Choosing a career in the medical field is an ambitious yet rewarding experience. There has been, is, and always will be a high demand for skilled medical workers and doctors who are true experts in their specialty. If you're planning to become a physician, you probably know already that you're up for years of intensive studying and constant practice. At some point, you'll have to choose your specialty, and with so many different options, making your final decision may be more than difficult.

In this article, we list 5 medical specialties with huge potential that are needed anywhere in the world. The descriptions you'll find below will help you make yourself familiar with responsibilities and possible salary regarding that particular specialty. Keep on reading if you want to learn more about some of the most desirable specialties in the healthcare field!

Podology

People who choose to get a DPM degree are responsible for diagnosing and treating any issues affecting your feet and lower legs. They can perform a whole range of procedures, from surgery and resetting broken bones to ordering lab tests, X-rays, and prescribing drugs. If you want to become a podiatrist in the United States, you don't have to go to a traditional medical school, which is a huge incentive for some prospective doctors.

The annual salary for podiatrists is around $128,000, with the highest 10% earning more than $208,000 per year.

Dermatology

Dermatology deals with the study, research, diagnosis, and treatment of health issues affecting the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. It's a rapidly developing field with many technological advancements facilitating the workflow, including the diagnosis processes.

Skin is the biggest organ in your body, and it's a great indicator of your health and well-being. Its condition is especially important nowadays, with the standards of the modern world focusing on stopping the visible signs of aging. Almost everyone is expected, at some point in their lives, to experience some skin-related problems, be it due to hormonal changes, environmental conditions, or others. That's why, despite not being the easiest, this specialty is one of the most desirable.

Dermatology is considered to be a highly lucrative profession, with the average salary at $420,000 per year.

Optometry

Doctors of optometry deal with the treatment and diagnosis of disorders and illnesses associated with the human visual system. Besides the work in a hospital, a clinic, or a private practice, there are many possibilities for academic work and research, as well as educational institutions. With more than 6 in 10 people worldwide wearing some sort of vision correction, this specialty is nowhere near becoming obsolete.

The average base salary stands at around $123,000 annually, and the rates are expected to grow over time.

Gastroenterology

This medical field focuses on the digestive system and its disorders. The training is intense and rigorous, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the functioning of the esophagus, stomach, bile ducts, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, colon, and rectum. You'll need to have extensive knowledge about the human gastrointestinal system and great attention to detail in this profession. However, it's also a field that's expected to implement various technological advancements, including nanotechnology, to improve the treatment and diagnosis.

As for gastroenterology, the average salary can be as high as $495,000 per year.

Pediatrics

Pediatrics focuses on health issues and care of infants, children, and adolescents up to the age of 18. This profession's main goals are to manage physical and mental well-being, reduce the rate of infectious diseases, promote a healthy lifestyle, and assist the patients during their every stage of development. Besides providing specialist care for children with medical issues, pediatricians are also involved in preventative care and health services for healthy children.

When it comes to pediatrics, the average base salary is $242,000 per year.

The Bottom Line

The world of healthcare is constantly changing, with new challenges emerging every day and the need for conclusive research to back it all up. As such, medicine is a stable career path with many lucrative specialties you may consider selecting. All will be needed, and some will be more desired than others. Some may even incorporate highly advanced technology applied to facilitate the treatment and diagnosis processes.

However, when choosing your specialty, go for the one that can bring you both personal and professional fulfillment. A high salary can be an incentive; nevertheless, it's often a life-long commitment, and the will to make a patient's life better should always be your primary motivation.


WRITTEN BY

Brand Voices