How to become a Consultant Physician
Consultant physicians (specialists) use specialist medical techniques to investigate, diagnose and treat human disorders and diseases.
Personal requirements for a Consultant Physician
- Good communication skills
- Self-confidence
- Able to exercise high ethical standards
- Able to relate to people from different cultural backgrounds
- Compassionate towards others
- Enjoy working with people
- A high degree of motivation and self-discipline
- A supportive and professional approach when treating patients.
Duties & Tasks of a Consultant Physician
Consultant physicians may perform the following tasks:
- Examine patients to determine the nature and extent of problems after referral from general medical practitioners or other specialists
- Record medical information and data
- Order laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures
- Analyse tests and other medical information to make diagnoses
- Prescribe and administer drugs and remedial treatment
- Report specified contagious or notifiable diseases to government health or immigration authorities
- Admit or refer patients to hospitals
- Consult other medical specialists.
Working conditions for a Consultant Physician
Consultant physicians can be involved in a wide range of activities, including consultations, attending emergencies, performing operations and arranging medical investigations. When caring for patients, they work with many other health professionals. They may also participate in and undertake research.They 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, consultant physicians 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.
Specializations
Consultant physicians specialise in a range of medical areas in the fields of internal medicine and paediatrics.
Emergency Medicine Specialist
An emergency medicine specialist diagnoses, treats and manages patients with acute and urgent illness or injury.
Oncologist
A medical oncologist manages patients with cancer and tumours.
Cardiologist
A cardiologist diagnoses and treats heart disease.
Haematologist
A haematologist studies the cellular composition of blood and blood-producing tissues (bone marrow, for example). The results are used to diagnose patients with blood and other genetic disorders.
Endocrinologist
An endocrinologist diagnoses and treats internal glandular and hormonal disorders such as diabetes and thyroid disorders.
Geriatrician
A geriatrician maintains health and manages illness in aged people.
Rheumatologist
A rheumatologist diagnoses and treats joint, muscle and soft tissue disorders.
Gastroenterologist
A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats diseases of the liver, stomach and associated organs.
Dermatologist
A dermatologist diagnoses and treats human skin disorders.
Cardiologist
A cardiologist diagnoses and treats heart disease.
Consultant Physician
Consultant physicians (specialists) use specialist medical techniques to investigate, diagnose and treat human disorders and diseases.
Dermatologist
A dermatologist diagnoses and treats human skin disorders.
Emergency Medicine Specialist
An emergency medicine specialist diagnoses, treats and manages patients with acute and urgent illness or injury.
Endocrinologist
An endocrinologist diagnoses and treats internal glandular and hormonal disorders such as diabetes and thyroid disorders.
Gastroenterologist
A gastroenterologist diagnoses and treats diseases of the liver, stomach and associated organs.
Geriatrician
A geriatrician maintains health and manages illness in aged people.
Haematologist
A haematologist studies the cellular composition of blood and blood-producing tissues (bone marrow, for example). The results are used to diagnose patients with blood and other genetic disorders.
Oncologist
A medical oncologist manages patients with cancer and tumours.
Rheumatologist
A rheumatologist diagnoses and treats joint, muscle and soft tissue disorders.
