physicians help people maintain and improve their health. There are two types of physicians, Doctors of Medicine (M.D.), who focus on all parts of the body and Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.), who specialize on muscles and bones in the body. Both types of doctors use drugs, surgery, and other methods to treat disorders.
In order for physicians to provide optimal health care they must educate patients about their personal responsibility for their health, prevent illness when possible as well as diagnose and treat disease. They should also demonstrate concern for the patient's comfort, dignity and emotional needs as well as the cost-effective delivery of health services.
Physicians may work in a variety of settings such as clinics (private and community practices), hospitals, universities, research labs, and the military.
Most primary care physicians see patients on a regular basis. They ask questions to learn more about patients' medical history, examine them and order various tests when necessary. Physicians explain test results and review treatment options with patients and their families. Sometimes physicians operate or deliver babies. They also watch a patient's condition and make changes in the treatment if needed.
Physicians will assign tasks to nurses and other health care workers and when necessary they consult with other health care professionals. In private practice, doctors may also oversee the business aspects of running an office on top of his or her medical practice. Most physicians work a 40+ hour work week plus have on-call times in their schedule.
Educational requirements for physicians typically include 4 years of medical school and 3 to 8 years of internship and residency depending on the specialty. There are over 120 specialties and subspecialties in medicine and surgery.
The average starting salary for Family Practice and Internal Medicine physicians in Minnesota is $125,000.00 - $130,000.00.
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