Similar careers
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
A Preventive Medicine Physician specializes in promoting health and well-being while preventing disease, disability, and premature death. They focus on understanding health risks and implementing strategies to prevent illness in both individuals and populations.
Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Internship/residency
Projected Growth: 3.0% (average)
Annual job openings: 9 600
Direct AI exposure: 7% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 67% of tasks
| Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is General Practitioners and Family Physicians. According to the wage tables, average income is $232K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $91K per year | NA per year | $232K per year | NA per year | $435K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $167K above the national average. | ||||
Preventive Medicine Physicians work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, healthcare organizations, public health departments, academic institutions, and research facilities. They may also work in policy development, corporate wellness programs, and global health organizations. This field often involves interdisciplinary collaboration and may include community outreach activities.
Preventive Medicine Physicians play a crucial role in healthcare by focusing on disease prevention and health promotion, rather than treatment after the onset of illness. Their work involves understanding the complex interactions between lifestyle, environment, genetics, and other factors that influence health. These physicians use their expertise to develop, implement, and evaluate health policies and programs that aim to improve overall health outcomes for individuals and communities.
This field requires a strong foundation in public health principles, epidemiology, health behavior, and environmental health. Preventive Medicine Physicians often work in interdisciplinary teams, requiring excellent communication and collaboration skills. They need to be adept at interpreting and utilizing public health data to guide their strategies and decisions.
A career in preventive medicine is dynamic and multifaceted, offering opportunities to impact health on a large scale. Physicians in this field can influence public health policy, contribute to scientific research, and lead initiatives that make lasting changes in communities and populations.
In Canada, becoming a Public Health and Preventive Medicine physician typically involves completing four years of undergraduate education, followed by four years of medical school leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Physicians then complete a five-year residency in Public Health and Preventive Medicine, which includes earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) or an equivalent graduate degree. This pathway usually requires approximately 13-14 years of post-secondary education.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.
