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.

AAFP-recommended resource

The AMA STEPS Forward® Private Practice resources provide practical, step-by-step guidance to help physicians start, manage and sustain independent practices.

Find guidance on topics including:

• Business management
• EHR and software choices
• Marketing a practice
• Growing a 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

About working in home health

• Home health care focuses on delivering personalized, patient-centered care in a comfortable and familiar environment.
• Home health physicians work in a diverse environments, providing hands-on long-term care and personal assistance to clients with disabilities or chronic conditions. They manage chronic illnesses, provide post-operative care and support recovering from acute illnesses.
• Home health physicians can make a significant impact on the quality of life for patients who may have limited access to traditional healthcare settings.

Settings and patient populations

• Urban, rural and suburban home settings
• Employed or independent
• Serve all socioeconomic levels

Additional skills or training needed

• Geriatric care. Managing the unique health needs of elderly patients.
• Palliative care. Providing comfort and support to patients with serious illnesses.
• Home safety assessments. Evaluating and ensuring the safety of the home environment for patients.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration. Working with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, physical therapists, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care

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

Top considerations when choosing to work in home health

• Travel requirements. The need to travel to patients' homes and the associated time and costs.
• Patient autonomy. Respecting patients' preferences and decisions regarding their care.
• Resource availability. Access to medical equipment and support services in the home setting.
• Work-life balance. Managing the demands of home visits with personal and family time.

Benefits of working in home health

• Personalization. Physicians can provide personalized care in a familiar environment, which can lead to better patient outcomes and satisfaction.
• Schedule flexibility. They often experience greater flexibility in their schedules and the opportunity to build strong, trusting relationships with patients and their families.
• Impact. Home health physicians can make a significant impact on the quality of life for patients who may have limited access to traditional healthcare settings.

About working in locum tenens

• Locum tenens family physicians take temporary clinical assignments at hospitals or clinics when the regular staff are unavailable due to vacations, medical leave, unexpected absences or during the hiring process for permanent staff.
• Contracts can range from a few shifts to several months depending on the needs of the healthcare facility.
• Physicians can work on an independent contractor basis or through specialized staffing or recruitment agencies.

Settings and patient populations

• Assignment settings may vary, but typically they are in community health clinics, rural practices, nursing homes and urgent care centers.

Additional skills or training needed

• State licenses in the state where the assignment is located

Top considerations when choosing to work in locum tenens

• Constant on-boarding. Every new assignment will require frequent state licensing and facility-specific paperwork.
• Adaptation and integration. You must be able to adapt to change and learn the culture of the assignment. You’ll need to establish a good rapport with staff, as that can determine how well the assignment goes.
• Contracts. It’s imperative that you ensure your contract explicitly protects you. It needs to state, at least, your expected duties, case mix, patient volume, on-call schedule, exit clause, malpractice coverage and housing.
• Limited benefits and need for financial planning. Locum roles rarely come with traditional benefits like health insurance, paid time off or retirement matching. You must budget for your own health insurance, life and disability policies and a personal cash reserve to weather gaps between assignments.
• Tax and business savvy. If you’re an independent contractor, you’ll receive form 1099, which means not taxes are withheld. You’ll be responsible for your own estimated tax payments and need to keep meticulous records of all income and expenses for tax purposes. Many physicians will set up an LLC to structure their locum income so that you are able to deduct business expenses and manage revenue more effectively.

Benefits of working in locum tenens

• Flexibility and autonomy. You can set your own schedule, choose where you practice and avoid common burdens associated with practice management.
• Avoid burnout. Changing the pace and atmosphere helps physicians avoid burnout.
• Career variety. Locums allows you to test out different practice settings and hone new skills.
• Travel opportunities. Many physicians in locums pair their work with travel, often seeing remote populations.
• High earning potential. Locums tenens offsets the lack of benefits with high pay. Agencies may take a large cut of the pay, so before you sign a contract, make sure you understand how much you will receive.

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.

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.

