WHAT ARE THE MOST IN-DEMAND DOCTORS?
One of the biggest decisions for any medical student is choosing which type of medicine to practice. Overwhelmingly, students want to know: “What are the most in-demand physician specialties?”
With more than 120 options to choose among — from psychiatry and cardiology to surgical subspecialties — it’s a tough choice. As a medical student, considering which physician specialties align with your personal interests can guide you toward becoming one of the most-needed doctors in the future.
First, choose a specialty that has high demand and low supply. As the nation’s population grows and ages, there is an urgent need for more doctors to address population health goals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that overall employment of physicians and surgeons will grow 4% from 2023 to 2033; about 23,600 openings for physicians and surgeons are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Among the factors driving this increase in the demand for doctors are a growing geriatric patient population and retiring physicians.
Second, follow your passion. While it's wise to consider the specialties of the most-needed doctors, ultimately, choosing a specialty is a matter of the heart. Pursue your passion and what brings you joy.
At American University of the Caribbean (AUC), many students follow their heart to sought-after physician specialties like primary care, being a family doctor, or specializing in women’s care or caring for the elderly. In fact, after completing AUC’s MD program, 61% of 2024 graduates who secured residencies did so in a primary care specialty such as family or internal medicine, pediatrics, or obstetrics and gynecology.
Psychologists, dermatologists, neurologists, cardiologists, and family medicine are among the most in-demand physician specialties, according to BLS statistics. Rounding out the top 10 most in-demand doctors are pathologists, ophthalmologist surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and orthopedic surgeons. (In our interpretation of the BLS statistics, we looked at the percentage increase to examine growth over time.)
MOST IN-DEMAND PHYSICIAN SPECIALTIES
The five most in-demand doctors are especially needed in urban and rural underserved areas. These communities often face significant healthcare disparities due to a shortage of medical professionals, making the presence of these specialists even more crucial for addressing the unique health needs of these populations.
1. Psychiatrists
The increasing prevalence of mental health issues, along with advancements in psychiatric care and a growing understanding of the importance of mental well-being, make psychiatrists more crucial than ever in promoting and maintaining public health.
These physicians diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They conduct medical laboratory and psychological tests to diagnose and treat patients. Psychiatrists differ from other mental health professionals in that they can prescribe medications due to their medical training, focus on the biological factors of mental health, and address both mental and physical aspects of psychological conditions.
2. Dermatologists
Dermatologists are specialized medical doctors focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. Their expertise comprises a wide range of issues, from common ailments to severe diseases. The skin is the body’s largest organ and serves critical functions such as protection against disease and regulation of temperature. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, they treat over 3,000 recognized diseases, and dermatologists play a vital role in maintaining overall health by addressing both medical and cosmetic skin concerns.
3. Neurologists
A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system. This physician is an expert in a wide range of neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and others. Neurologists differ from neurosurgeons in that they do not perform brain or spinal cord surgery. However, the two specialists often work closely together for several conditions.
4. Cardiologists
Cardiologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and conditions of the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and blood vessels. With heart disease being the leading cause of death worldwide, it’s easy to see why cardiologists make the list of most in-demand doctors — they are essential in combating this epidemic through their specialized expertise.
5. Family Medicine
By providing comprehensive care across all ages and health conditions, family medicine physicians play a key role as primary care providers in the healthcare system. Family physicians take a holistic approach, considering their patients in the context of family and community. They provide continuity of care, often treating multiple generations of a family.
OTHER IN-DEMAND PHYSICIAN SPECIALTIES INCLUDE:
6. Pathologists
Pathologists study the causes, nature, and effects of disease, providing doctors with the information needed to treat patients. These in-demand doctors examine and analyze samples of tissues, cells, and body fluids to diagnose various medical conditions, including infections, cancers, autoimmune disorders, and genetic abnormalities.
7. Ophthalmologist Surgeons
An ophthalmologist surgeon specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of eye conditions. They play a critical role in preserving and restoring vision, treating complex eye conditions, and performing delicate eye surgeries such as cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, corneal transplants, and more.
8. Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists are medical doctors who administer anesthesia and manage patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures. Along with their surgical participation, anesthesiologists provide pain management for chronic conditions or labor and delivery, perform specialized procedures like epidurals or nerve blocks, and work in intensive care units to manage critically ill patients.
9. Radiologists
A radiologist is a physician who uses medical imaging technologies to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. Radiologists interpret a wide range of medical images — from X-rays to computed tomography (CT) scans and ultrasounds to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans — which are used to identify abnormalities, make diagnoses, and guide treatment plans.
10. Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons focus on treating conditions and injuries related to the musculoskeletal system, which comprises bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. The treatment plans they develop may involve nonsurgical care like medications, bracing, casting, and physical therapy, as well as rehabilitation guidance. When surgery is necessary, these surgeons are trained to perform various procedures, including arthroscopic surgeries (minimally invasive procedures using small incisions and cameras), joint replacements, fracture repairs, and ligament and tendon reconstructions.
Most medical students are passionate about becoming a doctor because they want a career that helps people. However, students should immerse themselves in the daily realities of various medical specialties, carefully observing life on the front lines for different types of physicians.
If you enjoy comprehensive, lifelong patient care, family medicine is an excellent option with many opportunities in small communities that need family doctors. However, if you're more drawn to diagnosing the underlying causes of a patient's condition, radiology may suit you better. Additionally, consider exploring which specialties offer the best prospects for residency or fellowship programs.
The information and material contained in this article and on this website are for informational purposes only and should not be considered, or used in place of, professional medical advice. Please speak with a licensed medical provider for specific questions or concerns. AUC is not responsible for the information maintained or provided on third-party websites or external links.