Trying to decide what kind of doctor you want to be? The medical field offers a vast array of specialties, each with its unique focus and demands. To help you navigate this complex landscape, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to 25 Types Of Doctors. This list will provide you with a deeper understanding of various medical specialties, what each type of doctor does, and their average salaries. Whether you’re a prospective medical student or simply curious about the medical profession, this overview of 25 types of doctors will offer valuable insights into the diverse world of medicine.
When Do Doctors Specialize?
The journey to becoming a specialized doctor is a structured one. During medical school, typically around the third year, you’ll begin to explore different specialties. This exploration often involves clerkships, where you work alongside doctors in fields like general surgery, gynecology, internal medicine, and orthopedics. The crucial decision of specialization occurs when you apply for residency. At this stage, you choose your primary specialty, and further specialization is possible during your residency.
The path to medical school itself is rigorous, demanding dedication and thorough preparation. It involves completing prerequisite courses in college, excelling on the MCAT exam, and actively participating in relevant extracurricular activities. To gain a more detailed understanding of the process, you can explore resources on how to become a doctor, which outlines the necessary steps from high school onwards to streamline your medical career journey.
Understanding Medical Degrees: MD vs. DO
Within the medical profession, there are two primary types of medical degrees: Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
A Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree emphasizes the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. MD programs are accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), ensuring a standardized and rigorous medical education.
In contrast, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree takes a more holistic approach to healthcare. DOs focus on treating and preventing disease while considering factors like the body’s natural healing capabilities and the patient’s overall ecosystem, encompassing environment and nutrition. DO programs receive accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA).
Importantly, both MDs and DOs are fully licensed physicians who can specialize in any area of medicine. The choice between MD and DO often reflects a student’s philosophical approach to medicine, but both paths lead to a wide range of medical careers and specializations within the 25 types of doctors we will explore.
Exploring 25 Types of Doctors and Their Specialties
Below is a list of 25 types of doctors, encompassing both well-known and more specialized medical fields. This list is designed to showcase the breadth of medical careers available and provide insight into the daily work and earning potential within each specialty. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, as the medical field is constantly evolving and offers numerous sub-specialties beyond these 25 types of doctors.
1. Allergy and Immunology
Median Salary: $180,205
Allergists and Immunologists are specialists who diagnose, manage, and treat disorders related to the immune system. These types of doctors address a wide range of conditions, including food allergies, asthma, eczema, and autoimmune diseases. Their expertise lies in understanding the complexities of the immune system and how it reacts to various triggers. They use diagnostic tests to identify allergens and immune system dysfunctions and develop treatment plans that may include medication, immunotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
2. Anesthesiology
Median Salary: $303,558
Anesthesiologists are crucial members of the surgical team, often known as the doctors who “put you to sleep” for surgery. However, their role extends far beyond this. These types of doctors are responsible for managing a patient’s pain and overall stability before, during, and after medical procedures. They possess in-depth knowledge of anesthesia administration, pain management techniques, and how various drugs interact with anesthetic agents. Anesthesiologists also play a vital role in monitoring vital signs and managing any complications that may arise during surgery.
3. Cardiology
Median Salary: $279,615
Cardiologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the cardiovascular system – the heart, blood vessels, and lungs. These types of doctors manage conditions such as ischemic heart disease, pericarditis, congenital heart disease, and hypertension. Cardiology is a technologically advanced field, utilizing sophisticated diagnostic tools and non-invasive treatment options like echocardiograms, cardiac catheterization, and pacemakers. Cardiologists focus on both preventative care and managing existing heart conditions to improve patient outcomes.
4. Dermatology
Median Salary: $253,907
Dermatologists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. These types of doctors address a broad spectrum of issues, from benign conditions like acne and eczema to malignant skin disorders like melanoma and skin cancer. They are trained to diagnose and treat moles, skin tumors, allergic skin reactions, and infections. Many dermatologists also perform cosmetic procedures such as soft tissue fillers, liposuction, anti-aging treatments, and skin reconstruction, blending medical and aesthetic expertise.
5. Emergency Medicine
Median Salary: $247,802
Emergency medicine physicians work in the fast-paced environment of hospital emergency departments. These types of doctors must be adept at rapid decision-making and action to stabilize patients and prevent life-threatening conditions or further disability. Emergency medicine demands broad medical knowledge, strong clinical skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. They are often the first point of contact for patients with acute illnesses or injuries, requiring them to be proficient in a wide range of medical procedures and diagnoses.
