It’s a fascinating question to ponder: are doctors smarter than the average person? While the concept of “smart” is multifaceted, Intelligence Quotient (IQ) tests offer a standardized way to measure certain cognitive abilities. This article delves into the Average Iq Of Doctors, exploring what IQ tests actually measure and how intelligence relates to the medical profession, career success, and even happiness. Prepare for an insightful journey into the world of intelligence and the minds behind medicine.
Understanding IQ: More Than Just a Number
Before diving into the specifics of doctors’ IQ scores, it’s crucial to understand what IQ tests are and, equally importantly, what they are not. IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is derived from standardized tests designed to assess human intelligence through numeric scoring. The concept emerged in the early 20th century, credited to either Wilhelm Stern or Lewis Terman, depending on the historical account.
The average IQ score in the general population is 100, with a standard deviation of 15. Statistically, this means roughly 68% of people score between 85 and 115. Only about 2.5% of the population scores above 130, and another 2.5% scores below 70.
It’s vital to recognize that IQ tests, while reliable in their repeatability, primarily measure the types of intelligence valued in academic settings. They excel at predicting academic performance but fall short of capturing the full spectrum of human intelligence. Crucially, IQ tests don’t effectively assess creativity, emotional intelligence, practical skills, or many other forms of intelligence essential for a well-rounded life and career success.
The Simon-Binet IQ scale provides a common classification of IQ scores:
- Over 140: Genius or near genius
- 120 – 140: Very superior intelligence
- 110 – 119: Superior intelligence
- 90 – 109: Average or normal intelligence
- 80 – 89: Dullness
- 70 – 79: Borderline deficiency in intelligence
- Under 70: Feeble-mindedness
IQ and Professions: Where Do Doctors Rank?
So, where do doctors stand on the IQ scale compared to other professions? Research consistently places physicians and surgeons among the professions with the highest average IQ scores. Studies, including Robert Hauser’s “Meritocracy, Cognitive Ability, and the Sources of Occupational Success,” indicate that doctors typically have an average IQ in the low 130s.
Alongside physicians and surgeons, academics and researchers also frequently appear at the top of the list with similar average IQ ranges. Interestingly, the IQ range within the medical field, particularly for physicians and surgeons, tends to be quite narrow, suggesting a consistent level of cognitive ability among those in these demanding roles.
Following closely behind in terms of average IQ are professions like lawyers (high 120s), accountants (low 120s), pharmacists (around 120), and nurses (high 110s). This data suggests a correlation between the intellectual demands of a profession and the average IQ of individuals attracted to it. It’s important to note that this is an average; individual doctors will have varying IQ scores, and success in medicine is not solely determined by IQ.
This raises an interesting question: does a higher IQ guarantee greater success, wealth, or happiness, particularly for doctors? Let’s explore the relationship between IQ and these factors.
IQ vs. Wealth: Does Intelligence Translate to Financial Success for Doctors?
The link between IQ and financial success is complex and often debated. Early research, like a study by Jay Zagorsky at Ohio State University involving 7,500 adults, initially suggested a positive correlation between IQ and income. The study indicated that for each point increase in IQ, annual income rose by an estimated $200 to $600. This would imply that a doctor with an IQ of 130 might earn significantly more than someone with an average IQ of 100. The study also found that individuals with higher IQ scores generally possessed greater wealth, measured by net worth.
However, when Zagorsky conducted more sophisticated statistical analyses, controlling for factors like education level, years of experience, profession type, and even inheritance, the direct link between IQ and net worth largely disappeared. This suggests that while higher IQ may contribute to higher earning potential, it’s not the primary driver of wealth accumulation. Many other factors, including financial management skills, career choices, and economic opportunities, play significant roles.
While anecdotal evidence might point to highly intelligent individuals like Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk amassing immense wealth, these are exceptional cases. Broad statistical data suggests that while IQ might open doors to higher-paying professions like medicine, it doesn’t guarantee extraordinary wealth. For doctors, a high IQ is undoubtedly beneficial for navigating the complexities of medical training and practice, but financial success is influenced by a broader range of factors beyond cognitive ability alone.
IQ and Happiness: Are Doctors with Higher IQs Happier?
Perhaps more importantly than wealth, does a higher IQ contribute to greater happiness, especially for doctors facing the demanding and often stressful nature of their profession?
Research into the relationship between IQ and happiness reveals a nuanced picture. A 2012 review by Veenhoven and Choi concluded that at an individual level, there is no direct correlation between IQ and personal happiness. Smarter individuals are not necessarily happier than those with average or lower IQs.
However, the review uncovered a fascinating macro-level trend. When comparing average IQ scores across nations, a strong positive correlation emerged between national average IQ and overall happiness levels within those nations. The researchers interpreted this to mean that “smartness of all pays more than being smarter than others.” In other words, while individual intelligence might not dictate personal happiness, living in a society with a higher average cognitive ability can contribute to a greater overall sense of well-being.
One possible explanation for the lack of individual correlation is that while higher IQ can predict success in various life domains like career and health, it can also lead to higher expectations and potentially greater disappointment when life doesn’t perfectly align with those expectations. As Veenhoven and Choi suggest, “school-smart people could expect more of life and therefore end up equally happy as the less smart, who expect less.” Furthermore, the pursuit of academic and professional excellence associated with higher IQ might come at the expense of developing other crucial aspects of well-being, such as strong social connections and engaging in leisure activities.
At a national level, the correlation between average IQ and happiness could be explained by shared underlying factors like better nutrition, healthcare systems, and overall societal infrastructure that support both cognitive development and general well-being.
For doctors, this suggests that while a high IQ is undoubtedly valuable for their demanding profession, it’s not a guaranteed path to personal happiness. Cultivating emotional intelligence, building strong relationships, maintaining work-life balance, and finding purpose and meaning in their work are equally, if not more, crucial factors for doctors seeking a fulfilling and happy life.
In Conclusion
The average IQ of doctors is demonstrably high, placing them among the most intellectually capable professions. This cognitive ability is undoubtedly a valuable asset in navigating the complexities of medicine, from rigorous training to diagnosing and treating patients. However, it’s crucial to remember that IQ is just one facet of intelligence and that success, wealth, and happiness in the medical profession and life, in general, are influenced by a multitude of factors beyond a single test score. While doctors as a group exhibit high average IQs, it is the combination of intellect, dedication, empathy, and a commitment to lifelong learning that truly defines excellence in medicine.