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.

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.

About working as a palliative care or hospice physician

• A palliative or hospice care physician specializes in relieving suffering and improving quality of life for patients with serious and terminal illnesses. They focus on physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patient by managing complex symptoms like pain, nausea and anxiety.
• Physicians support patients and their families through the illness and end-of-life journey, working with an interdisciplinary team in hospitals, hospice or home settings.

Settings and patient populations

• Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, alongside curative treatments.
• Hospice care is mainly care for the final stages of life, focused on comfort when curative treatments are no longer pursued and there is a prognosis of six months or less.
• Care can occur in homes, hospice facilities, hospitals or assisted living facilities.

Additional skills or training needed

• Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship
• A Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Hospice and Palliative Medicine can be obtained after completing the fellowship training program and taking a one day exam.

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

Top considerations when choosing to work in hospice and palliative medicine

• Complex symptom management. Must be able to assess and treat a myriad of difficult and possibly distressing symptoms.
• Emotional demands. Must be able to deal with serious illnesses, terminal illnesses and death and dying, which requires significant emotional resilience.
• Care coordination. Palliative and hospice care is a team sport in which the physician may not be the authority in any given situation. You must be comfortable working with highly trained experts in other disciplines and deferring to their expertise when the patient’s needs are out of your scope.
• High-stakes communication and decision making. Facilitating difficult conversations about goals of care, advanced directives and navigation of the healthcare system is a regular part of the job.

Benefits of a hospice and palliative care physician role

• Meaningful impact. Working as a palliative or hospice physician offers deeply rewarding experiences in compassionate care for patients with serious illnesses and at the end of their life.
• Reduced burnout. While challenging, the focus on comfort and the supportive team structure can be less stressful than acute care for some physicians.
• Flexible scheduling and setting variety. Many roles offer flexible hours, allowing for better work-life balance, and variation in where care is delivered.

About working as a hospitalist

• Hospitalists manage and treat a significant range of complex and comorbid disease conditions for hospitalized patients. Family physicians possess unique attitudes, skills and knowledge which qualify them to provide continuing and comprehensive medical care to each hospital patient regardless of sex, age or medical problem.
• Hospitalists act as the hub of medical care in the hospital, coordinating care and advice between other specialists, managing day-to-day care and performing medical procedures.
• Family physicians can choose to be dedicated inpatient physicians, or hospitalists, on a full-time or rotating basis, depending on the demand and level of inpatient care needed. Family physicians with hospital privileges can offer continuous care to their patients during hospital stays.
• Hospitalists routinely conduct clinical care, teach, do research or serve as leaders in the field of hospital medicine.

Settings and patient populations

• Hospitalists work in many communities.
• Family physicians who do not have additional hospital medicine training through a fellowship may have more job opportunities in rural communities.

Additional skills or training needed

• Fellowship training is not required. However, opportunities in some health systems may be limited without additional training.

This AAFP resource can help you gain the skills you need to work in hospital medicine.

Top considerations when choosing to work in hospital medicine

• Care is short term. Hospitalists care for inpatients and focus on acute concerns.
• Procedure skills. Many hospitalists perform procedures that family physicians in other settings do not.

Benefits of a hospitalist role

• Schedule perks. Hospitalists have structured schedules, typically with multiple, consecutive days off.
• Satisfaction and pay. Hospitalists report high levels of job satisfaction and earn one of the highest compensation levels, according to the Career Benchmark Dashboard.

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.

About working as faculty

• Medical school faculty work on interdisciplinary teams to provide students with broad, integrated training. Experience across multiple clinically relevant disciplines is valuable.
• They develop curriculum, educational programming and clinical cases to grow and reinforce students’ scientific and clinical knowledge.
• Faculty help mentor students and advise them on professional development.
• Outside of teaching, faculty serve on a variety of university committees and participate actively in leadership of the institution.

