OFO No: 221101

Other names for Medical Doctor:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – The Career of a Medical Doctor

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Medical Doctor?

Medical Doctors are on the ‘SCARCE & CRITICAL SKILLS LIST’.

A Medical Doctor (GP) is a highly skilled, primary health care professional.  They are usually the first person a patient sees when they have a medical problem. 

GP’s are often called ‘Family Doctors’ as they tend to treat the family or an individual over a long period of time.  They keep detailed records and are then able to track illnesses and family medical history etc which may help them in diagnosis and long-term treatments.  They may even be able to warn patients of potential medical problems because of this, like hereditary high cholesterol, so that patients can then take preventive action to lower their cholesterol themselves.

GPs are trained to treat injuries or diagnose a condition or ailment at an early stage. They will then advise and treat the patient for a physical or emotional issue and may prescribe medicine for the problem.  If in any doubt, they will refer their patients to a specialist in that field eg, an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist, Psychologist, Neurologist etc.
Medical Doctors usually work in private practice, clinics or in hospitals, cruise ships, large companies, mines etc.

What does a Medical Doctor do?

• makes patients feel at ease  
• diagnoses problem and prescribes treatment for patients
• refers some patients to specialists
• dealswith a variety of patients (eg: ages, sexes, races, cultures, religions, etc)
• diagnoses a variety of problems: (eg: rashes, sexual diseases, in-grown toenails, heart problems, bronchitis, diabetes, depression and anxiety,etc)
• makes house calls when necessary
• keeps up to date with new technologies, discoveries, medicines etc
• keeps detailed patient records
• attends conferences and other medical-related workshops
• shares information with other medical professionals

Are you . . . ?

• interested in medicine?
• a peoples’ person?
• professional?
• organised and methodical?
• caring?
• discreet?
• a person with excellent communication skills
• able to work on your own?
• a team player?
• a good listener?
• responsible?
• detail orientated?
• willing to keep up to date with medical science?
• prepared to work long, sometimes unusual hours?

How do I become a Medical Doctor?

STEP 1

You will need to complete a 5 year Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery

• Stellenbosch University
• University of Cape Town
• University of the Free State
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Witwatersrand
• Walter Sisulu University

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.

STEP 2

• Work 2 years as a Clinical Intern

STEP 3

• Designation: Awarded by the HPCSA. Only then can you call yourself Medical Doctor and put the title behind your name
  

STEP 4

• Do 1 year of compulsory community service

• HPCSA: Health Professions Council of South Africa

http://www.hpcsa.co.za

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Pharmacist or Microbiologist

Is becoming a Medical Doctor the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 221206

Other names for Paediatrician:

What is a Paediatrician?

A Paediatrician is a medical doctor who has specialised in children (from birth upwards and including teenagers).

They diagnose and treat diseases and disorders in the youth.

What does a Paediatrician do?

• meets with the parent/guardian and the baby / child
• examines the child
• diagnoses
• prescribes the correct medicines or treatments
• liaises with other specialists on complicated cases
• advises parent/guardian on nutrition
• keeps records
• keeps up to date with medical science and paediatric issues
• attends conferences

Are you . . . ?

• interested in medicine?
• a person who is good with children?
• caring?
• positive?
• friendly?
• intelligent?
• good at maths and science?
• a hard worker?

How do I become a Paediatrician?

STEP 1

• Become a Medical Doctor: CLICK HERE 

STEP 2

• Work as a qualified doctor for 2 years

STEP 3

Complete 4 year Master in Medicine (Paediatrics)

• University of Cape Town
• University of the Free State
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Witwatersrand

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.

STEP 4

• Designation: It’s awarded by the HPCSA. Only then can you use the title Paediatrician behind your name.

• HPCSA: Health Professions Council of South Africa

http://www.hpcsa.co.za

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Gynaecologist or Biotechnologist

Is becoming a Paediatrician the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 226907

What is a Dermatologist?

A Dermatologist has studied medicine and has specialised in the field of Dermatology (the study of the skin and skin diseases, including the scalp, hair and nails). 

