Common Careers in Family Medicine at a Glance

About independent practice

• Independent physician-owned family medicine practices are a significant part of the U.S. health care delivery system. While the number of physicians in independent practice is shrinking, many physician-owners would not practice any other way. These settings provide care that is as good as or better than practices owned by hospitals or health systems, including lower readmission rates and fewer preventable admissions.
• Many physicians in independent practice partner with organizations that help physicians launch private practice and may manage some aspects of the business functions of the practice. Accountable care organizations (ACOs) may help independent physicians coordinate care for their patients and participate in value-based payment models.

Additional skills or training needed

• Business skills, including marketing, revenue cycle management and managing people
• Desire to be an entrepreneur 

These AAFP resources can help you gain the skills you need to own an independent practice and make connections with members who are established practice owners.

Top considerations when deciding to own a medical practice

• Business savvy. You'll have a high level of involvement and responsibility of business and management decisions.
• Financial risk. Your financial risk can be high, but your opportunity for financial reward is also high.
• Commitment. It can be hard to take time away or disconnect from work.

Benefits of working in an independent practice

• Autonomy. Independent practice offers a high level of clinical autonomy and the ability to practice the breadth of scope of practice you desire.
• Decision making. Physician-owners have the ability to adapt and change quickly. 
• Flexibility. Many physicians find the freedom, leadership and flexibility in independent practice fulfilling.
• Stature. There are opportunities for connections with patients and the community that may not be available in employed practice.

Member stories: Independent practice

About community and federally qualified health centers

• Health centers make up the nation’s largest primary care network and make accessible high-quality, comprehensive health care that is community-directed and patient-centered, located in medically underserved areas. 
• Community health centers offer wrap-around services, often combining primary care with pharmacy, dental, behavioral health and substance abuse services.

Settings and patient populations

• Community health centers are located in all U.S. states, territories and the District of Columbia in cities, rural areas and everywhere in between. 
• Most patients seen at FQHCs are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and may be uninsured, underinsured or have Medicaid. They are likely to have experienced barriers to accessing health care. These patients are more likely to have chronic conditions.

Additional skills or training needed

• Cultural competency is essential. Physicians will be regularly treating patients from diverse backgrounds.
• Practicing in health centers requires strong team-based care skills.

These AAFP resources can help you gain the skills you need to work in health centers and make connections with members who are established in health centers.

Top considerations when choosing to work in a CHC or FQHC

• Team-oriented. You'll have the ability to easily coordinate care due to integrated, team-based care environment.
• Broad scope. You're likely to treat more conditions yourself vs. referring patients to other specialists.
• Community impact. Most likely, your practice will be in medically underserved areas.
• High demands. FQHC physicians typically have high patient volumes and treat complex patient needs.

Benefits of working in a CHC or FQHC

• Simplified malpractice. Medical malpractice liability coverage is available through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).
• Loan forgiveness. There is potential to qualify for student loan repayment or forgiveness.
• Reimbursement for professional development. Financial perks like reimbursement for license fees and continuing education may be available.
• Career growth. Working in collaborative environments may lead to new career opportunities, especially in leadership or administration.
• Satisfaction. There is strong personal and professional fulfillment for those with goals of providing care to underserved populations, addressing health disparities and promoting health equity.

Member stories: Federal and community health centers

About DPC

• In a DPC model, physicians charge patients a monthly, quarterly or annual fee that covers most primary care services, including clinical, laboratory and consultative services. 
• DPC practices typically do not accept any forms of insurance. Removing administrative needs associated with billing and payment allows physicians extra time for more personalized and comprehensive care.
• See how DPC physicians described their practices. Download the direct primary care data brief for more details.

Settings and patient populations

• Family physicians offer DPC in rural, suburban and urban communities.
• DPC physicians often care for all ages and genders, from low- to high-income backgrounds.

Additional skills or training needed

• Family physicians don’t need formal training to work in DPC, but learning about the different DPC practice models and building business skills can help you be successful in DPC. 

These AAFP resources can help you gain the skills you need to work in DPC and make connections with members who are established in DPC.

