Physicians and Surgeons
1. OVERVIEW
Physicians and Surgeons are essential healthcare professionals responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing various medical conditions. Physicians primarily focus on non-surgical treatments, while surgeons perform operations to treat injuries, diseases, or deformities. Both roles require extensive education and training, and their importance in healthcare is increasing, particularly with the aging population and rising rates of chronic diseases.
2024 Median Pay:
Physicians and Surgeons: $239,200 per year
Job Growth (2023–2033):
4% growth (As fast as the average for all occupations)
Typical Education:
Physicians: Medical degree (M.D. or D.O.) after completing a bachelor’s degree.
Surgeons: Same as physicians, but with additional surgical training.
2. Role Breakdown by Level
Entry-Level Role: Medical Resident
Job Titles: Medical Resident, Junior Doctor
Education:
Medical degree (M.D. or D.O.) from an accredited school.
Experience:
Completed medical school; must complete internship and residency.
Certifications:
Not required for entry, but must obtain state-specific licenses after graduation.
Core Duties:
Provide patient care under supervision.
Participate in surgeries or other medical procedures as part of training.
Take patient histories, conduct exams, and order diagnostic tests.
Salary Range:
Approximately $60,000 - $80,000 per year (depending on specialty and location).
Key Skills:
Medical knowledge, communication, problem-solving, attention to detail.
Mid-Level Role: Physician or Surgeon
Job Titles: Physician, Surgeon (Specialist)
Education:
Doctoral degree in medicine (M.D. or D.O.).
Completion of residency program (3-9 years depending on specialty).
Experience:
Several years of clinical experience.
Certifications:
State licensure, board certification in specialty (optional but recommended).
Core Duties:
Diagnose and treat medical conditions.
Perform surgeries (for surgeons).
Prescribe treatments and medications.
Counsel patients on preventive care.
Salary Range:
$150,000 to $450,000 per year depending on specialty (e.g., Cardiologists and Orthopedic Surgeons tend to earn more).
Key Skills:
Advanced medical knowledge, surgical skills (for surgeons), leadership, communication, patience.
Senior-Level Role: Chief of Surgery or Senior Physician
Job Titles: Chief of Surgery, Senior Consultant, Medical Director
Education:
Medical degree (M.D. or D.O.), years of additional specialization or fellowship training.
Experience:
10+ years of experience, including leadership and management experience.
Certifications:
Board certification in specialty, advanced certifications in healthcare management.
Core Duties:
Lead medical teams and departments.
Oversee patient care procedures and outcomes.
Supervise medical staff and ensure quality of care.
Perform complex surgeries or manage complex medical conditions.
Salary Range:
$400,000 to $700,000+ per year depending on role and specialty.
Key Skills:
Leadership, administrative skills, advanced medical/surgical skills, decision-making, problem-solving.
3. How to Become a Physician or Surgeon
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree:
A bachelor's degree is required, typically in biology, chemistry, or healthcare-related fields.
Medical School:
4 years of medical education to earn an M.D. or D.O. degree. During medical school, students learn the fundamentals of medical science, anatomy, and patient care. They also complete clinical rotations in various medical specialties.
Residency:
After medical school, graduates must complete a residency program (typically 3 to 9 years depending on specialty). This allows them to gain practical, hands-on experience.
Fellowship (optional):
For subspecializations, physicians may pursue further training in a fellowship (1 to 3 years).
Licensing and Certification:
Physicians and surgeons must be licensed by the state they practice in, which involves passing national exams.
While board certification is not mandatory, it is often pursued to demonstrate proficiency in a specific specialty. Board certification typically involves passing additional exams and completing the required residency.
4. Skills & Tools
Core Skills:
Communication: Clear communication with patients and medical staff is crucial.
Compassion: Understanding and empathizing with patients who are often experiencing pain or distress.
Attention to Detail: Crucial in diagnosing conditions, prescribing treatments, and performing surgeries.
Dexterity: Surgeons must have precise, steady hands for surgical procedures.
Problem-Solving: Diagnosing complex conditions and developing treatment plans.
Leadership: Senior physicians and surgeons must manage teams and direct patient care.
Tools & Equipment:
Surgical Instruments: Used in surgical procedures, including scalpels, scissors, and forceps.
Diagnostic Tools: Stethoscopes, ECG machines, X-ray machines, and MRI scanners for diagnosing conditions.
Medical Software: Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems for tracking patient data and treatment plans.
5. Work Environment
Physicians and surgeons work in both clinical and nonclinical settings:
Clinical Settings: Hospitals, private practices, outpatient centers, and medical schools.
Nonclinical Settings: Government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and insurance companies.
Physicians may work alone or as part of a healthcare team. Surgeons and anesthesiologists often work in sterile environments and must follow strict hygiene protocols. The work hours are typically long, and physicians are often on call to address urgent patient needs.
6. Pay
Median Annual Wages (2024):
Physicians and Surgeons: $239,200 per year (or higher).
Surgical specialties like orthopedic and cardiac surgeons often make higher salaries.
Wages by Specialty:
Pediatric Surgeons: $450,810
Cardiologists: $432,490
Orthopedic Surgeons: $365,060
General Physicians: $253,470
7. Job Outlook
Projected Employment Change (2023–2033):
4% growth, which is average for all occupations.
Job Growth Drivers:
The growing number of elderly individuals requiring medical care.
Increased rates of chronic diseases and mental health conditions.
The need for highly specialized medical and surgical professionals.
8. Related Occupations
Similar occupations include:
Chiropractors: Diagnose and treat musculoskeletal issues.
Median Pay: $79,000
Dentists: Treat issues related to teeth, gums, and mouth.
Median Pay: $179,210
Optometrists: Diagnose and treat eye conditions.
Median Pay: $134,830
Veterinarians: Care for animals and protect public health.
Median Pay: $125,510
9. Resources for Learning & Advancement
American Medical Association (AMA)
American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)
O*NET for additional resources on job requirements and career pathways.
Medical Journals and Databases: To keep up with new research and advancements in the medical field.