Settings and patient populations

• Academic medical centers
• Medical schools

Additional skills or training needed

• Experience in curriculum development and formulating and editing assessment tools
• Course design and adult learning training

Top considerations when choosing to work as a faculty member

• Institutional support. The level of support and resources provided by the institution for the residency program affect administrative burden and opportunities for learners.
• 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 faculty member

• Clinical and work-life balance. Many academic positions offer dedicated time for research, grant writing and teaching, which helps with clinical burnout. Working in large academic medical centers typically means that you share clinical duties and call schedules with residents, fellows and medical students.
• Teaching and intellectual growth. Teaching and interacting with medical students and residents requires you to stay up to date on the latest medical advances. You have the ability to shape the next generation of physicians.
• Resources. Faculty typically have access to institutional research grants, lab spaces and support. You will also have access to a massive network of researchers, specialists and leaders in your field.
• Career and financial advantages. Many medical schools and affiliated teaching hospitals are non-profit organizations or public institutions, full-time faculty may quality for public service loan forgiveness.

About working as a dean

• Deans plan, direct and implement programs, policies and procedures for a medical school’s department of medicine to ensure the integration of scientifically based, clinical knowledge and skills in biomedical sciences for pre-doctoral students.
• Deans have direct oversight and management of all faculty in the department and will fulfill their clinical, educational, service and research responsibilities.

Settings and patient populations

• Deans work in the department of medicine in medical schools.

Additional skills or training needed

• Academic experience. Previous service as faculty at a college of osteopathic medicine, allopathic medical school or graduate medical education program.
• Leadership skills. Demonstrated leadership skills, delegation skills and time management skills.
• Teaching excellence. Demonstrated knowledge and skill in delivery of medical education and of varied curriculum templates.
• Capacity for mentorship. Demonstrated ability to mentor and motivate students and peers.

Top considerations when choosing to work as a dean

• Feedback and evaluation. Prepare and perform formal evaluations for all faculty and staff in the department.
• Budgeting. Prepare financial and budgetary plans and help oversee expenditures of the department.
• Talent development. Provide mentorship to all faculty in the department and assist in planning and delivering ongoing faculty development activities.
• Diplomacy and business operations. Preside over department meetings, anticipate human resource needs for the department and make hiring decisions.
• Physician pipeline focus. Interview prospective students and be involved in recruiting and admissions processes. Direct the education and instruction of medical students and other health care professional students.
• Scholarly engagement. Represent the university through publications and presentations.

Benefits of being a dean

• Future impact. Deans design educational paradigms that influence how future physicians are trained. Deans are able to sponsor and mentor the next generation of physicians and medical researchers.
• Financial reward. Medical school deans are consistently among the highest paid leaders in higher education.
• Networking. Deans are able to build and maintain relationships with hospital systems, government health organizations, policymakers and philanthropic donors.

About working as a researcher

• Many researchers work in academic settings, but there are opportunities to work outside of universities or academic settings. Other settings include government agencies, research institutes, foundations, think tanks, professional organizations, private corporations and others. Your area of research interest will impact employment opportunities.
• Many physician researchers, especially those affiliated with an academic institution, still provide clinical care, but that may be limited to one or two blocks per week or month.

Settings and patient populations

• Depending on the focus of your research, the work may or may not involve direct patient care.

Additional skills or training needed

• Physician researchers must have analytic, research design and writing skills.
• They frequently obtain additional training through degree programs such as Masters of Public Health or Doctor of Philosophy programs. However, some physicians seek training through other programs. Explore North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG) programs or Family Medicine Discovers Rapid Cycle Scientific Discovery and Innovation for opportunities to gain experience.

Top considerations when choosing to work in research.

• Leadership commitment. Researchers frequently supervise non-clinical research staff or lead research teams.
• Grant and funding dependence. Researchers often need to seek funding opportunities to support research and spend time writing grant proposals.

Benefits of being a researcher.

• Fulfilling and self-directed. Researchers explore questions they are interested in solving.
• Flexibility with clinical interests. Can be an opportunity for physicians who don’t want to do full-time clinical care.

