Medical Doctor, General Practitioner – Rata Hauora
“I am not here for myself, not here for money, I am here to make a difference. That’s the reason I stay, and that’s the reason I am going to keep staying.” – Joshua Manukonga
About the Career
A medical doctor, physician or medical practitioner is a person who practices medicine and is concerned with maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease and injury. This is achieved through a detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology, diseases and treatment.
General Practitioner (GP) – Rata Hauora
General medical health professionals work with people in the community, and can spend all day talking with patients, so communication is important. General practitioners diagnose and treat the health problems of individuals and families. They treat peoples for all ailments, so they are not as specialised as some other medical professionals. There is a big need for medical doctors, especially Māori doctors, and a shortage of General Practitioners here in Taranaki and nationally.
Personal qualities you need
- to be patient and care about people from all cultures and backgrounds
- to have strong empathy and compassion and be able to work well with all people
- to remain calm under pressure and in emergencies
- to be a problem solver and able to make good decisions
- be good at managing time and keeping things confidential
- an understanding of other cultures’ attitudes to medical treatment.
Career Pathway
Find out more about a General Practitioner career here: https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/health-and-community/health/general-practitioner/
Doctors, Physicians and Specialist Roles
Physicians
A physician can be in a general medical or specialist role. Physicians focus on patient care, health and wellbeing and treat diseases, illnesses and injuries. Find out more here:
https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/health-and-community/health/physician/
Internal Medical Doctor
There are many different types of internal medical specialists, each type specialise in a different part of the body. Being an expert on one part of the body means they have a greater understanding of it and unusual or serious diseases that can affect the body part. These specialisations are usually secondary healthcare services. You will probably need a referral to be treated by one of these physicians.
Positions in Medicine
Dermatologist: Specialises in diseases of skin, hair and nails.
Clinical Oncologist: Specialises in cancer. Find out more here https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/health-and-community/health/radiation-oncologist/
Renal Medicine Specialist (Nephrology): Specialises in the kidneys. Neurologist: Specialises in the nervous system, including the brain.
Rheumatologist: Specialises in joints, muscle and soft tissues.
Specialist Physician (General Medicine): Specialises in complex and difficult to diagnose conditions.
Thoracic Medicine Specialist: Specialises in the lungs.
Clinical Haematologist: Specialises in blood.
Endocrinologist: Specialises in the internal glands and hormones, including conditions such as diabetes and thyroid disorders.
Gastroenterologist (and Hepatology): Specialises in the gut, liver and related organs.
Intensive Care Specialist: Specialises in managing critically ill patients.
Other Spcialist Medical Careers
Paediatrician: Specialises in babies, children and adolescents. They are also experts in child growth, development, feeding and behavioural issues. It will take 14 years to become a paediatrician.
Anaesthetists: Looks after patients who need general or local anaesthesia. Anaesthesia is where drugs and equipment are used to help stop you from feeling pain. Find out more about this career here: https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/health-and-community/health/anaesthetist/
Emergency medicine specialist: A worker who looks after urgent, seriously ill and injured patients.Obstetrician/
Gynaecologist: Specialise in the care of women and children, from the time a woman is pregnant through to giving birth. They also specialise in female body parts and organs. Find out more about this career here: https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/health-and-community/health/gynaecologistobstetrician/
Pathologist: Looks at changes in a person’s body tissue, blood or body fluids to confirm what could be causing a disease and to understand what is happening to the person. It will take 13 years to become a pathologist. Find out more about this career here: https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/health-and-community/health/pathologist/
Radiologist: Creates and reads pictures of areas inside the body using what is called ‘radiant energy.’ Two examples of radiant energy are x-rays which use electromagnetic energy and an ultrasound which uses sound energy to make pictures of what is being scanned, like an ultrasound of a baby while it is still inside the mother. It will take 13 years minimum to become a radiologist. Find out more about this career here: https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/health-and-community/health/diagnostic-radiologist/
Psychiatrists: A medical worker who helps people with mental, emotional and behaviour problems. It will take 13 years minimum to become a psychiatrist. Find out more here: https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/health-and-community/health/psychiatrist/
Our Whānau Career Story
Josh Manukonga, General Practitioner
In 2020 we filmed Josh while he was on placement at Taranaki District Health Board – Base Hospital. Watch Josh’s video here:
