18 Types of Doctors and What They Do
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It may surprise you to know that there are over 20 areas doctors can specialize in. Choosing a career in medicine means making the difficult decision on the type of doctor you want to be. This informational guide will help you with that decision by listing popular types of doctors and their specialties, as well as explaining their various roles, and their potential salaries.
What Is a Primary Care Doctor?
A primary care physician (PCP) is your main healthcare provider for common medical issues. PCPs diagnose and treat acute and chronic illnesses, provide preventive care, and conduct regular health checkups. They also coordinate with specialists to ensure comprehensive care. By catching potential health issues early, PCPs play a vital role in reducing hospital visits and medical costs. They are essential in improving health outcomes and reducing mortality rates.
Here are five primary care physician roles:
Note: Stated salaries are as of July 2024.
| Job | Entry-Level Salary | Mid-Career Salary | Experienced Salary | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Doctor | $198,000 | $205,000 | $218,000 | $207,730 |
| General Internal Medicine Doctor | $220,000 | $227,000 | $243,000 | $228,400 |
| Pediatrician | $149,000 | $181,000 | $186,000 | $170,230 |
| OB/GYN | $216,000 | $267,000 | $302,000 | $247,090 |
| Geriatric Doctor | $144,000 | $194,000 | $189,000 | $209,760 |
Primary Care Doctor Job Descriptions
- Family Doctor: Family practice doctors provide comprehensive health care for individuals of all ages. They handle preventive care, acute and chronic illnesses, health-risk assessments, and specialized services in pediatrics, geriatrics, women’s health, and mental health.
- Internist: General internal medicine doctors specialize in adult care. They manage chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, as well as acute infections and respiratory ailments.
- Pediatrician: Pediatricians specialize in the care of children from birth through young adulthood. They focus on preventive health services, monitor developmental milestones, and treat common childhood illnesses.
- Obstetrician/Gynecologist: OB/GYNs focus on women’s health, pregnancy, and childbirth. Obstetricians monitor fetal development and oversee labor and delivery, while gynecologists handle reproductive health issues.
- Geriatric Doctor: Geriatricians specialize in the care of elderly patients. They manage multiple chronic conditions, conduct comprehensive geriatric assessments, and coordinate care among various specialists.
Online Healthcare Doctorate Programs You May Be Interested In
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Are Specialty Physicians?
Specialty physicians have completed advanced education and training in a specific area of medicine, allowing them to diagnose, manage, and treat complex or specific health conditions that are beyond the scope of general practice. Also known as specialists, they often have higher salaries due to their advanced expertise.
Here are some of the specialties primary care doctors might refer their patients to:
Note: Stated salaries are as of July 2024.
| Job | Entry-Level Salary | Mid-Career Salary | Experienced Salary | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allergist-Immunologist | $172,000 | $212,000 | $190,000 | $187,440 |
| Cardiologist | $250,000 | $425,000 | $405,000 | $357,340 |
| Dermatologist | $220,000 | $277,000 | $296,000 | $269,890 |
| Endocrinologist | $195,000 | $245,000 | $234,000 | $243,620 |
| Gastroenterologist | $355,000 | $386,000 | $409,000 | $387,810 |
| Hematologist | $165,000 | $287,000 | $319,000 | $209,930 |
| Nephrologist | $183,000 | $243,000 | $254,000 | $247,610 |
| Neurologist | $203,000 | $250,000 | $294,000 | $252,310 |
| Oncologist | $302,000 | $317,000 | $311,000 | $317,450 |
| Ophthalmologist | $212,000 | $223,000 | $255,000 | $252,440 |
| Orthopedic Surgeon | $357,000 | $406,000 | $444,000 | $401,300 |
| Pulmonologist | $324,000 | $347,000 | $375,000 | $353,670 |
| Rheumatologist | $210,000 | $208,000 | $246,000 | $218,740 |
Specialty Physician Job Descriptions
- Cardiologist: Cardiologists specialize in heart and blood vessel conditions. Examples of medical issues they treat are coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, and hypertension.
- Orthopedic Surgeon: Orthopedic surgeons focus on the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They perform surgeries to correct issues such as fractures, joint problems, and spinal disorders, as well as evaluate patients using imaging studies and physical examinations.
