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Doctor Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 420871591physician6.79physician assistant5.68nurse practitioner3.3doctor2.27telemedicine physician2.1519485920063351000.00217174.56499000.00YEARLY2239419052025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Doctor, or Physician, is responsible for promoting the health and safety of their patients by providing proactive treatment and diagnoses. Their duties include speaking with patients to address their health concerns, conducting physical examinations to ensure their patients’ health and administering vaccinations for common illnesses or allergies.

Doctor duties and responsibilities

The main duties and responsibilities a Doctor must fulfill in order to do their job well and provide the best care for each of their patients include:

  • Maintain regularly updated patient medical records that document all evaluations, medications, treatments, allergies, test results and other records
  • Evaluate a patient’s symptoms and determine the most appropriate course of treatment to address them
  • Prescribe medications in compliance with state and federal statutes and inform patients of all possible risks, complications and interference with other medications they may be taking
  • Supervise and evaluate Medical Assistants to ensure full compliance with regulations and make sure that the current care program is as effective as possible
  • Consult patients on topics such as proper nutrition, fitness and hygiene to assist them in making informed decisions and taking good care of their health

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Doctor Job Description Examples

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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What does a 420871591physician6.79physician assistant5.68nurse practitioner3.3doctor2.27telemedicine physician2.1519485920063351000.00217174.56499000.00YEARLY2239419052025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Doctor do?

Doctors typically work for hospitals, urgent care facilities and private clinics to administer treatment and give patients health advice. They work with Nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure their patients receive quality medical attention. Their job is to prescribe medications, refer patients to specialized medical professionals and conduct tests to diagnose injuries, illnesses or diseases. They may also admit patients to the hospital for significant injuries or illnesses.

Doctor skills and qualifications

A successful Doctor will have certain qualifications and skills in order to demonstrate their ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job effectively:

  • An M.D. from an accredited medical school
  • A current medical license
  • Previous clinical experience beyond the required residency
  • Board certification in a relevant specialization preferred
  • A detail-oriented and compassionate approach with patients and staff
  • Strong leadership and organization skills
  • A well-developed ability to solve problems on their feet
  • A high degree of physical stamina and dexterity needed to perform various treatments and accurately administer medications

Doctor salary expectations

A Doctor makes an average of $202,521 per year. Salary may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.

Doctor salary expectations

2025-10-0151000.00217174.56499000.00YEARLY
  • Common salary: 217174.56 YEARLY
  • Typical salaries range from 51000.00 - 499000.00 YEARLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Doctor education and training requirements

420871591physician6.79physician assistant5.68nurse practitioner3.3doctor2.27telemedicine physician2.1519485920063351000.00217174.56499000.00YEARLY2239419052025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Doctors need a bachelor’s degree, a medical degree and three to seven years in residency or a fellowship, depending on the specialization. While no specific major is required for the bachelor’s degree, most students usually choose a science such as biology or chemistry. In order to be accepted into a medical school, students must have completed their bachelor’s degrees and taken the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). Most medical school programs last four years.

After completing medical school and residency requirements, applicants need to pass a standardized national licensure exam before being allowed to practice medicine.

Doctor experience requirements

Candidates need to complete a residency program or fellowship in a hospital before they can become licensed Doctors. Depending on the specialization, this will last anywhere from three to seven years. All applicants are required to have some experience before they can practice medicine in a primary care capacity. Students also usually receive some supervised practical training in a hospital during medical school, so all licensed candidates will already have some experience, regardless of how limited their professional experience may be.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the Doctor job description doesn’t meet your needs, see job descriptions for related positions:

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Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Frequently asked questions about Doctors

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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