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Physicians (MD and DO)

Physicians can either be an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). While both doctors usually hold the same positions, their approaches to care is what sets them apart. 

 

An MD practices traditional allopathic medicine which is centered around making diagnoses and administering corresponding treatments. On the other hand, a DO practices osteopathic medicine which is more holistic and focuses on the patient as a whole. In addition to allopathic medicine, a DO also learns how to utilize alternative treatments in patient care. 

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After deciding to pursue a medical degree, the next step is to decide on a medical specialty...

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Schooling: 

  1. College/University: 3-4 years (BS or BA degree)

  2. Medical School: 4 years (MD or DO degree)

  3. Residency Program: average of 4 years, could range 1-7 years. 

  4. Fellowship (optional)

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Work/Life Balance: Can depend on specialty and place of employment. Could include call every week, normal working hours, or flexible hours. 

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Estimated Average Salary: Again, depends on specialty. 

Physicians

Cardiology

A cardiologist is...

  • A doctor who specializes in the study or treatment of heart diseases and heart abnormalities

  • There are many types of cardiologists that specialize in different aspects of the field including:

    • Cardiothoracic Surgeon - A cardiothoracic surgeon is a specialist who operates on the heart, lungs and other thoracic (chest) organs. As well as performing surgery, they also diagnose and treat diseases of these organs.

    • Interventional Cardiologist - Diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease as well as congenital (present at birth) and structural heart conditions through catheter-based procedures (no surgery)

    • Electrophysiologist Cardiologist - An EP specializes in advanced medications, called anti-arrhythmic medications that can improve symptoms of heart rhythm disorders. In addition, an EP can also offer procedures that can improve heart rhythm disorders such as AFib. These treatment options can include electrophysiology studies, catheter ablations, or even pacemakers when needed.

Schooling: 

  1. College/University: 3-4 years (BS or BA degree)

  2. Medical School: 4 years (MD or DO degree)

  3. Residency Program: average of 4 years, could range 1-7 years. 

  4. Fellowship (optional)

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Work/Life Balance: Depends on specific field, but is recognized as a very work-heavy lifestyle. Most likely includes being on-call frequently.  

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Estimated Average Salary: The national average salary for a Cardiologist is $343,000 in the United States

Cardiology

Dermatology

Doctor that specializes in diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the skin, nails, and hair

  • Heavy amount of patient-interaction

  • Specialties within:

    • Dermatopathology

    • Mohs surgery

    • Pediatric dermatology 

  • Mainly deal with biopsies, skin grafts, excisions of lesions, laser treatments, etc.

    • Treat these common conditions: skin cancer, acne, vitiligo, dermatitis, eczema, fungal infections, hair disorders, nail issues, and more​

Schooling: 

  1. College/University: 3-4 years (BS or BA degree)

  2. Medical School: 4 years (MD or DO degree)

  3. Internship: 1 year

  4. Residency: 3 years

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Work/Life Balance: No shift work or emergency care. Flexible Schedules. Typical office hours.

 

Estimated Average Salary:

  • $204,000-$310,000

Dermatolgy

Pediatrics

Pediatricians are physicians that provide care of infants, children, teenagers, and young adults. They specialize in diagnosing and treating problems specific to younger people.

 

Most pediatricians treat common illnesses, minor injuries, and infectious diseases, and administer vaccinations.

Schooling: 

  1. College/University: 3-4 years (BS or BA degree)

  2. Medical School: 4 years (MD or DO degree)

  3. Residency Program: 3-7 years, depending on specialty

  4. Fellowship (optional)

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Work/Life Balance: Could create own schedule if in private practice, but working in a hospital might require you to work overnight a lot. 

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Estimated Average Salary: $150k-$290k per year

Pediatrics

Psychiatry

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  • Doctor who diagnoses, treats, and prescribes medication for mental illness. 

  • Specialties within psychiatry: 

    • Child and adolescent psychiatry

    • Forensic psychiatry

    • General psychiatry

    • Medical psychotherapy

    • Old age psychiatry

    • Psychiatry of intellectual disability

Schooling: 

  1. College/University: 3-4 years (BS or BA degree)

  2. Medical School: 4 years (MD or DO degree)

  3. Residency Program: 4 years

  4. Fellowship (optional)

  5. License Certification

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Work/Life Balance: Spends approximately 48 hours each week at work, 60% with patients. On the lower end in terms of amount of time working for doctor’s, but emotionally very stressful job. 

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Estimated Average Salary: $170 K - $330 K 

Psychiatry

Surgery

  • Branch of medicine that employs operations in the treatment of disease or injury. Surgery can involve cutting, abrading, suturing, or otherwise physically changing body tissues and organs

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  • Some Specialties Include:

    • ​Ophthalmic 

      • Surgeries relating to the eye, for eye infections or diseases

    • Neurological â€‹

      • ​ Specializes in the surgical treatment of the central and peripheral nervous system including congenital anomalies, trauma, tumors, etc

    • Thoracic

      • ​​Usually specializes in surgery of the heart and lungs​
    • Colon and Rectal

      • Perform surgical and non surgical procedures to treat benign and malignant conditions, and perform routine colon screening examinations and surgically treat problems â€‹

    • Orthopedic

      • Focus on prevention, diagnosis, and treatments of disorders of joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They usually explore nonsurgical options first, such as pain medication or rehabilitation. If necessary, they will perform surgery to repair an injury or condition. ​

Schooling: 

  1. College/University: 3-4 years (BS or BA degree)

  2. Medical School: 4 years (MD degree)

  3. Residency Program: 3-8 years at a hospital residency, depends on specialty

  4. Fellowship (optional)

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Work/Life Balance: Work around 50-60 hours per week, and can be on call anytime depending on practice situation.

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Estimated Average Salary: $374,310. Depends on specialty.

Surgery

Radiology

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Radiologists are medical doctors who read and analyze medical images to give patients diagnoses and treatment. They work with X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, PET and CT scans, and more.

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There are three main specialties in Radiology. These are:  Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology, and Radiation Oncology. Radiologists can diagnose and monitor patients, however, they usually don’t have much interaction with patients.

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Schooling: 

  1. College/University: 3-4 Years (BS or BA)

  2. Medical School: 4 Years (MD or DO)

  3. Clinical training: 1 Year

  4.  Residency Program: ~4 Years

  5. Fellowship (Optional): 1-2 Years

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Work/Life Balance: Pretty good work/life balance. While radiologists work more than 40 hours/week, many radiologists are able to set their shift times. However, some radiologists also experience long shifts and work days

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Estimated Average Salary:

Average overall: $412,690/yr

 ~$500,000 in the Bay Area

Radiology

Introduction to

Careers in Healthcare

A brief guide for pre-health students created by UC Berkeley's American Medical Student Association

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