6. Endocrinology
Median Salary: $201,743
Endocrinologists focus on the endocrine system, which comprises glands that produce hormones regulating various bodily functions. These types of doctors treat patients with disorders of the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands, as well as conditions related to sodium and water balance, and metabolic disorders. A significant part of their practice involves managing patients with diabetes and obesity, as these conditions are closely linked to endocrine disorders. Endocrinologists often work with patients to create long-term management plans involving medication, lifestyle changes, and dietary adjustments.
7. Family Medicine
Median Salary: $193,342
Family medicine physicians provide comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families across all ages. These types of doctors are trained in a broad range of medical disciplines, including pediatrics, geriatrics, internal medicine, and obstetrics and gynecology. Family medicine emphasizes preventative care, health maintenance, and managing chronic conditions within the context of the family unit. They serve as primary care physicians, building long-term relationships with patients and coordinating care across different specialties when needed.
8. Internal Medicine
Median Salary: $202,585
Internists, also known as general internists, specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases affecting adults, from adolescents to the elderly. These types of doctors manage a wide spectrum of illnesses, ranging from common infections to complex chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Internists are skilled in diagnosing challenging medical problems and managing multiple conditions simultaneously. They often serve as consultants for other specialists and play a key role in health maintenance, disease screening, and providing comprehensive medical care.
9. Medical/Clinical Genetics
Median Salary: $129,448
Medical geneticists focus on genetic disorders and birth defects. These highly specialized types of doctors use advanced genetic testing to diagnose and counsel patients and families affected by or at risk of inherited conditions. Their role involves providing genetic counseling, explaining complex genetic information, and developing prevention and therapeutic interventions. Medical geneticists bridge the gap between scientific advancements in genetics and patient care, helping families understand and cope with genetic disorders.
10. Neurology
Median Salary: $228,148
Neurologists specialize in disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. These types of doctors diagnose and treat conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and headaches. Neurology is a complex field often intertwined with psychiatry, as neurological conditions can have significant impacts on mental and cognitive function. Neurologists use neurological exams, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tools to assess and manage neurological disorders.
11. Nuclear Medicine
Median Salary: $341,321
Nuclear medicine specialists utilize radioactive materials for diagnosis, treatment, and medical research. These types of doctors use radioactive isotopes to image organs and tissues, detect diseases like cancer and coronary artery disease, and treat conditions such as thyroid disorders and certain types of cancer. Nuclear medicine requires specialized knowledge of radiation safety, radiation biology, and imaging techniques. It plays a vital role in both diagnosing and treating a variety of medical conditions with minimal invasiveness.
12. Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN)
Median Salary: $233,756
Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB/GYNs) specialize in women’s health. These types of doctors provide comprehensive medical and surgical care related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the female reproductive system. Obstetrics focuses on pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum care, while gynecology deals with the health of the female reproductive organs and breasts. OB/GYNs offer preventative care, manage reproductive health issues, and provide surgical interventions when necessary. They may serve as primary care physicians for women or act as consultants for other physicians.
13. Ophthalmology
Median Salary: $221,438
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye and vision care. These types of doctors diagnose and treat all eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. Ophthalmology encompasses a wide range of conditions, from common vision problems to complex eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. They are trained in all aspects of eye care, including medical and surgical treatments, and play a critical role in preserving and improving vision.
14. Orthopedic Surgery
Median Salary: $380,313
Orthopedic surgeons focus on the musculoskeletal system – bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. These highly skilled types of doctors diagnose and treat injuries and conditions affecting these systems, including fractures, arthritis, sports injuries, and spinal disorders. Orthopedic surgery utilizes both surgical and non-surgical methods to restore function and mobility. Advances in technology, particularly in microsurgery and joint replacement techniques, have significantly enhanced the field of orthopedic surgery.
15. Pathology
Median Salary: $217,630
Pathologists are medical doctors who specialize in the study of diseases. These types of doctors examine body tissues, fluids, and organs to diagnose diseases, understand their causes and mechanisms, and provide crucial information for patient care. Pathologists work extensively in laboratories, performing tests and analyzing samples. Their expertise is essential for accurate diagnosis, disease monitoring, and guiding treatment decisions in virtually all areas of medicine.
16. Pediatrics
Median Salary: $155,104
Pediatricians focus on the physical, emotional, and social health of children, from newborns to adolescents. These caring types of doctors provide preventative care, diagnose and treat childhood illnesses, and monitor growth and development. Pediatrics emphasizes preventative medicine and addressing factors that can impact a child’s overall well-being. Pediatricians play a vital role in ensuring children have a healthy start in life and reach their full potential.
17. Plastic Surgery
Median Salary: $273,884
Plastic surgeons specialize in restoring, reconstructing, or altering the human body. These versatile types of doctors perform both cosmetic surgery to enhance appearance and reconstructive surgery to correct physical defects caused by injury, disease, or birth defects. Plastic surgery encompasses a broad range of procedures, including breast reconstruction, burn repair, hand surgery, facial reconstruction, and cosmetic enhancements. Plastic surgeons combine surgical skill with an artistic eye to improve both function and aesthetics.
18. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatry)
Median Salary: $239,710
Physiatrists, also known as rehabilitation physicians, specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation. These types of doctors focus on restoring function and improving the quality of life for people with physical disabilities resulting from injury, illness, or congenital conditions. Physiatry takes a holistic approach, addressing physical, psychological, and social aspects of rehabilitation. Physiatrists often lead multidisciplinary teams of therapists and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive rehabilitation care.
19. Preventive Medicine
Median Salary: $166,074
Preventive medicine specialists focus on promoting health and preventing disease at the individual and population levels. These types of doctors work in various areas, including public health, epidemiology, occupational health, and environmental health. Preventive medicine emphasizes strategies to prevent disease, disability, and premature death. Professionals in this field may work in hospitals, health agencies, government organizations, and public health institutions, impacting health policy and community wellness.
20. Psychiatry
Median Salary: $213,975
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health. These compassionate types of doctors diagnose, treat, and prevent mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Psychiatry addresses a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and addiction. Psychiatrists utilize various treatment approaches, including psychotherapy, medication management, and other therapies, to help patients improve their mental well-being and quality of life.
21. Radiation Oncology
Median Salary: $333,680
Radiation oncologists specialize in treating cancer using radiation therapy. These highly specialized types of doctors plan and deliver radiation treatments to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Radiation oncology utilizes various forms of radiation, including X-rays, gamma rays, and particle beams. Radiation oncologists work closely with medical oncologists and surgical oncologists to develop comprehensive cancer treatment plans.
22. Radiology
Median Salary: $307,835
Radiologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases using medical imaging technologies. These technologically skilled types of doctors interpret images from X-rays, CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, and other imaging modalities to detect and diagnose a wide range of medical conditions. Radiologists may specialize further in areas like neuroradiology, musculoskeletal radiology, or interventional radiology, which involves using imaging to guide minimally invasive procedures.
23. Sleep Medicine
Median Salary: $150,000
Sleep medicine physicians specialize in the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders. These types of doctors address conditions such as insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and other sleep-related problems. Sleep medicine is a multidisciplinary field, often involving collaboration with neurologists, pulmonologists, and psychiatrists. Sleep specialists use sleep studies and other diagnostic tools to assess sleep disorders and develop treatment plans that may include lifestyle modifications, medication, or devices like CPAP machines.
24. Surgery (General Surgeon)
Median Salary: $292,134
General surgeons are surgical specialists with broad expertise in a wide range of surgical procedures. These versatile types of doctors operate on various parts of the body, including the abdomen, breasts, neck, and peripheral vasculature. While they may not specialize in neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, urology, or orthopedic surgery, general surgeons possess the foundational surgical skills and knowledge to manage a diverse range of surgical conditions and refer patients to subspecialists when necessary.
25. Urology
Median Salary: $346,211
Urologists specialize in the urinary tract system in both males and females, as well as the male reproductive system. These surgically skilled types of doctors diagnose and treat conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra, and male reproductive organs. Urology encompasses medical and surgical management of conditions like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and erectile dysfunction. Urologists require strong diagnostic and surgical skills, as well as excellent hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Choosing Your Path: Exploring Pre-Med Options
Understanding the 25 types of doctors and the diverse specialties within medicine is a crucial step in considering a medical career. If you are interested in pursuing medicine, it’s important to understand the pre-med track. Pre-med is not a specific major but rather a set of prerequisite courses required for medical school admission, primarily in STEM fields.
While many pre-med students choose science majors like biology or chemistry, you can actually major in any subject, including humanities or arts, as long as you complete the necessary pre-med coursework. Exploring different majors can broaden your perspectives and enhance your application. For more information, research the best majors for pre-meds to understand how diverse academic backgrounds can contribute to a successful medical career.
While there isn’t a designated “pre-med major,” some universities are renowned for their exceptional pre-med programs. These institutions often offer strong STEM departments, excellent pre-medical advising, abundant research and clinical opportunities, and high medical school acceptance rates.
Some of the top pre-med schools include:
- Harvard University
- Duke University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Rice University
- Stanford University
- Northwestern University
- Brown University
- Amherst College
- Case Western Reserve University
To explore more top pre-med schools and assess your admission chances, create a free CollegeVine account. This platform offers resources to research colleges with strong pre-med programs, build a college list tailored to your goals, and understand your admissions prospects at various institutions.
Calculate Your Chances for Free
View more top pre-med schools and see your chances of acceptance.