- Dermatologist: Dermatologists handle a variety of issues involving the skin, hair, and nails. They conduct skin examinations; develop treatment plans for conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin infections; perform surgical procedures to remove moles, warts, and skin cancers; and carry out cosmetic procedures like chemical peels and Botox injections.
- Gastroenterologist: Gastroenterologists are experts in the digestive system, which includes the esophagus, stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. They perform procedures like colonoscopies and endoscopies to identify issues such as ulcers, polyps, and cancers. Examples of common problems they look at are irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and hepatitis.
- Endocrinologist: Endocrinologists handle issues related to hormonal imbalances and disorders of the endocrine system, which includes the thyroid, pancreas, and adrenal glands. They treat diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, and hormonal imbalance issues.
- Neurologist: Neurologists treat nervous system disorders, which include the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. They handle a broad spectrum of conditions, ranging from acute problems, like strokes, to chronic illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis.
- Oncologist: Oncologists specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer. They often work as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive cancer care.
- Pulmonologist: Pulmonologists focus on the lungs and treat conditions such as pneumonia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pulmonary fibrosis.
- Rheumatologist: Rheumatologists manage autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that primarily affect the joints, muscles, and bones, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Their treatment plans may include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle recommendations.
- Ophthalmologist: Ophthalmologists handle a wide range of eye and vision-related issues. They conduct comprehensive eye examinations, diagnose and treat eye diseases, and perform eye surgery. Their expertise covers conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
- Allergist-Immunologist: Allergist-immunologists handle conditions related to the immune system, including allergies, asthma, and autoimmune diseases. They conduct tests to identify allergens, such as skin prick tests and prescribe treatment plans, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunotherapy.
- Hematologist: Hematologists deal with diseases affecting blood, bone marrow, and the lymphatic system. They often work with blood disorders such as anemia, clotting disorders, leukemia, lymphoma, and sickle cell disease.
- Nephrologist: Nephrologists handle problems related to kidney function and health. They address issues such as chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, hypertension, and electrolyte imbalances. They may oversee treatments such as dialysis for patients with advanced kidney failure.
20 Highest-Paid Physician Specialties
Some medical specialties are known for their high earning potential. Here is a look at the highest-paying specialties.
| Specialty | Average Salary (2024) |
|---|---|
| Neurosurgery | $763,910 |
| Thoracic Surgery | $720,630 |
| Orthopedic Surgery | $654,810 |
| Plastic Surgery | $619,810 |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | $603,620 |
| Radiation Oncology | $569,170 |
| Cardiology | $565,490 |
| Vascular Surgery | $556,070 |
| Radiology | $531,980 |
| Urology | $529,140 |
| Gastroenterology | $514,210 |
| Otolaryngology | $502,540 |
| Anesthesiology | $494,520 |
| Dermatology | $493,660 |
| Oncology | $479,750 |
| Ophthalmology | $468,580 |
| General Surgery | $464,070 |
| Colon and Rectal Surgery | $455,280 |
| Pulmonology | $410,910 |
| Emergency Medicine | $398,990 |
What to Consider When Choosing a Medical Specialization
Choosing a medical specialization is a big decision that will shape your career and lifestyle. Consider factors like work hours, patient interaction, emergency duties, residency requirements, job market, salary, and overall lifestyle. This will help you make an informed decision and achieve long-term career satisfaction.
Specialties like dermatology and ophthalmology are known for regular hours and a relatively stable day-to-day, while fields like emergency medicine and anesthesiology have irregular hours but may be more dynamic and exciting.
What to Know Before Becoming a Doctor
Becoming a doctor is demanding, both emotionally and financially, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. You’ll need an undergraduate degree and fulfill some core prerequisites, followed by the grueling MCAT exam and four years of medical school.
After that, you’ll complete a residency program lasting anywhere between three to seven years, depending on your specialty. You’ll also need to pass licensing exams like the USMLE or COMLEX. Doctors can make an impact on patients’ lives, enjoy lifelong learning, and achieve financial stability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Doctor
Becoming a doctor at 40 is possible as medical schools welcome diverse age groups and value the life experiences older students bring. With dedication and hard work, you can pursue a medical career regardless of age, and schools offer support for non-traditional students. Look into diversity and equity support at schools you’re interested in, as attrition rates can be higher amongst students from underrepresented backgrounds.
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