In this article, we will look at the 5 highest-paid medical specialties in the world. We have also covered analysis on salaries for doctors in the US while discussing healthcare giants and their initiatives for global healthcare in another article. If you are interested in reading about that, along with a more extensive list, head straight to the 22 Highest-Paid Medical Specialties in the World.
5. Dermatology
National Average salary: $319,084
Dermatology is a medical specialty focused on treating skin, hair, nail, and mucous membrane disorders. Dermatologists diagnose and manage skin conditions like acne, eczema, fungal infections, hair loss, psoriasis, and skin cancer. They also offer a wide range of treatments, such as chemical peels, cosmetic injections, cryotherapy, and laser surgeries. To become a qualified dermatologist, one must complete medical school, residency, and be certified by reputable boards like the American Board of Dermatology. It is one of the highest-paid medical specialties in the world.
4. Neurosurgery
National Average Salary: $335,627
Neurosurgeons can earn high salaries by improving on factors such as experience, location, and practice type. Residents often start with an average salary of $64,000 and see increases each year. States like Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island offer higher salaries, while Mississippi, Florida, and New Mexico are known to offer lower ones. Private practice neurosurgeons earn around $889,000 per year, hospital-employed neurosurgeons earn $786,000, and academic neurosurgeons earn $647,000. Subspecialties like pediatric neurosurgery can earn as high as $900,000 per year, while neurocritical care physicians may earn around $282,500.
3. Critical Care Medicine
National Average Salary: $384,009
Critical care medicine is a medical specialty focused on seriously or critically ill patients with life-threatening conditions. Critical care physicians lead multidisciplinary teams in ICU settings, to provide life support, monitoring, and end-of-life care. Patients are admitted to the ICU for conditions such as cardiovascular instability, sepsis, or multiple organ failure. It is one of the highest-paid medical specialties in the world.
2. Radiation Oncology
National Average Salary: $446,250
Radiation oncology involves the use of high-energy radiation to treat cancer and certain benign conditions. Radiation oncologists are specialized physicians who plan and administer radiation therapy to target cancer cells, aiming to destroy them while sparing healthy tissues. The treatment may be used alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients.
1. Cardiothoracic Surgery
National Average Salary: $512,200
Cardiothoracic surgery deals with surgical procedures involving the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest (thorax). Cardiothoracic surgeons perform a range of procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repair or replacement, lung resection, and repair of congenital heart defects, among others. These surgeries aim to treat a number of cardiovascular and thoracic conditions. It is the highest-paid medical specialty in the world.
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