complete a bachelor's degree;

graduate from medical school;

complete an internship;

pass a state licensing exam;

complete a residency program in family and general medicine;

pass additional exams to become board certified;

Usually work more than 40 hours per week.

Generally work a set schedule.

May be on-call, which means available to work on short notice to handle emergencies.

FAMILY AND GENERAL PRACTITIONERS will:

Perform a range of medical duties

Interact with staff and patients

FAMILY AND GENERAL PRACTITIONERS frequently:

explain test results and review treatment options with patients and their families.

perform minor surgery on patients or deliver babies.

Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

Stand, sit, or walk for long periods of time.

It is important that FAMILY AND GENERAL PRACTITIONERS be able to:

practitioners make sure to keep detailed records about each patient

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.

See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.

Understand the speech of another person.

Use hands and fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.