Hospital doctor
Examine and treat hospital patients. Save lives and improve people's health.
Also known as: hospital consultant
About the job
A day in the life - Hospital doctor
What it's like
You would examine and treat hospital patients. You would save lives and improve people’s health.
Your patients would be sent to you by GPs and other health professionals. You would listen to each person, ask them about their symptoms and do a physical examination.
You would then decide what you think the problem is and explain the best options for treatment. It would be important to reassure people as they may be very anxious and upset. People would trust you to do your best to help them.
You would do some of the treatments and clinical procedures yourself. You would need to make quick and accurate decisions.
As a hospital doctor you would specialise in a particular area and would need to keep up to date with developments in your chosen field. You could work in:
Anaesthetics
Cardiology
Dermatology
Emergency medicine
General surgery
Gynaecology
Obstetrics
Pediatrics
Radiology
There would also be paperwork to do. You would keep patient records up to date and write reports to tell GPs about the diagnosis and care of their patients.
You might also lead a team of medical staff, manage a department or help train doctors.
Hours
You'll work long hours including nights and weekends, and will be part of an out-of-hours rota system.
European legislation has capped the maximum number of hours you can work per week to 48.
Environment
You'll spend time in a variety of settings such as consulting rooms, wards, operating theatres and special units like accident and emergency.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Hospital doctor'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
Doctor - GP Surgeon
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Life sciences Healthcare
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- pediatrics
- internal medicine
- emergency medicine
- palliative care
- neonatology
- neonatal intensive care unit
- secondary care
- clinic management systems
- hospice
- emergency departments
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- making decisions
- developing a plan
- social conscience
- empathising
- researching
- written communication
- verbal communication
- listening
- resilience
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Care
Chemistry
Human Biology
Physics
You need an honours degree in medicine (SCQF level 10) recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC) and a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).
To enter a medical degree (SCQF level 10) requires National 5 qualifications and at least five Highers at AAAAB or above, usually achieved at one sitting, Advanced Highers in science subjects are recommended.
Glasgow Kelvin College offers an Access to Medical Studies (Scottish Wider Access Programme - SWAP) for adults who do not have the required qualifications.
If you have five good Highers but do not have all the science subjects, Dundee University runs a 6-year course which includes a pre-medical year (SCQF level 10).
After graduation you'll need to complete the General Medical Council two-year Foundation Programme.
A course is available at the universities of Dundee and St Andrews for those with an arts or science degree (at least 2:1). The Scottish Graduate Entry Medicine Programme (ScotGEM) is 4 years and leads to the MB ChB. There is a focus on rural health and it offers opportunities to train in remote and rural areas.
For the ScotGEM course you are required to sit both the UCAT Situational Judgement Test for Admission to Clinical Education (SJTace) and the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT).
In addition to the entrance requirements, international students who wish to study medicine must be able to demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence. Various language qualifications are accepted such as IELTS, TOEFL and Trinity ISE – please contact individual universities for specific details and scores required.
Qualifications that offer experience in the health, care or science sectors.
Knowledge and experience within the care and health environment, either by volunteering or paid employment. Find health-related volunteering on Volunteer.scot.
A driving licence.
Before applying to medical school you must sit the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT).
You will need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
You should be fit and healthy.
You must provide evidence that you do not have, and have been immunised against, Hepatitis B.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Hospital doctor'
