Environment & Culture of the workplace
Medical practitioners and specialists 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 as employees of healthcare organizations that provide backup coverage and allow for more time off.
Surgeons and anaesthesiologists typically work in well-lit, sterile environments while performing surgery and often stand for long periods. You work in hospitals and for long, irregular hours. Physicians and surgeons travel frequently between office and hospital to care for their patients, whilst being ‘on call’ to take emergency calls.
About 15% are self-employed, 50% work in a salaried position and 25% are employed by hospitals on a sessional basis. The remaining 10% practise in Federal, State and local government, educational services, and outpatient care centres.
A growing number of physicians are partners or salaried employees of group practices. Organised as clinics or as associations of physicians, medical groups can afford expensive medical equipment and realise other business advantages.
Demand for physicians’ services is highly sensitive to changes in consumer preferences, healthcare reimbursement policies, and legislation. A physician’s training is costly. More than 80 percent of medical students borrow money to cover their expenses.
About the Author
Wes Jame
Dr Wes Jame has over 30 years experience in general practice including the provision of GP obstetrics , GP anaesthetics , inpatient hospital care , palliative care , aged care, after hours care and home visits in rural and urban settings. His interests include long term involvement in undergraduate teaching , peer education and communication , IT development and senior management roles in several community agencies. He is principal of Berwick Medical Centre a 100 year old family group medical practice.
Did you know if you're over 100 years old, there's an 80% chance you are a female?