Preventive Medicine Physicians
Preventive medicine physicians apply medical knowledge to promote health and reduce disease risk in populations or individuals. They work in public health departments, hospitals, clinics, and government agencies, focusing on disease prevention, health education, and population health strategies rather than treating acute illnesses.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against preventive medicine physicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Work varies by setting. A preventive medicine physician might review epidemiological data on disease trends, consult with community health programs, develop workplace wellness policies, or conduct research on disease prevention strategies. Some days include meeting with public health officials about outbreak response or designing screening programs. The role balances desk work analyzing health data with meetings and community engagement.
Who this work suits
Holland code ISR. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy investigating health problems systematically and using data to understand patterns. You're motivated by helping groups of people improve their wellbeing and are comfortable working collaboratively across organizations and communities rather than focusing solely on individual patient care.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $287,540 | $454,550 | $564,000 | 740 |
| Montana | $326,580 | $438,850 | $438,850 | 580 |
| Maine | $312,930 | $419,410 | $442,790 | 1,340 |
| Wisconsin | $280,990 | $391,740 | $448,470 | 6,350 |
| Minnesota | $214,230 | $367,320 | $392,360 | 5,350 |
| Indiana | $213,350 | $366,190 | $428,230 | 6,760 |
| New Hampshire | $236,820 | $361,300 | $362,850 | 1,000 |
| Alaska | $239,720 | $355,100 | $426,050 | 270 |
| Louisiana | $209,810 | $350,920 | $419,840 | 4,740 |
| Oregon | $273,940 | $347,180 | $381,480 | 4,130 |
| Vermont | $247,520 | $343,050 | $400,490 | 440 |
| Wyoming | $256,180 | $342,800 | $377,870 | 440 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certification in Preventive Medicine/Aerospace Medicine (CPM/AM) — American Osteopathic Board of Preventive Medicine
- Certification in Preventive Medicine/Occupational-Environmental Medicine — American Osteopathic Board of Preventive Medicine
- Internal Medicine / Emergency Medicine / Critical Care Medicine (IM/EM/CCM) — American Board of Internal Medicine
- Certification in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: Sports Medicine — American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Certification in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation: Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) — American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Certification in Public Health and General Preventive Medicine — American Board of Preventive Medicine
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against preventive medicine physicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1229.05 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.