Some of the disorders that they treat include skin cancer, warts, fungal infections (e.g. athlete’s foot), acne, dandruff, moles, sun damage, aging, discolourations, eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis 

Dermatologists also carry out skin surgeries for either clinical reasons (eg removal of unsightly or cancerous growths) or for cosmetic reasons (e.g. removal of a mole).

What does a Dermatologist do?

• consults with patients and conducts examination of the skin
• prescribes appropriate medical treatment/procedures
• consults with other specialists
• performs biopsies to diagnose exact cause of problem
• performis surgical procedures: removal of benign or malignant growths
• keeps up to date with new developments: both in drugs and techniques
• performs cosmetic procedures: laser treatments, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and Botox injections
• teaches and/or does research

Are you . . . ?

• interested in medicine and the well-being of others?
• fascinated with the skin and its problems?
• highly intelligent?
• empathic and sensitive to others?
• responsible?
• a problem-solver?
• a person with good hand-eye co-ordination?
• able to do fine and detailed work?
• willing to keep yourself up-to-date with new drugs and techniques?
• organised and methodical?

How do I become a Dermatologist?

STEP 1

• Become a Medical Doctor: CLICK HERE 

STEP 2

• Work as a qualified doctor for 2 years

STEP 3

Complete 4 year Master in Medicine (Dermatology)

• Stellenbosch University
• University of Cape Town
• University of the Free State
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Witwatersrand

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.

STEP 4

• Designation: It’s awarded by the HPCSA. Only then can you use the title Dermatologist behind your name.

• HPCSA: Health Professions Council of South Africa

http://www.hpcsa.co.za

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Dentist or Biomedical Engineer

Is becoming a Dermatologist the right career choice for me?

Paramedical 
Practitioner

CLICK HERE

for more info about this career

OFO No: 221203

Other names for Emergency Medicine Specialist:

• Emergency Physician

What is an Emergency Medicine Specialist?

An Emergency Medicine Specialist is specialised doctor who treats patients with acute illnesses or emergency injuries. These specialists can be on call day and night.

An Emergency Medicine Specialist has to think quickly on their feet, be calm in a stressful situation and extremely confident.

What does an Emergency Medicine Specialist do?

• examines and assesses patient
• provides full medical treatments (medicines, surgery, etc)
• resuscitates patients when required
• communicates with the entire emergency team
• monitors patient
• keeps calm at all times

Are you . . . ?

• intelligent?
• dedicated?
• willing to work unusual hours?
• calm in stressful situations?
• confident?
• a decision maker?
• a team player?
• organised and methodical?

How do I become an Emergency Medicine Specialist?

PATH 1

First become a Medical Doctor: CLICK HERE

Masters in Medicine (Emergency Medicine)

• University of Cape Town
• University of Witwatersrand

Designation: Only those registered with the HPCSA may use the title: Emergency Medicine Specialist

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.

• HPCSA: Health Professions Council of South Africa

http://www.hpcsa.co.za

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Ambulance Worker or Paramedic

Is becoming an Emergency Medicine Specialist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 221202

Other names for Cardiologist:

• Cardiac Imaging Fellow
• Cardiothoracic Surgeon

What is a Cardiologist?

A Cardiologist is a specialised doctor who diagnoses and treats ailments of the heart.

What does a Cardiologist do?

• examines patient
• performs various tests using specialised equipment
  
• diagnoses the problem or disease
• discusses various treatment options with the patient
• prepares for surgery
• discusses operation procedure with the surgical team
• performs surgery
• performs transplants where necessary
• keeps up to date records
• attends conferences

Are you . . . ?

• highly intelligent?
• good with your hands?
• responsible?
• caring?
• detail orientated?
• a team player?
• ambitious?
• willing to continue learning throughout your career?

How do I become a Cardiologist?

PATH 1

Become a Medical Doctor: CLICK HERE

Masters in Medicine (Cardio-Thoracic Surgery)

• University of Cape Tow
• University of KZN
• University of the Free State
• University of the Witwatersrand

Designation: Only those registered with the HPCSA may use the title Cardiologist.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.

• HPCSA: Health Professions Council of South Africa

http://www.hpcsa.co.za

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Biomedical Engineer or Geneticist

Is becoming a Cardiologist the right career choice for me?