Top considerations when choosing DPC

• Financial risk. Opening your own DPC clinic can require a large upfront investment financially.
• Business savvy. You will need business skills if opening a DPC clinic.
• Employment vs. ownership. Decide whether you want to be an employed DPC physician or an owner, and whether you will accept any forms of private or public insurance.

Benefits of a DPC career 

• Autonomy. Make care decisions without the need to consider insurance policies.
• Flexible schedule. Set your own hours and availability for patients.
• Increased well-being. DPC settings eliminate many of the frustrations of traditional practices.
• Longer visits. Spend more time with patients.
• Simplicity. Removing the need to submit claims to insurance companies greatly decreases administrative burden.

Member stories: DPC

About rural practice

• Family physicians in rural settings focus on delivering primary care services to populations in rural areas. Family physicians in these settings often serve a diverse patient population, including individuals of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom may have limited access to health care. 
• The geographic spread of family physicians across the country more closely matches the geographic spread of the general population than any other medical specialty. In treating underserved populations, physicians in rural areas encounter illiteracy, poverty and limited community resources.

Settings and patient populations

• Family physicians in rural health clinics typically work in small communities where health care resources are limited. 
• They may serve patients from various socioeconomic backgrounds, including low-income families, elderly individuals and those with chronic health conditions. 
• The patient population often includes a higher proportion of individuals with complex medical needs due to limited access to specialized care.

Additional skills or training needed

• Ability to handle acute medical issues with limited access to specialized services
• Comfort providing remote consultations and care to patients who cannot easily travel to the clinic
• Understanding of community and public health to implement preventive measures
• Cultural competence to work effectively with diverse populations and understand their unique health challenges

These AAFP resources can help you gain the skills you need to work in a rural practice and make connections with members who are established rural family physicians.

Top considerations when deciding to work in rural health

• Lifestyle. The geographic area can have a big impact on lifestyle and family. 
• Limited resources. Availability of medical equipment, support staff and access to consultations with other specialists may be limited.
• Travel needs. Opportunities for continuing education and skill enhancement could be limited and cumbersome due to coverage during your absence.

Benefits of working in rural health

• Impact. Working in a rural health clinic allows physicians to make a significant impact on the health of underserved populations. 
• Independence. Rural physicians have high independence in clinical decision-making and build strong relationships with patients and the community.  
• Variety and broad scope. Rural practice offers exposure to a wide range of medical conditions.
• Financial. Many rural health physicians are offered relief for some medical school debt in exchange for service in rural areas facing a shortage of physicians. 

Member stories: Rural practice

About working as a physician in the military

• Family physicians in the military protect and defend the United States by ensuring the physical, mental, social and emotional readiness of the fighting force. They provide care for active duty servicemembers, their families, and our military retirees and their families.

Settings and patient populations

• Location is highly variable depending on what service you enter and position you choose.
• Operational positions involve being embedded with a combat or combat support unit. In this role, your population are the servicemembers of that unit, and sometimes their families. 
• In a “fixed facility” or hospital environment, you provide care for servicemembers, their families, and retirees and families. 
• Hospital and operational position exist in the United States or overseas, or in the case of the Navy, on a ship in the ocean. On deployment, you could be caring for local indigenous people as well.

Additional skills or training needed

• Professional military education as an officer. These come at pre-determined points in your career path, usually based on rank and years of service.
• Additional training is specific to specified jobs. For example, if you want to take care of pilots, you must go through flight surgeon training.

These AAFP resources can help you gain the skills you need to provide care for military populations.

Top considerations when choosing to work in the military

• Potential risk. You may be deployed to a combat environment.  
• High demands. Make sure your family understands the demands and risks of a military career. 
• Regimented. The military requires commitment and adherence to rules.

Benefits of working in the military

• Intense bonds. Military physicians experience very close bonds with their colleagues and patients, and develop a strong network of support. 
• Career growth. You can accelerate your career quickly.
• Training. The military provides specialized training. 
• Global scope. Military physicians have unique opportunities to practice medicine across the globe.

