Government of New Brunswick
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Family Physician and General Practitioner

Family Physicians and General Practitioners diagnose and treat the diseases, physiological disorders and injuries of patients. They provide primary contact and continuous care toward the management of patients' health.

Family Physicians and General Practitioners may take additional training to qualify as specialists in areas such as the following: anaestheology, cardiology, surgery, geriatrics, internal medicine, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, emergency medicine and intensive care.


An Exciting Field of Work

In general, Family Physicians and General Practitioners:

  • Take medical histories and examine patients
  • Order laboratory tests, X-rays and other diagnostic procedures
  • Consult with other medical practitioners to evaluate patients' physical and mental health
  • Prescribe and administer medications and treatments
  • Perform and assist in routine surgery
  • Provide emergency care
  • Provide acute care management
  • Inoculate and vaccinate patients
  • Deliver babies and provide pre-natal and post-natal care
  • Providing counselling to patients and their families on health care including health promotion, disease, illness and accident prevention
  • Co-ordinate or manage primary patient care
  • Provide continuous care to patients
  • Supervise home care services
  • Report births, deaths, and contagious and other diseases to governmental authorities


Personal Characteristics / Skills

  • A genuine interest in the welfare of people
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Self-motivation and high ethical standards
  • Stamina required to work long hours
  • Good bedside manner and emotional stability
  • Ability to make decisions in stressful situations
  • Capacity and eagerness to learn new skills and information


Education and Training

A bachelor of science and a doctorate of medicine (MD) from a school of medicine accredited program followed by a family medicine residency training program is required.


Education program offered in New Brunswick

Medical Education programs are offered in New Brunswick by the following educational institutions:


Length of Study / Training

9.0 - 10.0 years


Licence and certification

To practice in New Brunswick, Family Physicians and General Practitioners must be licensed with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick.


Helpful High School Courses

  • Math
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics


Employment and Common Working Conditions

Family Physicians and General Practitioners work in a variety of settings, such as:

  • Private practice, including group or team practices
  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Government departments and agencies

Family Physicians and General Practitioners often work very long hours. The average workweek is extremely variable and usually depends on the type of practice and place of employment. Those in private practice determine their own working hours, however, overtime, shift work and off-duty call is often required in hospitals or clinics. This type of work can be both emotionally demanding and rewarding.


Employment Prospects - very GOOD

With our aging population, it is anticipated that there will continue to be a high demand for Family Physicians and General Practitioners.