There are many factors to consider when deciding which type of doctor to become. As you complete your Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, you’ll find yourself researching various specializations that pique your interest. One of the most practical choices is to become a primary care physician. 

 This is a great career path for many future practitioners because these doctors are in particularly high demand across the US. So what is a primary care physician and what role do they play in the greater healthcare system?   

Defining “primary care”

 In short, primary care medicine encompasses a wide array of health concerns in all types of patients. According to the  American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) , it’s “the provision of integrated, accessible health care services by physicians and their health care teams who are accountable for addressing a large majority of personal health care needs, developing a sustained partnership with patients, and practicing in the context of family and community.”  

What does a primary care physician do?

A primary care physician provides care at the first point of contact and continues to manage their patients’ health concerns over time. Their role also encompasses health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, and patient education. They coordinate with various specialists and tend to foster long-term relationships with their patients. 

“Primary care doctors often develop strong relationships with their patients over their many years of caring for the same people and their families,” says Dr. Lisa Doggett, a family physician. She notes that this is one of the biggest rewards of the job. 

Unlike other specialties that focus on specific organ systems or conditions, primary care medicine addresses health issues across the spectrum. Because of this, primary care physicians encounter almost every type of medical concern. 

Med students are often drawn toward competitive medical specialties like surgery and emergency medicine due to the sense of “high-stakes excitement” that may come with the fast-paced job duties. But a career in primary medicine is anything but boring.  

“Whenever I think that I have seen it all, a patient will show up proving that I have not,” notes Dr. Linda Girgis, a St. George’s University (SGU) graduate with several years of experience in primary care. 

   

What are some common primary care physician duties? 

As described above, the definition of what a primary care physician does is somewhat all-encompassing. With all the conditions that fall under this umbrella, there isn’t really a typical schedule for these physicians. No two days are ever the same. 

That said, Dr. Doggett reveals the most common conditions she encounters as a primary care physician include diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, headaches, and abdominal pain. Most primary care physicians focus considerably on preventive care, and they may perform procedures like skin biopsies and joint injections. 

To say their scope of work is “broad” would be a bit of an understatement, Dr. Doggett notes. “We can take care of gynecological problems, and some family physicians even deliver babies,” she explains. “We also treat a lot of mental health conditions, and we are often the first doctor to see some of the more bizarre conditions, like tropical diseases, unusual skin rashes, and neurological problems.” 

As you can see, primary care is far from a medical niche. These skilled physicians have an extensive knowledge base that allows them to treat many different patients. This also makes them some of the most in-demand types of physicians.
 

Why are primary care physicians in high demand?

If you’re weighing your options for medical specialties, you’d be wise to consider primary care medicine—especially if employability is important to you. 

“Medical students should strongly consider primary care because it will allow them the opportunity to work in any part of the country or world,” Dr. Doggett says. “You’ll never have to worry about finding a job, and you’ll have the satisfaction of providing a critical service to your patients and communities.” 

Dr. Doggett is right. In fact, there is a dire need for more primary care physicians in the US, with projections of an even greater shortage looming. A report from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)  estimates that the US will experience a shortage of between 17,800 and 48,000 primary care physicians by 2034.  

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that more than half of physician office visits are made to primary care physicians, reinforcing just how crucial this avenue of medical care is for maintaining population health.  

“It’s a hot field,” Dr. Girgis says. “Primary care doctors are highly sought after. And with the current structure in the health care system, where many patients are required to have a primary care physician to be referred elsewhere, this can be expected to continue.” 

 

What are some benefits of being a primary care physician? 

Whether you’re a pre-med hopeful or a current medical student, you need to make several considerations when selecting a specialty. You’ll want to weigh a number of factors, such as: 

• What type of lifestyle do you want? 
• How will your family be affected? 
• What kind of advancement opportunities are you interested in? 

• How much variety do you want in your career? 

For those considering a career in primary care, one advantage is the potential to effectively juggle your personal and professional responsibilities. This benefit is especially attractive when compared to some of the more demanding specialties. 

“For doctors, work-life balance can be a difficult accomplishment,” Dr. Girgis explains. “Primary care is unique in medicine because there is so much flexibility in how it can be practiced. It is also well suited for part-time opportunities.” 

Dr. Girgis mentions that a lot of primary care physicians now practice outpatient medicine rather than inpatient medicine, thus avoiding late-night admissions in the hospital. These doctors also have the option of going into private practice or working under a hospital system, both of which have their share of benefits and challenges. 

Another undeniable advantage of working in primary care is the variety—both in terms of the care you can provide and the location where you provide it. Not only will your days be spent examining many kinds of conditions with patients of all different backgrounds, but you also have options regarding where you’d like to work. 

“The variety of job options is impressive—rural versus urban, hospital versus clinic, private practice versus a public setting,” according to Dr. Doggett. “It is fairly easy to move from patient care to academic settings, public health, industry, or administration.” 

There are even a range of specializations you can pursue within primary medicine. Possible primary care specialties you could consider include:  

• Family medicine 
• Internal medicine 
• Pediatrics 
• OB/GYN 
• Geriatrics 

 

Considering a career in primary care?

Instead of asking, “What does a primary care physician do?” it might be more sensible to ask, “What doesn’t a primary care physician do?” These physicians are truly invaluable members of the medical field, playing a critical role in patient care.   

It takes a certain kind of person to excel in this dynamic role. Find out if you have what it takes by reading “8 Signs You Should Consider Becoming a Family Physician.” 

 

Ready to start your medical school journey?

Are you considering St. George’s University Medical School? You can get answers to any questions you have by reaching out to SGU graduates to learn about their firsthand experiences. 

 

For more information about St. George’s University, check out our article “10 Surprising Facts About the SGU School of Medicine.”  

*This article was originally published in October 2021. It has since been updated to reflect information relevant to 2023.