JOB DESCRIPTION
Medical practitioners diagnose physical and mental illnesses, disorders and injuries, and prescribe medications and treatment to promote or restore good health. Medical practitioners are involved in a wide range of activities, including consultations, attending emergencies, performing operations and arranging medical investigations. When caring for patients, medical practitioners work with many other health professionals. They may also participate in and undertake research. Medical practitioners sometimes have to deal with unpleasant conditions due to a patient's illness or injury. Adopting strict hygiene practices is important. Depending on their area of specialisation, medical practitioners may have to work long, demanding and irregular hours. This may include working on weekends and at night or being on call 24 hours a day.
DUTIES AND TASKS
Medical practitioners may perform the following tasks:
- examine the patient to determine the nature of the disorder or illness and record the patient's medical information
- order, perform and analyse laboratory tests, X-rays and other diagnostic images and procedures
- provide overall care for patients and prescribe and administer treatments, medications and other remedial measures
- aid in the prevention of diseases and disorders by advising patients on diet, exercise, hygiene and general health
- prescribe and administer medication and inoculate patients to prevent infectious or contagious diseases
- provide pre-natal and post-natal care
- report births, deaths and notifiable diseases to government authorities
- arrange for patients to be admitted to hospital
- refer patients to other medical specialists and exchange relevant medical details.
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
- good communication skills
- self-confidence
- conscientiousness
- able to relate to people
- compassionate towards others
- enjoy working with people
- able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- a high degree of motivation and self-discipline