Doctor (Medical Officer)

Doctors diagnose, treat, and help prevent illnesses and injuries in patients.

What is a typical day in a Doctor’s career? 

Doctors work on average 50-60 hours a week. At the start of your career, you may work even more hours including nights and weekends especially when you get into Student Residency. A typical day involves: 

– Seeing a variety of patients with diverse symptoms either in a clinical office or within hospital wards 

– Clerical work such as recording patient history, symptoms, treatment during duration of visit/ hospital stay 

– Conducting examinations and prescribing treatments 

– First line of care for medical emergencies.

– Depending on posting, one may be required to perform major and minor procedures such as surgeries, maternal deliveries, under supervision.

– Referring patients to specialists when necessary.

What else might they be expected to do? 

– Educate and counsel patients about health management 

– Communicate with family members regarding patient’s condition 

What type of training is needed for this career path? 

– A Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), typically five to six years. 

– A year of internship in a clinical setting. 

– Specialization requires further training and exams. 

Mandatory Subject Requirements at O-Level / A-Level? 

– Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics/Physics, English/Kiswahili. 

What kind of personality is needed to excel in this career path? 

– Compassionate and resilient – a doctor’s day may be gruesome and mostly inconsiderate of the doctor’s personal state, but the profession requires that the patient’s needs come before all other. 

– Detail-oriented. 

– Passion for helping the sick. Though it might be lucrative in the long run, there are easier ways to make money. 

– Big 5 traits: Conscientiousness and Agreeableness. 

– Myers-Briggs types: INFJ or ISFJ often align with this career. 

What kind of interests do people in this career path have? 

– Strong investigative interest (I). 

– Social interests (S). 

– Interests & Aptitude: Investigative (I) and Social (S) 

Are there any innate skills or aptitudes required? 

– Critical thinking 

– Calmness under pressure 

– Empathy 

What challenges can I expect to face if I pursue this career path? 

– Managing high-stress situations 

– Working long hours 

– Dealing with emotional stress from patient outcomes and Adapting to rapid medical advancements 

What are the job prospects for this path in Kenya and Africa? What about International prospects for a Kenyan citizen? 

– Kenya and Africa: GPs are in high demand, especially in rural areas. The African continent has a shortage of doctors, offering considerable opportunity. However, government policy does not typically favour hiring of doctor’s despite the need. 

– International: Kenyan doctors may need additional studies and examinations to be recognized in other countries but can find rewarding opportunities abroad. 

What should I focus on if I choose to pursue this career? 

– Building strong foundations in biology and chemistry. 

– Developing practical skills and compassion. 

– Building resilience for the demands of medical school and clinical practice. 

Which other careers or job roles can I progress to? 

– Specialties like surgery, paediatrics, or oncology with further training 

– Healthcare administration 

– Public health 

– Medical research