Member stories: Military careers

About working in telemedicine

• Telemedicine is the practice of providing health care services remotely using electronic information and communication technologies. It allows patients to receive medical care from physicians without having to travel to a physical location. 
• Telemedicine applications have often concentrated on remote locations that do not have traditional medical services available. Since the pandemic, telemedicine has expanded dramatically to include all settings.

Settings and patient populations

• Telemedicine allows physicians to practice from anywhere with a stable, secure internet connection. 
• Telemedicine physicians serve a diverse patient population, including those in rural or underserved areas, as well as individuals who prefer virtual care. Telemedicine has been very helpful for patients with disabilities or mobility issues.

Additional skills or training needed

• There are telehealth training courses available to help learn the basics of telehealth delivery or enhance the skillsets of those already familiar with telemedicine.

These AAFP resources can help you gain the skills you need to work in telemedicine.

Top considerations when choosing to work in telemedicine

• Technology proficiency. Physicians must be proficient in using various platforms, software and hardware. You must be prepared to troubleshoot technical issues that may arise during virtual consultations. 
• Licensing requirements. Telemedicine often involves treating patients across state lines, so you may need to obtain licenses in multiple states.
• Privacy and security. Physicians must maintain patient confidentiality at all times. Data security protocols and secure communication methods are critical to protect the patient’s sensitive information.
• Payment. Research and know the correct codes for telemedicine prior to submitting claims.
• Patient barriers. Some patients may not have access to stable internet to be able to utilize telemedicine visits. Others may not be technologically savvy, so you may need to have detailed instructions regarding downloading apps and using certain software.

Benefits of working in the telemedicine

• Flexibility and control. Telemedicine allows physicians to practice from anywhere with a stable internet connection, offering more control over their work-life balance and schedule.
• Expanded reach. Physicians are able to reach patients in rural or underserved areas, expanding their patient base.
• Reduced overhead costs. Telemedicine can reduce overhead costs associated with maintaining a traditional office, such as rent, utilities and staff, potentially leading to higher revenue and profitability.

Member stories: Telemedicine careers

About working in sports medicine

• Family physicians sometimes take on the role of team physician for various sports from local high schools to the college and professional levels. 
• Sports medicine requires the ability to treat orthopedic as well as general medical problems.
• In sports medicine, physicians treat musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, design and oversee rehabilitation programs for injured athletes, manage acute injuries during sporting events, and advise on nutrion and psychology. 

Settings and patient populations

• Family physicians in sports medicine work in various settings, including schools, colleges, professional sports teams, clinics and rehabilitation centers. 
• Sports medicine patients are athletes of all ages and skill levels, from amateur to professional, presenting with a wide range of sports-related injuries and conditions. 
• The patient population often includes individuals who are highly motivated to recover and return to their sport, which can be rewarding for physicians.

Additional skills or training needed

• While not always required to work with athletes, family physicians can complete a sports medicine fellowship.
• Family physicians can earn a certificate of added qualification in sports medicine from the ABFM.
• Sports medicine requires deep knowledge in rehabilitation, emergency care, and sports nutrition and psychology.

These AAFP resources can help you gain the skills you need to work in sports medicine and make connections with members who are established sports medicine physicians.

Top considerations when choosing to work in sports medicine

• Work environment. Working with athletes and sports teams is dynamic and fast paced.
• Travel requirements. You may need to travel with teams for away games and events.
• Collaboration. Physicians in sports medicine work closely with coaches, trainers and other health care professionals to provide comprehensive care.

Benefits of working in sports medicine

• Team culture. Physicians often experience a dynamic and exciting work environment, with opportunities to attend sporting events and be part of a team.  
• Aspiration. Make a significant impact on athletes' health and performance, helping them recover from injuries and achieve their goals. 

Member stories: Sports medicine careers

About working in family medicine-obstetrics

• Family physicians complete focused maternity care training as part of residency and can be qualified to offer full-scope maternity care, including deliveries, after graduating.
• With additional training, family physicians can secure the credentials needed to perform cesarean delivers.
• Family physicians who deliver babies have the professional satisfaction of being able to continue to care for the parents and the child as part of their patient panel.

Settings and patient populations

• Many family physicians delivering obstetrical care work in underserved urban and rural areas.

