There are numerous professional paths you might take if becoming a doctor is your goal. Selecting a medical career that would enable you to apply your skills in practical settings could help you achieve professional success and make treating patients more pleasurable. Reviewing the typical responsibilities of each job and taking into account the potential earnings are crucial steps in determining which professional route to take. In this post, we provide examples of medical careers, describe each one’s main responsibilities, and provide the average salary for each.
What are the different medical careers?
Jobs in the medical field are primarily those that involve diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. Nephrologists and cardiologists are two examples of medical specialists who specialize in operating on or treating only certain areas of the human body. Certain medical specialties may also concentrate on treating people of a particular age, such as pediatricians who deal with children or geriatricians who serve the elderly. Generalist physicians frequently practice internal medicine or family medicine.
Fascinating medical careers
If being a doctor is your ultimate ambition, here are fascinating occupations you might want to think about:
1. A family medicine doctor
National average yearly salary: £27,466
Primary responsibilities: General practitioners (GPs) in medical careers who focus on providing medical treatment to the complete family are known as family medicine doctors. Typically, they receive training to learn how to take care of their patients from birth until old age. A family medicine doctor frequently doubles as an internist and pediatrician. Their main responsibilities include treating common health issues, identifying significant disorders, carrying out regular checkups, or assisting patients in managing chronic and acute illnesses.
2. A foot doctor
National average yearly pay: £31,785
Primary responsibilities: An expert in identifying, treating, and treating abnormal disorders of the legs and feet is known as a podiatrist in medical careers. They frequently assist patients with additional foot issues that could be painful or uncomfortable, such as treating calluses or corns. They frequently carry out foot procedures or write prescriptions for medicines. Many podiatrists are dual-trained doctors and surgeons who provide complicated care for the foot.
3. An emergency medicine specialist
National average yearly pay: £55,920
Primary responsibilities: Professionals in medical careers who work in emergency departments are known as emergency medicine physicians. Usually, they are the first medical professional to treat patients following a range of emergencies, such as strokes or vehicle accidents. Their main duty is to revive and stabilize a patient before moving them to a suitable location, including the intensive care unit, another facility, or a home.
4. Elderly physician
National average yearly salary: £58,855
Primary responsibilities: A physician in a medical career with a focus on treating and taking care of the elderly is known as a geriatrician. Diagnoses and treatments for the five most prevalent elderly conditions—impaired intellect, memory problems, paralysis, instability, and incontinence—remain their main tasks. Geriatricians select therapies for elderly people’s psychosocial and medical issues to enhance the quality of their daily lives.
5. Neurologist
National average yearly salary: £60,810.
Primary responsibilities: Doctors in medical careers that specialize in treating illnesses of the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and nerves are known as neurologists. They visit with patients every day to assess their physical and mental health or determine whether they are candidates for surgery. Complex procedures are also carried out by neurosurgeons, surgeons who specialize in neurology, to address neurological issues in patients. Being a neurosurgeon or neurologist may be the ideal challenge for your medical career if you’re driven to learn about the way the brain functions, are meticulous, and are ambitious about continuing your professional development.
6. Radiologist
National average yearly salary: £66,542
Primary responsibilities: A doctor in a medical career with expertise in the treatment and diagnosis of injuries is known as a radiologist. They utilize a variety of medical imaging methods in their job, including X-rays, ultrasound scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT). They suggest additional testing and link patients’ health images to other tests. Radiologists cure some types of cancer and other disorders that may be treated with radiation therapy or nuclear medicine in collaboration with other medical professionals, like oncologists.
7. Pediatrician
National average yearly pay: £68,071
Primary responsibilities: A physician in a medical career with a focus on treating children’s illnesses is known as a pediatrician. Their main responsibilities include providing care, giving shots, dispensing medications, treating injuries, and preventing infections. The majority of pediatricians also do routine exams to gauge
the child’s development and growth. If you are a generalist who enjoys dealing with children and overseeing their physical and emotional care, a career in pediatrics may be a wonderful fit for you.
