Family Medicine Physician
Explore Careers
Family Medicine Physician
O*NET-SOC: 29-1215.00Healthcare
Diagnoses, treats, and manages a broad range of acute and chronic health conditions for patients of all ages, providing comprehensive primary care and preventive medicine.See your fit
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$224KMedian Salary
+3%Stable
Professional Degree
Min. EducationDemanding
Work-Life BalanceAbout This Role Family medicine physicians serve as the first point of contact for patients of all ages, diagnosing and treating a wide range of health issues from seasonal colds and infections to long-term conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma. They typically see patients in 15- to 30-minute appointments throughout the day, listening to concerns, performing physical exams, ordering tests, and prescribing treatments or referrals to specialists when needed.
Much of their time is spent building ongoing relationships with patients and families, remembering health histories across years of visits, and tailoring advice to each person's circumstances and communication style.
A Day in the Life
7:30 AM
Pre-clinic prep
Arrive early, review the electronic health record inbox, and scan lab results and messages from the overnight team.
8:00 AM
First patient block
See scheduled patients every 20 minutes: vitals, history, exam, order tests or meds.10:00 AM
Team huddle
Quick meeting with nurses and medical assistants to prioritize walk-in patients and discuss complex cases.12:00 PM
Lunch and chart
Eat while catching up on notes, refill requests, and patient portal responses.1:00 PM
Afternoon clinic
Handle follow-ups, procedures like skin biopsies, and acute visits like sprains.4:00 PM
Wrap patient care
Finish last exams, dictate notes, refer to cardiology if needed.5:30 PM
Inbox and admin
Clear results, sign orders, prepare for next day before heading home.6:30 PM
On-call check
Monitor urgent line briefly if assigned, then log off unless escalation.
Tools & Technologies
- Medical & Health Records
- Epic Systems
- eClinicalWorks
- MEDITECH
- Acrendo Medical Software Family Practice EMR
- Allscripts Professional EHR
- Spreheets
- Microsoft Excel
- Office Suites
- Microsoft Office
Salary by State
Family Medicine Physician salary by state mapFamily Medicine Physician salary by state State Median Salary Salary Range New Hampshire $238K — Kansas $237K — South Carolina $237K — Delaware $236K — Vermont $233K — Mississippi $232K — Tennessee $229K — Texas $229K — North Carolina $227K — Hawaii $223K — Ohio $221K — Maine $221K — Florida $221K — Illinois $220K — Michigan $220K — Virginia $220K — Oklahoma $219K — South Dakota $217K — Missouri $217K — Rhode Island $216K — New York $215K — District of Columbia $213K — Alabama $199K — Connecticut $198K — Arkansas $62K $62K - $220K
Family Medicine Physician salary by state State Median Salary Salary Range New Hampshire $238K — Kansas $237K — South Carolina $237K — Delaware $236K — Vermont $233K — Mississippi $232K — Tennessee $229K — Texas $229K — North Carolina $227K — Hawaii $223K — Ohio $221K — Maine $221K — Florida $221K — Illinois $220K — Michigan $220K — Virginia $220K — Oklahoma $219K — South Dakota $217K — Missouri $217K — Rhode Island $216K — New York $215K — District of Columbia $213K — Alabama $199K — Connecticut $198K — Arkansas $62K $62K - $220K
Lower ($62K-$150K)Middle (~$150K)Higher ($150K-$238K)
Highest Paying States
- 1.New Hampshire$238K
- 2.Kansas$237K
- 3.South Carolina$237K
- 4.Delaware$236K
- 5.Vermont$233K
- 1.Arkansas$62K
- 2.Connecticut$198K
- 3.Alabama$199K
- 4.District of Columbia$213K
- 5.New York$215K
American Board of Family Medicine
Certification
Primary board certification for family physicians, requiring residency completion and ongoing maintenance of certification.Helpful
Certified in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)National Association for Healthcare Quality
Certification
Focuses on quality improvement and patient safety in clinical practice.Professional Memberships
Membership, American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)American Academy of Family Physicians
Membership
Provides resources, advocacy, and continuing education for practicing family physicians.Membership, American Medical Association (AMA)
American Medical Association
Membership
Offers policy advocacy, practice support, and networking for physicians.Work Environment
Remote Work Hybrid (Remote + Office)Work Setting Traditional office / indoor
Physical Activity Moderate physical activity
Social Interaction Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
Schedule Extended hours common
Your Skills & AttributesSkills & Competencies Matches (45)
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Time Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Family Medicine Physician a good career?Family Medicine Physician can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $224K and job outlook is stable (3% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Family Medicine Physician?
The typical education requirement for a Family Medicine Physician is a Professional Degree. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Family Medicine Physician?
Becoming a Family Medicine Physician typically requires about 7-8 years of higher education (including a bachelor's degree and professional school). Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Family Medicine Physician?
The work-life balance for a Family Medicine Physician is demanding, often requiring long hours, irregular schedules, or high-pressure situations. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Family Medicine Physician?
The job outlook for Family Medicine Physician is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 3% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.
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