Family Medicine Physicians

Diagnose, treat, and provide preventive care to individuals and families across the lifespan. May refer patients to specialists when needed for further diagnosis or treatment.

SOC: 29-1215.00

Common Job Titles

Family PhysicianFamily Practice Physician (FP Physician)Medical Doctor (MD)Physician

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeSynthesize medical knowledge from multiple disciplines to develop comprehensive treatment plans for patients with comorbid conditions.
  • KnowledgeFormulate referral strategies to specialists based on comprehensive assessment and scope of practice limitations in family medicine.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate patient laboratory results, diagnostic imaging, and clinical findings across the lifespan in family medicine settings, integrating evidence-based guidelines.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze complex patient presentations and symptoms to formulate differential diagnoses and determine appropriate treatment pathways.
  • MindsetIntegrate patient-centered care principles with family dynamics and cultural considerations when providing comprehensive care to diverse patient populations.
  • Hands-onPerform physical examinations and minor surgical procedures using diagnostic equipment such as otoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, and electrocardiography machines.
  • MindsetAdvocate for preventive care strategies and health promotion initiatives when counseling individuals and families on lifestyle modifications and disease prevention.
  • KnowledgeInterpret clinical guidelines and current medical literature to apply evidence-based medicine in primary care practice independently.
  • Hands-onExecute precisely diagnostic procedures including wound suturing, cryosurgery, and colposcopy following established clinical protocols with patient safety as priority.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate patient responses to therapeutic interventions through continuous monitoring and reassessment in longitudinal care relationships.
  • MindsetBalance patient autonomy with clinical recommendations when navigating complex ethical situations involving treatment decisions and end-of-life care.
  • Hands-onOperate electronic health record systems and practice management software to document patient encounters, prescribe medications, and coordinate interdisciplinary care efficiently.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Family Medicine Physicians (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

107,950

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$81,330
10% of workers earn the following or more$239,200+
Workers on average earn$256,830

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Medicine and Dentistry5.0/5
  • English Language4.7/5
  • Therapy and Counseling4.6/5
  • Psychology4.5/5
  • Biology4.5/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Epic SystemsMEDITECH softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareeClinicalWorks EHR software

Technology Skills

Acrendo Medical Software Family Practice EMRAllscripts Professional EHRBilling softwareBrickell Research Brickell Medical OfficeChartWare EMREmail softwareEpocratesGreenway Health PrimeSuite

Tools & Equipment

Adult Magill forcepsAngiocathsAuditory testing equipmentAutomated external defibrillators AEDBaby scalesBlood collection syringesCervical collarsColposcopes