8. Surgeon
National average yearly pay: £75,412
Primary responsibilities: A surgeon in a medical career is a medical professional whose main responsibility is to operate on patients. They often divide their time between working in offices and performing medical operations in hospitals or clinics. Surgeons are specialists in identifying diseases and injuries as well as using surgical instruments to replace or remove bodily components. Additionally, they create post-operative treatment plans and could collaborate with other medical specialists like physiotherapists or anesthesiologists.
9. Cardiologist
National average yearly pay: £79,391
Primary responsibilities: A cardiologist in a medical career is a doctor who focuses on understanding, preventing, and treating cardiovascular and blood vessel conditions. Cardiologists check patients and conduct routine or urgent cardiac operations every day. They frequently assist their patients in creating long-term treatment strategies. Those who have experienced heart attacks, murmurs, or high blood pressure, could assist in managing the treatment.
10. Dermatologist
National average yearly pay: £87,476
Primary responsibilities: A doctor in a medical career who specializes in examining patients’ skin is called a dermatologist. Dermatologists specialize in treating disorders related to skincare and have an extensive understanding of skin illnesses. They keep a record of their patient’s medical history and make diagnoses for problems like psoriasis, dandruff, and acne. To treat complex skin cancer cases, undertake treatments to remove malignant moles, or carry out cosmetic skin grafting surgery, some dermatologists may collaborate with oncologists.
11. Psychiatrist
National average yearly pay: £87,583
Primary responsibilities: A psychiatrist in a medical career is a medical professional who assesses, determines the cause of, and treats mental, behavioral, and emotional problems in patients. They visit with patients to learn about and assess their problems and to create treatment programs, which could include psychotherapy. Psychiatrists may also give their patients medicine to help with emotional suffering. They require excellent communication, observation, and active listening abilities. They should also have empathy, which will enable them to better inform patients and their loved ones about treatment and diagnosis.
12. Plastic surgeon
National average yearly pay: £91,285
Primary responsibilities: A physician with a medical career who specializes in reconstructive surgery is known as a plastic surgeon. They often assist patients to modify their appearance due to birth abnormalities or accidents. You can opt to specialize as a plastic surgeon in doing craniofacial procedures, which concentrate on re-constructing the face, such as the skull or portions of the mouth. You could also decide to focus solely on aesthetic surgeries like rhinoplasties or augmented breasts.
13. Anesthesiologist
National average yearly pay: £93,809
Primary responsibilities: A doctor who cares for patients before, during, and after complicated medical treatments is an anesthesiologist. They often serve as the team leader for an anesthesia care unit and guarantee the highest level of patient security. Their main duty is to give patients general anesthesia so they can have surgery. Numerous anesthesiologists also work with patients who require intensive care or pain control.
14. A nephrologist
National average yearly pay: £94,807.
Primary responsibilities: A physician with a medical career who specializes in the internal medicine specialty of nephrology, often known as renal medicine or kidney treatment, is known as a nephrologist. A nephrologist’s main duties include assessing kidneys, analyzing blood results, advising patients to undergo dialysis, or administering drugs to enhance kidney functions. Numerous nephrologists also concentrate on treating a variety of systemic diseases including diabetes and hypertension that can lead to kidney dysfunction.
15. Podiatrist
National average yearly pay: £25,655 to £31,534
Primary responsibilities: This professional in a medical career deals with the lower limbs. I will suggest this job route for you if you want to work on the ankles, legs, and toes.
It covers how the limb functions, a condition specific to the lower limbs, and how to cure such conditions.
16. Doctors of the ear, nose, and throat
National average yearly pay: £49,172
Primary responsibilities: These medical professionals in a medical career, often known as otolaryngology (ENT) experts, treat inflammations, aches, and other types of disorders in the ear, nose, and throat. They are renowned for their expertise in instances involving swimmers’ ears, sleep disorders, and breathing issues.
