Doctors are life savers both inside and outside the hospital. They already have sworn an oath to save lives irrespective of the condition or situation. Upon graduation from the university and the 1 year compulsory housemanship and the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), Medical Doctors focus in an area of specialization, these types of Doctors are known as specialists.
In this article I will be listing the major roles and responsibilities of a Medical Doctor as well as their salary scales. This info is for resident doctors in Nigeria. Please note that there are no static roles for all medical doctors because there are various branches of Medicine. However, for the sake of this post, I will be listing the roles and responsibilities of Medical Doctors in any establishment. \
This post is very important for research purposes as well as Graduates of Medicine or any of its branches seeking for a job in any establishment. It is important you are well aware of your roles and responsibilities.
Roles and Responsibilities of Doctors in the hospital
Doctors play vital roles in a hospital setting, which include:
- Diagnosing and treating illnesses: Doctors are responsible for diagnosing and treating illnesses and medical conditions. They use their knowledge and skills to determine the root cause of a patient’s illness and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.
- Conducting medical procedures: Doctors perform various medical procedures, including surgeries, biopsies, and other invasive procedures, to help diagnose and treat patients.
- Prescribing medication: Doctors prescribe medication to patients to help manage their symptoms and treat their illnesses. They also monitor the patient’s response to the medication and adjust the dosage or medication as needed.
- Providing medical advice: Doctors provide medical advice and guidance to patients and their families, helping them understand their medical condition and treatment options.
- Consulting with other healthcare professionals: Doctors work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists, to provide comprehensive care to patients.
- Managing patient care: Doctors are responsible for managing the overall care of their patients, coordinating with other healthcare professionals and specialists as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.
- Conducting research: Doctors may also conduct research and clinical trials to advance medical knowledge and develop new treatments and medications.
- Educating patients: In addition to providing medical advice and guidance, doctors educate patients about preventive care and healthy lifestyle habits. They may offer tips on diet and exercise or discuss the importance of regular checkups and screenings.
- Managing medical emergencies: In a hospital setting, doctors may be called upon to manage medical emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, or trauma injuries. They must remain calm under pressure and quickly assess the situation to provide the appropriate medical intervention.
- Supervising medical staff: Doctors may also be responsible for supervising medical staff, including resident physicians, medical students, and other healthcare professionals. They oversee patient care, provide guidance and instruction, and ensure that medical procedures and protocols are followed.
- Advocating for patients: Doctors act as advocates for their patients, ensuring that their medical needs are met and their rights are protected. They may also help patients navigate the healthcare system, including insurance coverage and access to specialty care.
- Continuing education: Doctors are required to participate in ongoing education and training to stay up-to-date with the latest medical advances and best practices. This may involve attending conferences, completing continuing education courses, or conducting research.
Roles and Responsibilities of Doctors in the Society
Doctors play important roles in society beyond the hospital setting. Here are some of the roles they play:
- Promoting health and wellness: Doctors help promote health and wellness in their communities by educating the public on healthy lifestyle choices, disease prevention, and the importance of regular check-ups and screenings.
- Providing medical care in the community: Many doctors work in community health clinics or participate in medical outreach programs, providing medical care to underserved populations and those who cannot afford healthcare.
- Advocating for public health: Doctors may be involved in public health initiatives, such as vaccination campaigns, disease surveillance and prevention, and emergency preparedness planning.
- Serving as medical experts: Doctors serve as medical experts in legal cases, providing testimony and evidence in court to help inform legal decisions.
- Conducting research: Doctors play a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge through research. They may participate in clinical trials, conduct laboratory research, or publish research papers that contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of medical conditions and treatments.
- Mentoring and teaching: Many doctors serve as mentors and teachers, helping to train and educate the next generation of medical professionals. They may work in medical schools, teaching hospitals, or mentor students and residents in their own practices.
- Providing leadership and advocacy: Doctors may serve in leadership roles in medical organizations or advocate for healthcare policies and reform that promote better patient outcomes and access to quality care.
- Contributing to public health research: Doctors play a critical role in public health research by studying the prevalence, causes, and treatment of diseases in populations. They may work with public health agencies, universities, or research organizations to conduct research that informs public health policy and practice.
- Supporting patients and families: Beyond medical treatment, doctors provide emotional support and comfort to patients and their families. They often serve as a source of strength and guidance during difficult times and help patients and families navigate the healthcare system.
- Addressing health disparities: Doctors may work to address health disparities in their communities by promoting equitable access to healthcare services and advocating for policies that address social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and housing.
- Promoting ethical and responsible healthcare practices: Doctors are responsible for upholding ethical and responsible healthcare practices. They must maintain patient confidentiality, ensure informed consent, and make decisions that prioritize the well-being of their patients.
- Contributing to global health efforts: Doctors may participate in global health initiatives, working to improve healthcare outcomes in developing countries or regions impacted by disease outbreaks or natural disasters.
Roles and Responsibilities of Doctors in Corporate Organizations
Doctors may also play important roles in corporate organizations. Here are some examples:
- Occupational health and safety: Doctors may work in corporate occupational health and safety departments, providing medical expertise and guidance on workplace health and safety policies and procedures.
- Wellness programs: Doctors may help develop and implement employee wellness programs, providing guidance on nutrition, exercise, and other healthy lifestyle habits.
- Executive health programs: Some corporations offer executive health programs, which provide specialized medical care and screening for executives and other high-level employees. Doctors may be involved in providing medical care and recommendations for these programs.
- Employee assistance programs: Doctors may provide medical care and counseling through employee assistance programs, which offer support and resources for employees facing personal or professional challenges.
- Medical research and development: Corporate organizations may also employ doctors to conduct medical research and development, including clinical trials and studies of new medical technologies or treatments.
- Consulting services: Some doctors may work as consultants for corporate organizations, providing medical expertise and advice on healthcare-related matters, such as medical insurance plans, healthcare benefits, and healthcare policies.
Salary Scale of Medical Doctors In Nigeria
The exact salaries of medical doctors cannot be readily ascertained, because there are various branches of medicine and their salary scale can vary from one organization to another depending on the financial capacity of the entity. However, I should be able to give you a range which would be helpful to you depending on what reason the information is needed.
The salary scale of medical doctors in Nigeria varies depending on several factors, such as experience, qualifications, and the level of employment. Here is an overview of the average salary scale of medical doctors in Nigeria:
- House Officers earn from N200,000 – N300,000 per month
- Medical Officers earn as from N220,000 – N400,000 per month
- Registrars earn around N250,000 – N450,000 per month
- Senior Registrars earn around N300,000 – N550,000 per month
- Consultants earn from N400,000 – N800,000 per month
Please note that these figures are the industry averages and may vary depending on the location, hospital, and other factors. Some doctors in Nigeria may also earn additional income from private practice by working in 2 or 3 different hospitals as well as earn from other sources.
Medical doctors play important roles anywhere they are found, they help in promoting good health and safety, developing medical research, initiatives and as well as providing medical expertise and advice and support the organization’s overall health and well-being.
I hope this helps? Please feel free to reach us via the comment section below for your opinion as regards the roles and responsibilities of Doctors in Nigeria and their Salary structures.