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.

About working as a physician epidemiologist

• A physician epidemiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in epidemiology, integrating clinical expertise with public health research and practice.
• These professionals investigate disease outbreaks, identify population-level risk factors, and develop strategies for the prevention and control of illness and injury on a broad scale.
• Responsibilities include analyzing health data and collaborating with both public and health care professionals to advance disease prevention and control efforts.
• Epidemiologic practice and the results of epidemiologic analysis have a widespread impact on patients, populations and governments.

Settings and patient populations

• Local, state or federal government agencies employ epidemiologists.
• They may also work at local or state departments of health or at universities that conduct research.
• The patient population is the entire community, state or nation.

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 management. Understand and be able to write and apply for grants to secure funding for public health programs.
• Leadership. Given their health care experience, physicians working as epidemiologists often oversee entire programs. Address public health challenges and crises effectively. Collaboration and communication with others are critical.
• Policy development. 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 epidemiology

• Significant social and community impact. Epidemiologists serve as “disease detectives” who pinpoint the causes of illnesses and develop prevention strategies which directly saves lives.
• Intellectual engagement and variety. This role involves critical analysis and data-driven problem-solving to address complex health challenges, providing a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.
• Diverse work environments. Epidemiologists work in various sectors which allows for flexibility in their professional life.

About CMO roles

Family physicians frequently serve as CMOs. Having a broad clinical background is a desirable quality in this role. It helps bridge the gap between patient care and executive strategy. Key responsibilities of a CMO include:

• Acting as the intermediary between frontline clinicians and administration
• Physician recruitment
• Peer review
• Improving core metrics
• Ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies
• Directing clinical governance
• Managing clinical budgets
• Implementing health technology
• Problem solving

Settings and patient populations

Family physicians are particularly well-suited to serve as the CMO for community health centers, large hospital networks and primary care groups.

Additional skills and training needed

• Physicians looking to transition from clinical practice into executive roles usually follow a dedicated progression. Most candidates will spend several years practicing full-time while also taking on roles such as chief of staff, medical director, or chair of quality/safety committees.
• Many CMOs pursue advanced degrees like an Master in Business Administration, Master of Health Administration, or Master in Medical Management to better understand healthcare business operations.

Top considerations when choosing to work as a CMO

• Personal leadership and resilience. Managing highly educated peers requires a leader that relies on empathy, influence and mentoring.
• Financial acumen and strategy. CMOs must ensure efficient resource allocation without compromising care.
• Quality and patient safety. CMOs are responsible for clinical outcomes. You must be able to understand and interpret quality metrics. CMOs must also strive for continuous improvement to drive measurable outcomes.
• Clinical operations and staff. CMOs set an organization’s culture and are the communication bridge between administrators and physicians. CMOs also oversee peer review to ensure a highly competent and safe clinical workforce.
• Regulatory preparedness. CMOs must maintain strict adherence to standards set by regulatory bodies. They must also effectively manage insurance inquiries and malpractice considerations with the organization’s legal team.

Key benefits of a CMO career

• Systemic impact. CMOs design policies and protocols that improve patient care quality, safety and health outcomes.
• Reduced physical burnout. The role shifts the daily physical demands of bedside practice with long shifts and clinical hours towards strategic, administrative, and team-focused work.
• Leadership influence. CMOs have a direct say in strategic decisions, budgets and technological transformation.
• High earning potential. CMOs typically command highly competitive executive salaries.

About being a medical director

A medical director is an experienced, board-certified family physician who leads the clinical and administrative operations of a department, clinic or health organization. They bridge patient care and administration by setting medical standards, managing staff, ensuring regulatory compliance and overseeing patient outcomes. They often mentor teams while maintaining clinical duties.

Settings and patient populations

• Medical directors often operate in a hybrid role, balancing administrative leadership with direct patient care.
• These positions are common in various settings including primary care practices, urgent care clinics, long-term care facilities, medspas, telehealth platforms, hospital departments and weight loss/IV therapy clinics.
• Medical directors supervise nurse practitioners, physician assistants, other physicians and other medical staff. They may also continue to provide direct patient care on a limited basis.

