What Preventive Medicine Physicians DoApply knowledge of general preventive medicine and public health issues to promote health care to groups or individuals, and aid in the prevention or reduction of risk of disease, injury, disability, or death. May practice population-based medicine or diagnose and treat patients in the context of clinical health promotion and disease prevention.
- Direct or manage prevention programs in specialty areas such as aerospace, occupational, infectious disease, and environmental medicine.
- Identify groups at risk for specific preventable diseases or injuries.
- Direct public health education programs dealing with topics such as preventable diseases, injuries, nutrition, food service sanitation, water supply safety, sewage and waste disposal, insect control, and immunizations.
- Supervise or coordinate the work of physicians, nurses, statisticians, or other professional staff members.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of prescribed risk reduction measures or other interventions.
Preventive Medicine Physicians Education, Salary, and GrowthOnly you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Minimum EducationDoctoral or Professional Degree
Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)
Training TimeOver 4 years
Job Openings9,600 Annually
Median Earnings
$201,510 in California
$239,200 Nationally
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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
- Relating with or serving others
- Thinking and problem solving
- Working with my hands
you value
- Accomplishing things
- Having freedom
- Receiving recognition
you are skilled in
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
Go Deeper: Preventive Medicine Physicians Explained
Preventive Medicine PhysicianExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?
Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.
Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
Hybrid CollegeA hybrid college combines online learning with the student support typically offered on college campuses, giving students flexibility and accessibility while still providing a comprehensive educational experience.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years
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What Is the Healthcare Industry?
HealthcareThe primary activities of this group involve delivering medical care and support to patients, including diagnosing illness, treating injuries, administering medication, assisting with daily living activities, and completing corresponding administrative tasks.