Which Career In Medicine Is For You?
This article discusses the primary careers in medicine, what they are like, and what they do.
Date Published: 8/28/24
Introduction
Being in high school, it is definitely not necessary to know what type of job you want to have in the future. However, this article will give you insight into the different medical professions to see if you might like one! Each profession involves different skills, schooling, and difficulty.
Exploring various medical careers can be both exciting and informative. From the fast-paced world of emergency medicine to the meticulous care provided by surgical specialists, the field has a diverse range of options. Whether you are intrigued by the idea of diagnosing illnesses, conducting research to find cures, or providing compassionate care to patients, there's a role that could align perfectly with your interests and strengths. This article will explore SOME primary medical jobs.
The Careers
Surgeon (General or Specialized)
What They Do: Perform surgical procedures to treat injuries, diseases, or deformities.
Schooling: Medical degree (MD or DO) followed by surgical residency training.
Years of Schooling: Typically 12-16 years (including undergraduate and residency).
Average Salary: Varies widely; generally over $300,000 per year.
Anesthesiologist
What They Do: Administer anesthesia during surgical procedures and monitor patient vital signs, involves lots of math.
Schooling: Medical degree (MD or DO) followed by residency in anesthesiology.
Years of Schooling: Around 12-14 years (including undergraduate and residency).
Average Salary: Typically over $300,000 per year.
Cardiologist
What They Do: Specialize in diagnosing and treating heart-related conditions and diseases.
Schooling: Medical degree (MD or DO) followed by cardiology fellowship.
Years of Schooling: Approximately 12-15 years (including undergraduate, medical school, and fellowship - optional).
Average Salary: Around $400,000 per year.
Neurologist
What They Do: Focus on diagnosing and treating nervous system disorders.
Schooling: Medical degree (MD or DO) followed by neurology residency.
Years of Schooling: About 12-15 years (including undergraduate and residency).
Average Salary: Approximately $250,000 to $300,000 per year.
Pediatrician
What They Do: They provide medical care to infants, children, and adolescents and are general doctors.
Schooling: Medical degree (MD or DO) followed by pediatric residency.
Years of Schooling: Typically 11-13 years (including undergraduate and residency).
Average Salary: Around $180,000 to $220,000 per year.
Orthopedic Surgeon
What They Do: Specialize in treating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions through surgery and hardwiring.
Schooling: Medical degree (MD or DO) followed by orthopedic surgery residency.
Years of Schooling: Approximately 12-16 years (including undergraduate and residency).
Average Salary: Varies widely; often over $400,000 per year.
Psychiatrist
What They Do: Diagnose and treat mental illnesses and emotional disorders.
Schooling: Medical degree (MD or DO) followed by psychiatry residency.
Years of Schooling: About 12-14 years (including undergraduate and residency).
Average Salary: Typically around $220,000 to $250,000 per year.
Gastroenterologist
What They Do: Focus on diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders.
Schooling: Medical degree (MD or DO) followed by gastroenterology fellowship.
Years of Schooling: Approximately 12-15 years (including undergraduate and fellowship).
Average Salary: Around $400,000 per year.
Conclusion
After reviewing the following basic information on each medical career, you should have some insight into which might be for you! Some jobs require much more schooling than others, and some pay less than others. These are only a few popular careers out of the many in medicine that are offered.
Works Cited
“Careers A-Z - Explore Healthcare Careers - Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science.” Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, https://college.mayo.edu/academics/explore-health-care-careers/careers-a-z/. Accessed 6 April 2024.
“32 Jobs in the Medical Field: An Industry Guide.” Coursera, 1 December 2023, https://www.coursera.org/articles/job-in-the-medical-field. Accessed 6 April 2024.