Additionally, they carry out incredibly delicate procedures to unblock airways, remove tumors from the head, throat, and neck, and repair these vital structures. They also restore hearing to the middle ear.
To prevent ear wax buildup, doctors are likely to use clever visual ear cleaners in this situation.
17. Dental Hygienists
National average yearly pay: £27,055 and £32,934
Primary responsibilities: Dental hygienists in medical careers take care of the patient’s oral hygiene before, during, or after the dentist’s work.
By making sure the patient’s mouth is in the right condition before the dentist’s work, the dental hygienist assists the dentist in their collaborative efforts. After the dentist has finished his treatment, he also helps clean the mouth.
18. Dental Assistants and Technicians
National average hourly pay: £34.28 per hour
Primary responsibilities: Your duty would be to assist a dentist’s work by providing basic patient care.
As an administrative staff, you will get the patient ready for their dental appointment and create, acquire, and update their file.
You’ll also do fundamental oral examinations and maintenance.
19. Public Health
National average hourly pay: £51,354
Primary responsibilities: Public health in medical careers is concerned with preventing sickness in the general population.
Because it entails providing medical care to the general public, this job in medicine has the broadest scope.
Sensitization about potential health hazards, disease prevention techniques, the promotion of good health, vaccinations, and health lectures are among the medical services. If you wish to connect with plenty of people, you can think about this field.
20. Dentists
National average hourly pay: £44,955 to £96,154
Primary responsibilities: You’ll have the chance, as a dentist in a medical career, to both care for your patient’s dentition and instruct them on how to maintain good oral health.
You will examine, prescribe, and counsel patients on maintaining good oral health.
This is a major factor in why so many of us consume so much sugary junk food, endangering our good teeth and gums. You could work at a dental hospital or in regular practice as a dental professional.
However, it is also feasible to work for yourself and provide private services through your own business. If you want to generate a good amount of money, this is a great option.
21. Crowd Doctor
National average hourly pay: £100,000
Primary responsibilities: This is not the same as public health. Despite their similarities, they differ from one another.
Crowd medics in medical careers treat members of the public as participating in outdoor activities. The medics on duty at the NYSC parade site serve as an illustration.
Since crowd doctors are exempt from the prerequisite of training in hospitals, this presents an option to practice medicine without first working in one.
22. Pharmacy Technicians
National average hourly pay: £28222
Primary responsibilities: The tasks of the pharmacist in medical careers are supported by pharmacy technicians. They can distribute medicines and provide dosage recommendations, but they lack the necessary training to prescribe medication.
If you decide to pursue a career as a pharmacy technician, you will also be in charge of maintaining some of the technology utilized in the establishment, such as the scale used for weight assessment.
23. Medical transcriber
National average hourly pay: £23708
Primary responsibilities: You can work in this medical career with little to no medical training. This job path is suitable for you if you have good listening and typing skills.
A medical transcriptionist will write down a doctor’s words exactly as they are said or from a recorded recording. MT offers the paper-and-ink kind of record-keeping to the medical fields for usage in the future.
24. Health Journalist
National average hourly pay: £35,000
Primary responsibilities: A significant distinction between a health journalist and a typical journalist is that the latter has received medical training and thus has more expertise in reporting on health news truthfully.
Health journalists in medical careers are medical professionals with journalism training. A career as a health journalist is ideal if you enjoy educating people about their health.
25. Forensic Medicine
National average hourly pay: £60539
Primary responsibilities: Applying medical expertise to an investigation, particularly one involving crimes, is the subject of this.
The dead are examined by forensic pathologists, and the living is examined by forensic medical examiners.
Forensics is the medical career for you if you have an acute eye for clinical examination, whether the subject is alive or dead.
26. Medical Researcher
National average hourly pay: £50,000 to £75,000
Primary responsibilities: As the name suggests, medical researchers in medical careers are entrusted with conducting experiments by looking at, evaluating, and documenting medical information.
