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When you think of a “doctor,” your mind likely goes to your general practitioner. But, of course, there are plenty of other types of doctors, including cardiologists, dermatologists, and more. If you’re thinking about going to medical school, knowing the different types of doctors, their responsibilities, and the best schools for your education can help you choose the best path for your future career.
Different Types of Doctors
There are dozens of different types of doctors, specializing in different areas of medicine. Here are some different examples, along with their responsibilities, salary data, and projected job growth between 2022 and 2032.
1. Allergists and Immunologists
Allergists and immunologists focus on disorders of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, and eczema. They can prescribe allergy shots, medications, inhalers, and other treatments.
- Median Salary: $236,000
- Projected Job Growth: 3.1%
2. Cardiologist
Cardiologists work with and treat patients’ cardiovascular systems, including the heart and its health. They may check for heart disease, hypertension, blood clots, irregular heartbeats, and valve disease using tests, such as X-rays, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms.
- Average Salary: $432,250*
- Projected Job Growth: 3.3%
3. Family Medicine Physicians
Family medicine physicians, also known as family doctors, work with patients of all ages to better their health, check for diseases and illnesses, prescribe medicines, and recommend specialists, if necessary. They’re usually your first go-to if you need to go to the doctor!
- Median Salary: $224,000
- Projected Job Growth: 3.7%
4. Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OBGYN)
OBGYNs assist women with the reproductive system, pregnancy, and childbirth. Obstetricians (OB) focus on pregnancy and childbirth. They can assist with prenatal screenings, monitoring pregnancy, evaluating development and health conditions, and providing care during and after childbirth.
Gynecologists (GYN) help women with their health, perform annual checkups, conduct screenings, diagnose issues, and recommend and prescribe treatments.
- Average Salary: $278,660*
- Projected Job Growth: 2.2%
5. Pediatrician
Pediatricians work with children and their emotional, physical, and social health. Some of their responsibilities include diagnosing and treating diseases, providing recommendations for growth and development, administering vaccines, offering mental health guidance, and recommending to specialists as needed. Pediatricians can also work in other areas of medicine, such as cardiology, or be a family doctor.
- Median Salary: $198,000
- Projected Job Growth: 0.8%
6. Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists focus on mental health, mental disorders, and prescribing related medication. They’re equipped to assist with substance abuse, addiction, therapy, anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and more.
- Average Salary: $256,930*
- Projected Job Growth: 6.6%
7. General Internal Medicine Physicians
General internal medicine physicians, also known as internists or internal medicine specialists, work with patients on their internal health – a broad range! They don’t have a specialty, but rather focus on all aspects of internal health.
- Median Salary: $223,000
- Projected Job Growth: 2.5%
8. ANESTHESIOLOGIST
If you’re going in for surgery or a complex or painful medical procedure, an anesthesiologist is there to provide anesthesia. It can be used to numb an area or it may make you unconscious, depending on the procedure. Anesthesiologists are trained to administer the right dose and monitor your health before, during, and after any related care.
- Average Salary: $339,470*
- Projected Job Growth: 2.5%
9. DERMATOLOGIST
Dermatologists specialize in conditions and treatments for skin, hair, and nails. They can assist with acne, hair loss, skin cancer, laser surgery, fillers, and more, depending on their focus.
- Average Salary: $342,860*
- Projected Job Growth: 3.2%
10. NEUROLOGIST
Neurologists deal with the brain, spinal cord, and nerves – the whole nervous system. They usually specialize in specific areas, and can help diagnose, manage, and treat Alzheimer’s disease, brain injuries, epilepsy, brain tumors, Parkinson’s disease, and more.
- Average Salary: $271,470*
- Projected Job Growth: 2.5%
And More
If none of the 10 above caught your eye, there are many other types of doctors out there, including:
- Endocrinologist
- Surgeon
- Sleep doctor
- Radiologist
- Oncologist
- Plastic Surgeon
- Urologist
- Emergency medicine doctor
- Gastroenterologist
- Geriatrician
- Hematologist
- Hepatologist
- Nephrologist
- Ophthalmologist
- Orthopedist
- Otolaryngologist (Ear, nose, and throat specialist)
- Pathologist
- Podiatrist
- Rheumatologist
*From Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2023
How Do You Become a Doctor?
Becoming a doctor is no easy feat! It requires extensive schooling. To become a doctor, you will have to:
- Graduate high school with a high GPA preferably
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (usually in pre-med) and take the required prerequisites
- Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
- Attend medical school
- Complete a residency training program and/or participate in fellowship training program
Choosing a Medical Specialization
When you choose to become a doctor, you’ll have to decide on a specialization. If you want to focus on general medicine, consider a career as a pediatrician, family doctor, or internist. Some specializations, such as surgery, will require more training and education than other areas.
To choose the right career for you, keep in mind the work hours, residency requirements, job market, salary, and the day-to-day responsibilities, including patient interaction.
What Skills Do You Need As a Doctor?
A doctor needs to know more than just diagnosing and treating disorders, diseases, and illnesses.
The career path requires several skills, including in communication, teamwork, problem solving, leadership, critical thinking, empathy, decision-making, intelligence, respectfulness, confidence, and organization.
Doctors also need to have resilience and drive to get through medical school and work in their field.
Best Schools For Pre-Med
If you want to increase your opportunities for medical school and have a higher chance of getting accepted, it helps to attend a college with a standout pre-med program. Some examples include:
1. Harvard University
Not only one of the best universities in the country (with on of the lowest acceptance rates to boot), but Harvard is also regularly named a top pre-med school, and it works with several teaching hospitals nearby.
2. John Hopkins University
John Hopkins University is usually associated with medicine, so it’s no wonder that it is one of the best schools in the country for pre-med. Students have access to research opportunities, clinical opportunities, extensive resources, and a pre-med advising program track.
3. Duke University
Duke University pre-med students also have access to several resources to help with their education and future career, including study abroad programs, hands-on research, and other unique opportunities.
4. University of Pennsylvania
Many areas of study at the University of Pennsylvania offer the opportunity for you to take pre-med classes. The pre-med track itself has an advising program to help you with your goals and 81% of pre-med students from Penn are admitted to medical school!
5. Stanford University
Stanford University offers pre-med students advising, internship opportunities, and assistance with long-term goals in the medical field.
Should You Become a Doctor?
Becoming a doctor isn’t easy, but it is extremely rewarding if you stick with it! Future doctors can choose from a wide variety of specializations that fit their career goals. Planning ahead and working with a solid pre-med program from the get-go will make all the difference for students.
Are you planning on becoming a doctor? Finding the right college for your pre-med program is a must. Our College Match tool helps you identify those colleges that best fit your wants, needs, and goals. And it’s completely free! Learn more about your chances of admission to the colleges listed above and find other great pre-med colleges here.