Additional skills and training needed

Most employers prefer medical director candidates to have at least 10 years of practice experience.

There are several voluntary certifications and degrees that can help candidates prepare for director-level roles, including:

• A Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Health Administration (MHA)
• Certified Physician Executive (CPE)
• Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE)
• Certified Medical Director in Long Term Care (CMD)

Top considerations for a medical director role

• Leadership and strategy. Ability to set the vision, mentor staff and align clinical practices with organizational goals.
• Communication. Medical Directors must be excellent communicators. They must be able to precisely deliver their objectives and expectations in a way that will resonate with their teams. They must also maintain an open line of communication with all groups involved.
• Problem solver and critical thinker. A strong medical director is an agile problem solver with the critical thinking skills necessary to create and promote an atmosphere focused on patient care.
• Personal resilience and integrity. Medical directors must be able to make tough decisions while upholding the values of the organization and balancing personal and professional ethics.
• Administrative and operations. Medical directors must be proficient in managing budgets, personnel, resource allocation and workflows.
• Regulatory. Medical directors are responsible for all regulatory activities such as audits or inspections. They must keep up-to-date on new regulations, technology or changes in healthcare laws. They also must maintain records for the facility.

Key benefits of a medical director career

• Influence and leadership. Medical directors hold a critical role as a liaison between clinicians and top-level administration, allowing them to drive clinical improvement and shape organizational policy.
• Professional growth and fulfillment. The role offers professional satisfaction through mentoring teams and other physicians.
• Career shift. Becoming a medical director typically enables a transition from pure clinical work into a leadership role.
• Work/life balance. Many medical director roles may offer more predictable hours.
• Compensation and perks. Medical directors typically receive a salary premium or bonus and perks may include attending conferences, meal stipends and designated parking.

About working as a pharmaceutical medical physician

Pharmaceutical medical affairs physicians are medical doctors that bridge the gap between a drug’s development and its commercialization. These physicians serve as the scientific and clinical core of a pharmaceutical company, educating health care professionals, translating complex data and ensuring strict compliance.

Settings

• Pharmaceutical medical affairs physicians can work in large or small pharmaceutical companies, or in a contract research organization.
• Some companies offer hybrid or remote positions.
• Travel may be required.

Additional skills and training needed

Education that can help in the transition to a pharmaceutical physician role includes:

• Certifications such as the MSL-BC
• Master in Business Administration, Master in Public Health or Pharma fellowships
• Mandatory training on the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) code
• Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) Program or CELforPharma Medical Affairs Courses

Top considerations for a pharmaceutical role

• Engagement. Physicians must be able to build relationships with top clinical experts, researchers and patient advocacy groups to discuss emerging science and gather market feedback. Oftentimes, they will accompany the sales representatives to visit doctors.
• Medical communication. Pharmaceutical Medical Affairs physicians are considered the “interpreters” between company research and community physicians. Many are tasked with translating clinical data into accessible educational materials, managing scientific publications and ensuring marketing claims are factually accurate.
• Insight and regulations. Physicians provide research and development and marketing teams with crucial medical insights to ensure that a new drug launch meets regulatory requirements and local clinical needs.
• Data generation. Physicians design and oversee Phase IV clinical trials and studies on new drugs, keeping patient safety at the forefront.

Key benefits of a medical director career

• Work-life balance. These jobs often offer standard corporate hours and higher compensation structures, typically bypassing night and weekend shifts. Some companies may offer hybrid or remote positions. Travel may be required.
• Intellectual engagement. This position is constantly focused on evidence-based medicine and cutting edge science without direct patient care.
• Impact. This position shapes how new, possible life-changing drugs and therapies are safely introduced and utilized. Being able to witness patients benefit from a drug that was in development for ten years is a major accomplishment.