A medical researcher focuses on several medical specialties. The job option you should choose if you wish to do additional research or come up with original discoveries in the medical sector is medical research.
Depending on the needs of your medical study, you will work as an MR in both labs and the field.
27. Medical attorneys
National average hourly pay: £28,397
Primary responsibilities: What could be better than uniting the great fields of law and medicine? A medical-legal advisor’s responsibility is to offer legal counsel in medical cases.
It implies that you must monitor legal proceedings in the medical industry and, if necessary, defend yourself in court.
28. Physician
National average hourly pay: £50,373 to £78,759
Primary responsibilities: A doctor in a medical career, in general, is a healthcare professional who focuses on diagnosing and treating patients medically rather than surgically. They record medical histories, observe patients, and provide them with prescriptions.
An occupational physician can instruct an individual or a group of people on how to maintain safety, promote health, and minimize or completely avoid health risks. This is ideal for practitioners who want to assist patients in going back to work.
29. Nutritionist
National average hourly pay: £15,000 to £25,000
Primary responsibilities: A nutritionist in a medical career, often known as a dietician, assists people in creating and carrying out effective nutritional plans.
If you decide to pursue this line of work, you’ll be interested in the definition of a balanced diet and the factors that go into creating one.
People will seek your advice on what, when, and how to eat to lead healthy lives. For diabetes individuals, eating low-carb or meals with less sugar is one example.
30. Coordinator of Transplants
National average hourly pay: £41,697
Primary responsibilities: Consider a medical career in transplant coordination if you enjoy serving as the link between organ donors and recipients.
You will organize the donation and transplantation of the recipient’s organs. To work effectively, you will require both managerial and medical skills.
31. Ophthalmologist
National average hourly pay: £28,808
Primary responsibilities: A medical professional in a medical career with training and expertise in all facets of eye care is known as an ophthalmologist.
As an ophthalmologist, you will identify, treat, and recommend treatment for conditions affecting the eyes.
32. Optometrist
National average hourly pay: £45,839
Primary responsibilities: Being an optometrist in a medical career allows you to examine eyes and provide patients with treatment recommendations based on your findings.
It will be your responsibility to suggest the best eyeglasses or medication to cure eye conditions.
In terms of training and the services they may provide for eye care, optometrists and ophthalmologists are not the same.
33. Medical Sonographer Diagnostic
National average hourly pay: £78,450 to £84,759
Primary responsibilities: Do you want to use your technical expertise in the medical field? The best job choice for you would be diagnostic medical sonography. The sonogram, echocardiography, MRI, and ultrasound equipment will be under your control. Handling machinery and equipment related to medical imaging will be your responsibility.
Conclusion
You must have read wonderful things about medicine, but since you are not currently pursuing a degree in it or working as a doctor, do you still wonder whether you may pursue a career in it?
Are any of the aforementioned professions appealing to you, or do you enjoy exploring different career paths? If so, make it an aim you want to accomplish, and I can see you succeed in doing so.
I’m confident that this content has aided in your decision.
Medicine careers could be rewarding and hard, regardless of the path you take. It may open your eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions about medical careers
- What medical profession is the best?
The highest-paid doctors are surgeons and anesthesiologists. Anesthesiologists make an average of $307,740 per year, and surgeons earn a median of $287,500 per year, according to Payscale statistics from August 2022.
- What medical position is the simplest?
Which area of medicine is the simplest? The simplest medical specialty to enter and work in is phlebotomy. You can complete some of your training online, and with an expedited program, you can pass your state’s licensing exam in less than a year. Blood is drawn by phlebotomists, who then send it to a lab for analysis.
- What kind of physician is most in demand?
With increased interest in employing oncologists, orthopedic surgeons, gastroenterologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, and pulmonologists, specialist physicians are in high demand.
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She has a degree in Mass Communication and other relevant certifications.