Students

Medical Studies

Below are details about the field of study you have chosen to explore, as well as some potential careers.

Overview

The study of the principles and procedures used in preventing, diagnosing, caring for and treating illness, disease and injury in humans, and the maintenance of general health. The main purpose of this narrow field of education is to develop an understanding of disease processes and mechanisms, the structure and function of the human body and mind, the restoration and maintenance of health, immune defences of the body, pain control, human behaviour and medical ethics. It also involves developing an ability to assess and evaluate clinical observations to arrive at diagnoses and determine appropriate courses of action.

Course skills

Medical Studies develops skills in:

  • assessing patients' psychological, physical and emotional states
  • carrying out procedures and dealing with medical emergencies
  • examining specimens to determine the origin, nature and course of any disease present
  • monitoring progress of patients
  • practising professional responsibility in relation to individuals and the community.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

Careers

  • Anaesthetists

    Anaesthetists provide direct medical care to patients requiring general or local anaesthesia for surgical, diagnostic and other procedures such as prevention of pain and maintenance of body function.

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  • General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers

    General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers diagnose and treat physical and mental illnesses, disorders and injuries, recommend preventative action and refer patients to specialist Medical Practitioners, other health care workers, and social, welfare and support workers.

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  • Other Medical Practitioners

    Other Medical Practitioners include Dermatologist, Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist, Emergency Medicine Specialist, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Ophthalmologist, Pathologist and Radiation Oncologist occupations.

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  • Psychiatrists

    Psychiatrists diagnose, assess, treat and prevent human mental, emotional and behavioural disorders.

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  • Specialist Physicians

    Specialist Physicians diagnose and treat internal human disorders and diseases using specialist testing, diagnostic and medical techniques.

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  • Surgeons

    Surgeons perform surgery to correct deformities, repair injuries, prevent and treat diseases, and improve human functioning and appearance.

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