Society has many expectations of medical practitioners. Our communities expect doctors to:

• be competent in their field and to be excellent communicators
• treat patients with empathy
• develop a rapport which enables trust in their clinical competence and ethical behaviour
• understand and respect each person's cultural perspective.

Medicine is challenging, exciting and dynamic. Countless new discoveries are making their impact on medical practice. Doctors now qualifying will see even more dramatic changes in the future, with the development of many new therapies, involving not only drugs, but also treatments arising from research in electronics, nuclear physics, genetics and molecular biology.

A career in medicine offers doctors an opportunity to provide a service to the public through the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, diseases and infections. Doctors are also increasingly expected to provide social support to their patients. Doctors are able to choose which area of medicine they practise in. This should suit their own personal aptitudes (for example, community based doctors such as general practitioners have daily face to face contact with patients, while other doctors concentrate on scientific research, which may involve less patient contact).

When considering a medical career, do your research:

• See www.kiaorahauora.co.nz; this is an excellent resource for Maori considering a career in medicine
• There are a large number of specialty career paths in medicine
• Medicine is a rewarding career; however, being a doctor involves a lifetime of learning, both formally and informally. Doctors have to update their knowledge and skills throughout their careers.
• While working conditions for doctors in general are improving and hours have been reduced, doctors do work relatively long hours and will be expected to be on-call at times.
• Doctors in the training grades usually study for their specialty exams throughout this training period and this can be demanding and time consuming.
• Studying medicine is a big financial commitment.