All you need to know about a Primary Care Physician career in New York City

Have you been thinking about becoming a primary care physician? They are health professionals who practice general medicine. As a general doctor, you will have to have knowledge and skills necessary to provide medical treatment and simple procedures for most of the conditions people struggle with during their lives. You will help people from children to the elderly. If you couldn’t treat certain conditions, you will have to refer patients to trusted specialists. 

How much does a primary care physician make in NYC?

According to Salary.com the average Primary Care Physician salary in New York is $246,331 as of October 30, 2019, but the range typically falls between $216,965 and $282,696. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

Here we listed the steps to become a Primary Care Specialist:

Step 1: Get your Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry or Pre-Medicine

If you wish to study Medicine in the United States, you must obtain your Bachelor’s degree in a career related to natural or applied sciences, such as biology, chemistry, physics or pre-medicine. Once you have it, you will have to take the MCAT.

Step 2: Medical School Admission Test MCAT

The medical school admission test (MCAT) is a standardized test that is performed on a computer for future medical students like you in the United States.

It is designed to evaluate your problem-solving, critical thinking, written analysis, and knowledge of scientific concepts. The most recent version of the exam was presented in April 2015 and lasts about 7.5 hours. The test is scored in a range of 472 to 528.

The current MCAT consists of four distinct sections that qualify individually. Each section is assigned between 90 and 95 minutes and evaluates between 50 and 60 questions.

For more information, visit the official website of the exam: MCAT Exam.

Step 3: Earn a Medical Degree

During those four years, you must take pre-clinical and clinical studies. Pre-clinical studies are generally completed in the first two years and consist of related courses in Biology, Anatomy, Chemistry, and Research. In the next two years, you will take clinical studies, which consist of more practice and research.

Step 4: Residency time

You’re already a doctor … or almost! To complement your program in medical school, a minimum of 3 years of residency is required but can be extended up to 7 years. Physicians can apply for residency programs at most hospitals and medical facilities in the United States.

Step 5: Obtain a Medical License

All states mandate licensing for doctors, but requirements vary. Your licensing requirements typically include graduating from an accredited medical program, finishing residency training and passing required licensing exams. 

In conclusion, becoming a doctor requires a lot of years of study; you will have to be very persistent and dedicate a lot of time to your career. But if you manage to conclude this process, the reward will be very satisfactory.

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