MD CAREER PATHWAYS

Dermatologists help to ensure that the largest organ in the body, your skin, is healthy and free from disease. There are currently an estimated 9,600 dermatologists practicing in the United States. This is a growing area of practice, due in part to the rising occurrence of skin cancer and an aging population. There is currently a shortage of dermatologists and this is a field that is in high demand. The need for dermatologists is expected to continue to grow for the foreseeable future.

Radiologists are medical doctors whose specialty involve utilizing medical imaging and procedures, including X-rays, computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. These tools help them to diagnose and treat a myriad of injuries and diseases in patients of all ages. As an area of practice, the median radiologist compensation has climbed nearly 5.3% year over year, highlighting a great opportunity for prospective medical professionals.

Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including diseases and injuries of the bones, joints, muscles, and nerves of the body. Given that most orthopedic surgeons have a subspecialty, the opportunities for prospective doctors are wide-ranging. Orthopedic surgeons are the third highest-earning medical specialty, second only to neurosurgery and thoracic surgery. The current average age of orthopedic surgeons in the United States is 56 years old, which indicates an opportunity for new doctors in the coming years.

Surgery is a field of practice that offers a world of opportunities for doctors who choose this specialty. In general, surgeons specialize in repairing body systems, removing diseased tissue or organs, and replacing organs through transplants. Surgeons will often specialize in a particular area, allowing them to become experts in their craft. From plastic surgery to pediatrics, surgeons of all specialties are in high demand. In fact, the overall employment rate of surgeons is projected to grow an average of 3 percent from 2020 to 2030. Currently, over 80% of all surgeons currently practicing identify as caucasian, highlighting a need for greater diversity in the practice.

There are nearly 700,000 Doctors of Medicine and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine in the U.S., and there is expected to be 7% job growth between now and 2028 for physicians. One of the most common, yet in-demand, areas of practice is the primary care physician. These are doctors specialize in family medicine, general internal medicine, or general pediatrics. Pathways for this specialty can lead future physicians into private practice or in a hospital setting, providing comprehensive care for their patients.