Career Overview
Entry Level Education
Professional or Doctoral degree
Patient Interaction
Very High
Body Fluid Interaction
Moderate
Salary
Above $180,000
Job Growth
14.90%
Job Description:
Apply knowledge of general preventive medicine and public health issues to promote health care to groups or individuals, and aid in the prevention or reduction of risk of disease, injury, disability, or death. May practice population-based medicine or diagnose and treat patients in the context of clinical health promotion and disease prevention.
What Preventive Medicine Physician Do:
Preventive medicine specialists focus on the health of communities, specific populations and individuals. Doctors in this specialty research, develop and implement ways to prevent disease, decrease disability and maintain health. Some typical duties may include teaching medical staff ways to reduce the spread of infection, directing public health programs and determining the causes of disease. They may also evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for various diseases. Doctors may provide information to the public or other medical professionals on potential health hazards and ways to reduce the risk.
How to Become One:
After completing a four year bachelor's degree, students then take four years of graduate education leading to a degree in medicine (M.D.) or osteopathy (D.O.). After receiving a medical degree, students must complete additional training in preventative medicine that involves a combination of studies in clinical education and a two-year residency program.