Doctors in general internal medicine are trained to manage patients presenting with a wide range of acute and long term medical conditions and symptoms.
Training and qualifications required
Training usually starts with a five year first degree in medicine. Then there's two years foundation doctor training, two years core training (CT1-2), followed by three years specialists training (ST3-5). This period of training will include your royal college exams. Length of training can vary according to your circumstances.
Expected working hours and salary range
Doctors may work up to 48 hours a week. The working hours may sometimes extend beyond the normal working day to include early mornings, evenings and weekends, on call highly likely.
Pay scales (2017):
Consultants earn between £76,761 and £103,490.
Desirable skills and values
This role requires that you are able to work under pressure, to diagnose and take initiative in highly pressurised and emotive situations. You'll have an ability to manage and reduce risk and to learn from errors. You'll have skills in stabilising patients and also, you'll possess prioritising and referring skills. Good communication, team working and leadership skills are required.
Prospects
There are 818 consultants in general internal medicine in England in 2016. Opportunities exist for research and teaching.