Additional skills or training needed

• All family physicians are trained in obstetrics during residency. Some physicians pursue advanced training after residency through obstetrics or women’s health fellowships. The AAFP maintains a fellowship directory of opportunities.
• While not required, there is a board certification in family medicine obstetrics (BCFMO®) through the American Board of Physician Specialties.®

These AAFP resources can help you gain the skills you need to provide obstetrical and maternity care, and make connections with members who provide this care.

Top considerations when choosing to work in family medicine-obstetrics

• Call requirements. Delivering babies is unpredictable, and you may be doing so overnight, on weekends and holidays.
• Demand may vary by location. Rural areas and some urban settings have a high need for family physicians practicing OB/GYN care.
• Malpractice insurance. It's important to have the right insurance coverage when practicing obstetrical care.

Benefits of working in family medicine-obstetrics

• Continuity of care. Family physicians find it highly rewarding to provide continuity of care for patients and their growing families.
• Surgical practice. Family physicians who are trained to provide C-sections get to use specialized training.

Member stories: Family medicine-obstetrics careers

About working in geriatric medicine

• Geriatric primary care is a specialized branch of health care that focuses on the unique needs of older adults, typically those 65 years of age and older, with a primary emphasis on prevention of disease, managing chronic illnesses and promoting quality of life. 
• Geriatric physicians often must coordinate care with other specialists to manage chronic conditions. 
• Physicians also care for the older patient’s physical, mental and emotional health, as opposed to just helping the patient with physical illnesses.

Settings and patient populations

• The patient population is adults age 65 years or older. 
• Geriatric physicians can practice in a number of settings, including independent practice, hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, rural health care centers and home health. 
• Some geriatric physicians can also choose to work in research or academic settings. 

Additional skills or training needed

• Family physicians can apply for a geriatric medicine fellowship after residency.
• To become board certified in geriatric medicine, you must pass the Geriatric Medicine Certification Examination. Some physicians may also pursue a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in geriatric medicine.

These AAFP resources can help you gain the skills you need in geriatric medicine and make connections with members who are established in this care.

Top considerations when choosing to work in geriatric medicine

• Holistic Care. Geriatric medicine requires a holistic approach to care, considering physical, cognitive, psychological and social factors. Geriatric physicians are involved in complex care coordination to address multiple health issues. 
• Meaningful patient and family relationships. Geriatric physicians must be able to build a good rapport with older adults and their families.
• Communication. Geriatric physicians must be able to communicate well with their patients, families, caregivers and interprofessional team. 
• Future growth. Geriatric medicine is poised for tremendous growth as the population ages.

Benefits of working in geriatric medicine

• Career satisfaction. Geriatric physicians enjoy a high level of career satisfaction due to the deep and meaningful relationships they develop with their patients, as well as knowing the impact of their care changed lives. 
• Steady hours. Geriatric physicians typically have steady work hours that enhance work-life balance. 
• Practice variety. Geriatric medicine offers versatility in practice settings.
• Financial. Many states have begun to embed geriatrics in loan forgiveness programs.

Member stories: Geriatric medicine careers

About working as an emergency physician

• Emergency physicians play a crucial role in the health care system by providing immediate and life-saving care to patients in need. They are trained to handle a wide range of medical emergencies and make quick, informed decisions to ensure the best possible outcomes. 
• Emergency physicians must be able to proficiently perform life-saving and stabilizing procedures, such as resuscitation, intubation and central line placement.

Settings and patient populations

• Emergency physicians typically work in emergency departments of hospitals. They may also work in other settings, such as urgent care centers, disaster response teams or pre-hospital medical services.

Additional skills or training needed

• Emergency medicine fellowships or Board of Certification in Emergency Medicine (BCEM) after five years or 7,000 hours of emergency medicine experience are available.
• Some family medicine residencies offer dual training in family medicine and emergency medicine.

These AAFP resources can help you gain the skills you need to work in emergency medicine and make connections with members who are established family medicine and emergency physicians.

