What level Physician skill should an MD have?

[Figleaf23]

Originally Posted by DangerousThing

I know that 12 is the normal level of skill for a professional, but does an MD need a higher skill than 12 or just more skills (Physician, Diagnosis, and maybe Surgery or Psychology)?

I'm asking because one character in my SF campaign wants to be a doctor as well as a master martial artist.

And if this is in the rules, can you tell me where?

Thanks.

The important thing is to read the GURPS skill contents rather than go by the skill name.

IMO, the main professional skill of non-surgical modern MDs is Diagnosis. I believe that the target of most residency programs is to have the majority of graduates functioning at Diagnosis 14, or for surgical residencies, Surgery 14. Physician is probably around 12, and may decay for those whose practice involves little actual treatment delivery.

Professional nursing is probably where you find more focus on the activities comprised in the GURPS Physician skill.