Many physicians—primarily general and family practitioners, general
internists, pediatricians, OB/GYNs, and psychiatrists—work in small private
offices or clinics, often assisted by a small staff of nurses and other
administrative personnel. Increasingly, physicians are practicing in groups
or health care organizations that provide backup coverage and allow for more
time off. Physicians in a group practice or health care organization often
work as part of a team that coordinates care for a number of patients; they
are less independent than the solo practitioners of the past. Surgeons and
anesthesiologists usually work in well-lighted, sterile environments while
performing surgery and often stand for long periods. Most work in hospitals
or in surgical outpatient centers.
Many physicians and surgeons work long, irregular hours. Over one-third
of full-time physicians and surgeons worked 60 hours or more a week in 2006.
Only 8 percent of all physicians and surgeons worked part-time, compared
with 15 percent for all occupations. Physicians and surgeons must travel
frequently between office and hospital to care for their patients. While on
call, a physician will deal with many patients’ concerns over the phone and
make emergency visits to hospitals or nursing homes.
Source: Bureau of Labor
Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook
Handbook, 2008-09 Edition