Top considerations when choosing to work in emergency medicine

• Intensity. The emergency department is a fast-paced and ever-changing work environment that is scheduled shift work. A tolerance for chaos and uncertainty is important. 
• Availability. Emergency departments never close, so you may be working nights, weekends and holidays.
• Brief patient encounters. Emergency medicine is the best fit for those with strong interpersonal skills, a calm demeanor with the ability to make critical decisions quickly, and a desire to work as part of a team for brief patient encounters.
• Impact of trauma. You will bear witness to terrible trauma and illnesses in both children and adults, and in some cases the outcome will not be good. You will treat and deal with people on their worst day. A strong support system is critical to remain resilient.

Benefits of working in emergency medicine

• Options to move. Emergency medicine allows for flexibility and portability, without being responsible for a panel of patients or practice.
• Scheduled shifts. Emergency physicians work scheduled shifts and usually are not on-call.
• Stimulating. Every day is different and unpredictable. You will be challenged with new situations that will allow you to grow and gain new skills.

Member stories: Emergency medicine careers

About working as a residency program director

• A residency program director is responsible for the leadership, organization, operation and general administration of their residency program. 
• They ensure the teaching and scholarly activity of the residents, and oversee resident recruitment, selection, supervision, evaluation and promotion. 
• The residency program director serves as a role model of professionalism and is committed to graduate medical education (GME) as an organized educational program. 
• They facilitate the residents' ethical, professional and personal development through education, evaluation and supervision that supports safe and appropriate patient care.

Settings and patient populations

• Academic medical centers
• Teaching hospitals
• Community hospitals that have residency programs
• Very diverse patient settings, including individuals of all ages and backgrounds, often with complex medical needs

Additional skills or training needed

• Professional and teaching. To be effective in their role, residency program directors need a combination of clinical, educational and administrative skills.
• GME standards. Residency program directors need experience in medical education, and familiarity with accreditation standards and requirements.

These AAFP resources can help you gain the skills you need to direct a residency program and make connections with members who are established program directors.

Top considerations when choosing to work as a residency director

• Institutional support. The level of support and resources provided by the institution for the residency program affect administrative burden and opportunities for learners.
• Accreditation requirements. You'll need to understand and meet the requirements set by accrediting bodies such as the ACGME.
• Work-life balance. You'll need to manage the demands of the role while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional development. There are opportunities for continuing education and skill enhancement.

Benefits of being a residency director

• Shaping the future. Training the next generation of physicians can make a significant impact on the quality of medical education and patient care. 
• Innovation. Design and implement curricula that meet accreditation standards and prepare residents for their future roles in medicine.
• Rewarding. Program directors are mentors to residents and help them navigate unique training and career paths.

Member stories: Residency director careers

About working in public health administration and leadership

• Public health administration focuses on the management, leadership and organization of public health systems and health care organizations to improve the health and well-being of entire communities and populations.
• Administrators play a crucial role in developing public health policies, programs and interventions.
• Common responsibilities include advocating on health-related issues, ensuring compliance with regulations and allocating funds and resources.
• Collaboration is required with health care clinicians, community organizations, and government agencies and researchers. 

Settings and patient populations

• Government agencies
• Non-profit organizations
• Hospitals
• Research organizations
• Patient care focused on community, state and national populations

Additional skills or training needed

• Masters of public health. An MPH or related degree is often required. 

These AAFP resources can help you gain the skills you need to work in public health and make connections with members who are public health leaders.

Top considerations when choosing to work as a public health administrator

• Public health knowledge. Understand and ensure compliance with public health laws and regulations. Understand the social determinants of health and their impact on community health.
• Financial savvy. Understand and be able to write and apply for grants to secure funding for public health programs. 
• Leadership capacity. Address public health challenges and crises effectively. Collaboration and communication with others are critical.
• Policy interests. Identifying and analyzing community health needs and risks, and then being able to address them by developing and implementing policies and programs is a key component of this career.

Benefits of being in public health leadership

• Broad impact. Opportunity to positively impact the lives of many people and improve public health.
• Career development. The public health field is constantly evolving, which provides opportunities for career advancement, continuous learning and professional development.
• Travel. A variety of work environments with travel is likely.
• Equity. Physicians who work in public health ensure equitable access to health care for all populations.

Member stories: Public health careers