Diagnose illnesses, disorders, injuries, and prescribe treatment
As a medical practitioner, you could work in private practice on your own; in partnership with another medical practitioner; in a group practice; in community health centres and in public hospitals. There are opportunities for you to work in cities, suburbs and rural townships.
Medical practitioners:
- examine the patient to determine the nature of the disorder or illness, and record the patient's medical information; order, perform and analyse laboratory tests, X-rays and other diagnostic images and procedures
- provide overall care for patients and prescribe and administer treatments, medications and other remedial measures
- aid in the prevention of diseases and disorders by advising patients on diet, exercise, hygiene and general health
- prescribe and administer medication and inoculate patients to prevent infectious or contagious diseases
- provide pre and post-natal care
- report births, deaths and notifiable diseases to government authorities
- arrange for patients to be admitted to hospital
- and refer patients to other medical specialists and exchange relevant medical details.
Source: myFuture
Disclaimer: This page provides study pathway and career options as a guide only. You should contact the Admissions Centre, International Centre or relevant Faculties for full details.
Study pathways
The following study pathway shows the most common and direct route for a UWA student to pursue this career.
Undergraduate
- Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing
- Anatomy and Human Biology
- Anthropology and Sociology
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Biomedical Science (double major)
- Chemistry
- Exercise and Health
- Genetics
- Indigenous Knowledge, History and Heritage
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Neuropsychology and Cognitive Science
- Neuroscience
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Population Health
- Science Communication
- Social and Applied Psychology
-
Postgraduate
Professional training
After completion of the Doctor of Medicine and working in the public hospital system for two years (internship and residency), doctors interested in becoming a General Practitioner can apply to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners to undertake further training and ultimately receive Fellowship which takes another three years of study while working as a doctor.
Relevant majors include: