Family physician salaries increased with the 19.31% raise given to public servants in July 2024. How much are current family physician salaries? Here are the details…
A family physician is a doctor who examines and treats patients, prescribes necessary medications, and conducts regular health screenings to prevent the development of illnesses.
Family physicians serve at the primary level of the health system. Becoming a family physician can be a rewarding career for those who want to help people and practice medicine with dedication.
How do you become a family physician and what are the typical salaries? In this article we explain what a family physician is, what they do, who can qualify, how to become one, and current salary ranges.
WHAT IS A FAMILY PHYSICIAN?
A family physician examines and treats patients, prescribes necessary medications, and performs regular health screenings to prevent disease progression. When a condition requires another specialty, the family physician refers the patient to the appropriate specialist or clinic.
The family physician acts as a lifelong health counselor, providing holistic care that takes into account the patient’s family and social environment.
WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF A FAMILY PHYSICIAN?
Duties of a family physician include:
- Assessing patients’ health, diagnosing conditions, planning and implementing treatments,
- Conducting regular check-ups to prevent health problems or enable early diagnosis,
- Advising on healthy lifestyle habits, nutrition, exercise, vaccinations, and preventive care,
- Referring patients to relevant specialists or health institutions when necessary,
- Keeping and updating patients’ health records and reports,
- Protecting patients’ health rights, improving health literacy, and promoting public health awareness,
- Addressing individual and community health issues while considering patients’ family and social environments,
- Working in accordance with standards and regulations set by the Ministry of Health.
WHO CAN BECOME A FAMILY PHYSICIAN?
Requirements to become a family physician are as follows:
- Graduate from medical school,
- Take and pass the Medical Specialty Examination (TUS),
- Complete family medicine specialty training and obtain certification,
- Pass the family medicine licensing exam held by the Ministry of Health,
- Begin duty at family health centers designated by the Ministry of Health.
CONDITIONS FOR BECOMING A FAMILY PHYSICIAN
The conditions to become a family physician can be summarized as follows:
- Graduate from medical school
Prospective family physicians must first graduate from medical school. Medical education typically lasts six years and includes both theoretical and practical training. Graduates receive the title of physician.
- Take and pass the Medical Specialty Examination (TUS)
Physicians who wish to specialize must take the TUS, an exam held twice a year. TUS covers basic medical sciences and clinical medicine. Successful candidates select the universities and hospitals where they will complete specialty training.
- Complete family medicine specialty training and obtain certification
Those who pass TUS can begin family medicine specialty training, which typically lasts three years and includes both theoretical and practical components. Graduates obtain the family medicine specialist title.
- Pass the family medicine exam administered by the Ministry of Health
Certified family medicine specialists must pass the family medicine exam administered by the Ministry of Health to practice as family physicians. This exam, usually held annually, includes written and oral sections. Successful candidates choose the family health centers where they will work.
- Begin work at Ministry-designated family health centers
Those who pass the exam start working at the family health centers they selected. These centers are designated by the Ministry of Health and are located in regions determined by population density. Each family physician provides care to the residents of their assigned area.
2024 FAMILY PHYSICIAN SALARIES AFTER JULY INCREASE
As of July 2024, family physician salaries are approximately:
- Newly appointed family physician: 57,000 TL – 65,000 TL,
- General practitioner family physician: 65,000 TL – 72,000 TL,
- Specialist family physician: 72,000 TL – 90,000 TL.