Doctors, also known as physicians, diagnose a patient’s health condition using tests and examinations. Based on their findings, they prescribe medication and treatment to heal any injuries or illnesses their patients may have. Their earning potential varies depending on their experience, location, and specializations. In this article, Pritish Kumar Halder explores some of the highest-paid doctor jobs, their earning potential, and the primary duties associated with each job role. 

What are the highest-paid doctor jobs?

Doctors can specialize in various areas regarding patient care and they have strong communication skills to promote quality relationships with their patients. The highest paying jobs in this field relate to practitioners working in a surgical setting, such as an anesthesiologist and a surgeon, or specialists including a cardiologist or an orthopaedist. The following are the highest paid doctor jobs in the order of increasing salaries:

1. Cardiologist

Primary duties: A cardiologist is a specialist who diagnoses, prevents and treats diseases of the heart, veins, arteries, and blood vessels. They treat conditions like heart failure, heart attacks, and congenital and coronary heart conditions. They periodically monitor a patient’s progress and suggest medication and lifestyle changes for recovery from a disease or for general health improvement.

2. Nephrologist

Primary duties: A nephrologist treats acute and chronic kidney disorders and hypertension. They also treat kidney failures caused by mineral, electrolyte, and fluid imbalances. Nephrologists monitor and treat patients requiring dialysis. They may consult with other specialists to coordinate dialysis or transplantation procedures.

3. Orthopaedic surgeon

Primary duties: Orthopaedic surgeons focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system comprising bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. They use invasive and non-invasive surgical methods for knee, shoulder, and hip replacement procedures. They also perform arthroscopy and assist with physiotherapy.

4. Urologist

Primary duties: A urologist treats diseases and disorders of the urinary tract, reproductive organs, and adrenal glands. They diagnose and treat diseases that may affect the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and prostate. Physicians refer patients to urologists when they diagnose patients with overactive bladders, chronic urinary tract infections, or cancer.

5. Neurologist

Primary duties: Neurologists treat diseases that affect parts of the central nervous system like the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. They treat patients affected by ailments like stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, migraines, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. They schedule periodic consultations with their patients to monitor their progress and prevent the growth of neural diseases.

6. Oncologist

Primary duties: Oncologists are specialists in preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. Oncologists can further specialize in treating specific cancers or in treating cancers in a specific demographic group. They work with radiologists, surgeons, and physicians to prepare treatment protocols for their patients. The goal of an oncologist is to cure cancer and prevent relapse.

7. Surgeon

Primary duties: A surgeon uses advanced medical equipment and tools to perform surgical procedures. They may set or replace bones, stitch tissues, and contain injuries. Surgeons record a patient’s medical history and prescribe medication to help them manage post-surgery pain. They may also recommend physiotherapy and other exercises to aid a patient’s recovery.

8. Pulmonologist

Primary duties: A pulmonologist treats diseases that affect the respiratory system comprising the lungs, heart, blood vessels, and airways crucial for breathing. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorders, pneumonia, tuberculosis, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, and rheumatoid lung disease are some diseases that a pulmonologist may treat. They also work with physiotherapists to help their patients improve stamina and overall energy levels.

9. Orthodontist

Primary duties: An orthodontist performs correctional procedures of the teeth and jaw. They observe a patient’s teeth and gums to assess their overall dental health and diagnose potential problems. They perform procedures to insert equipment like braces and expanders and fix the alignment and appearance of their patient’s teeth.

10. Dermatologist

Primary duties: A dermatologist specializes in treating skin, nails, hair, and mucous membrane conditions. They treat skin diseases and disorders like fungal infections, acne, eczema, vitiligo, and dermatitis. Dermatologists may modify a person’s appearance by collaborating with cosmetologists and may conduct skin surgeries to treat specific skin diseases.

Reference: https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/highest-paid-doctor-jobs