We surveyed 7,614 doctors to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical doctor. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a doctor?
Low
High
Working as a doctor typically requires higher levels of intelligence when compared with the average career. This means that doctors are required to actively learn new things related to their discipline and solve complex problems.
Can I learn to become a doctor?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a doctor typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a doctor?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically quite difficult to find a job as a doctor. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for doctors.
Do doctors work full-time or part-time?
84% of doctors work in full-time roles while 16% work part-time.
Is being a doctor stressful?
Low
High
Stress is very commonplace for doctors, contributing negatively towards career satisfaction.
Is being organized important as a doctor?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be a doctor.
How competitive is the workplace for doctors?
Low
High
Doctors tend to see lots of competition in the workplace, with desire to get ahead of co-workers being common.
Does being a doctor require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Doctors will see frequent time pressure on the job, likely contributing to an occasionally stressful work environment.
Are doctors allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Doctors rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do doctors have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally doctors will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being a doctor physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a doctor requires significant physical work, and is not a career for those unable to perform continuous and/or strenuous physical activity.
Are doctors exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
While sometimes repetitive, doctors tend to have opportunities for variety in their work.
Does being a doctor require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail is a vital skill for doctors, as small mistakes can make or break one's ability to succeed in the career.
Does being a good doctor require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Strong compassion and empathy are critical to success as a doctor.