Planning a career in medicine? We have compiled a list of the top five physician jobs for 2015, based on a number of different criteria, from compensation to workplace stress.
1. Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeon tops the list for 2015 due to a combination of compensation and works environment. Forbes reports annual compensation of about $591,000. By contrast, the median salary for physicians across all specialties is just $187,200 according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS). As for the work environment, neurosurgery is such a highly specialized area of medicine that doctors working in this field are generally given a lot of latitudes. Most do not complain about workplace stress or pressure anywhere near what is reported by general practice doctors.
2. Cardiologist
This specialty is gaining a bit more popularity thanks to group practices and hospital practices involving cardiologists in the healthcare team model. When a cardiologist works for a group or a hospital, he or she tends to have a more reliable schedule and less responsibility in terms of practice management. The pay doesn't hurt, either. Becker's Hospital Review pegged the salary of the average cardiologist in 2012 at $550,000.
3. Anesthesiologist
According to the BLS, there were more than 30,000 anesthesiologists working in the U.S. as of May 2013. Anesthesiology is among the top-paying careers for doctors, but it is also one that is highly technical and constantly evolving. Most anesthesiologists work at hospitals or private practices.
4. OB/GYN
The OB/GYN position has long been one of my favorites because of the opportunity to be involved with birthing children. However, doctors in this field of medicine dealing with a full range of women's health issues, including cervical cancer, breast cancer, and issues relating to fertility and menopause. A growing focus on women's health has led to increased resources being dedicated to this field of medicine.
5. Locum Tenens Physician
It is becoming increasingly difficult for the general practitioner or internist to successfully run a private practice without experiencing high levels of stress. Working in a group or a hospital-owned practice is not that much easier. As a result, more GPs and internists are turning to locum tenens jobs as a way to continue practicing medicine without nearly as much pressure. Locums have the added benefit of being able to earn more when you factor in travel stipends, free housing, and reduced-cost professional liability insurance along with salary.
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