What Are the Most In-Demand Physicians in 2025?
Discover and explore the most desirable medical specialties that future physicians can pursue.
Last updated: February 25, 2025
Aspiring physicians have so much to consider as they plan for successful careers in healthcare, not least of which is the question of what medical specialty will draw their attention as a career focus.
There are many options to consider, from family medicine to neurosurgery. Each specialization brings its own distinct benefits and challenges, and each should be carefully considered in order for future practitioners to develop the medical career that works best for them.
In the following blog, we’ll discuss some of the top medical specialization options for future medical doctors, and what specialists in these fields will experience and gain in their careers.
Top 7 In-Demand Medical Specialties
The following list outlines some of the most popular specialties for medical doctors.
1. Family Medicine
Family medicine specialists, often called general practitioners (GPs), are often the first point of contact for patients. The primary healthcare services they provide include routine physical tests, prescription of medicines and treatment/management of everything from minor to acute illnesses. Family medicine physicians often act as the bridge between patients and other types of doctors when specialized knowledge about a given condition is necessary for care. Family medicine is a well-paid specialty and offers work-life balance, as practitioners generally meet patients during regular business hours. These doctors are needed just about everywhere and experience a great deal of flexibility in terms of settings and locations where they can practice.
2. Internal Medicine
Physicians trained in internal medicine primarily treat adults. Also known as internists, they are medical professionals who treat a wide range of diseases and perform non-surgical treatments. They often focus on conditions or diseases of the internal organs, like heart disease or diabetes. However, they also have general expertise regarding health conditions affecting any part of the body and help patients maintain healthy lifestyles. Internal medicine specialists also help people with preventive intervention. Similarly to primary care physicians, the internal medicine salary is strong and practitioners can maintain a work-life balance by interacting with patients within a set schedule.
3. Emergency Medicine
Physicians who specialize in providing emergency medical care are typically quick thinkers who are able to stay calm and provide a diagnosis during an emergency. They work in a more fast-paced environment than other physicians, often having to react on the spot in order to stabilize their patients. More than most other medical doctors, emergency medicine physicians work with a very wide array of patient types and confront a variety of severe health challenges. Emergency medicine specialists are always in-demand due to the critical nature of the care they provide, and practitioners often experience the kind of work they envisioned when first considering a medical career – making important decisions and regularly saving lives. The average annual emergency medicine physician salary is also a selling point, given how important they are in all healthcare systems.
4. Psychiatry
A psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in mental health. They diagnose and treat mental, behavioral and emotional disorders. They also address substance abuse and its related mental health problems. Usually, it takes more than one consultation to get a proper diagnosis and provide care, meaning psychiatrists often help their patients along a journey to recovery. They often conduct psychological tests and lab tests to gain an understanding of the illness they are treating. Upon reaching a diagnosis, psychiatrists work with the patient to develop a treatment plan, which may include several different therapies, such as psychotherapy (personal exploration through conversation), light therapy, medication and brain stimulation therapies. Psychiatry is one of the top paying medical specialties and also offers a work-life balance, as practitioners generally conduct office hours rather than responding on-site.
5. Gynecology
Gynecologists are doctors who specialize in reproductive health. They diagnose and treat health issues that are related to the reproductive system – including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and breasts. Some gynecologists also perform obstetrics, providing care during pregnancy and childbirth. These physicians also provide sexual health services — testing of vaginal infections, pelvic exams and pap tests, as well as cancer screenings. When and where you practice will depend upon your focus within this specialization. Understandably, if your focus is pregnancy and childbirth, then you may need to work more irregular hours. However, some gynecologists focus more on general reproductive health and function much more like a family physician with regular office hours.
6. Neurology
Neurologists are physicians who specialize in the treatment of the brain and the spinal cord. Some major neurological conditions that are potentially life-threatening are epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, etc. They provide care and treatment of the peripheral nerves and muscles as well. Neurologists are one of the highest paid medical specialities, given the gravity of their tasks and the immense knowledge and experience it takes to succeed in this field. Neurologists must undertake longer residencies than many other specialists because of the complexity of the systems they treat.
7. Radiology
Radiologists are doctors with a speciality in diagnosing diseases or injuries using medical imaging, commonly referred to as radiology procedures. These procedures are usually performed by various tests such as MRI, CT scan, X-rays, ultrasound and PETs, that enable medical professionals to get a closer look inside the human body. This medical specialty offers a great deal of career flexibility, as radiologists can work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to clinics to private practices.
Top-Paying Medical Specialties
According to Indeed, in 2024 the specialists who enjoyed the highest average annual salaries in the U.S. were:
- Neurosurgeon: $600,000
- Urologist: $432,757
- Obstetrics and gynecology physicians: $365,619
- General surgeon: $345,307
- Anesthesiologist: $339,469
- Psychiatrist: $338,217
- Neurologist: $331,189
- Orthopaedic surgeon: $327,324
- Oncologist: $322,851
- Pediatrician: $303,411
Conclusion
We hope this has provided you with some clarity about the different types of doctors and some key benefits that arise from various areas of practice.
Importantly, no matter where you may one day hope to devote your focus as a practicing medical doctor, Saba University School of Medicine (SUSOM) can help you get there. Our MD program provides expansive medical education and hands-on training, committed support from our faculty team, clinical rotations in the U.S. and Canada, and a variety of student services that will enrich your journey through medical school.
To learn more about SUSOM, check out more of our website or start by viewing this testimonial video from an alum and currently practicing physician:
We are also available to answer any questions, or check out our application options to jumpstart your journey!
FAQs About Different Types of Doctors
According to Indeed, in 2024 the highest paying medical specialty in the United States was neurosurgeons at $600,000 USD on average per year. For a list of the top 15, read this article.
Understandably, the most competitive specialties in terms of residency placements are often surgical specialties. Neurosurgery, plastic surgery, cardiac surgery, etc. Space in these programs is usually limited and career prospects include a high career earnings potential.
Neurosurgery is usually regarded as the most difficult specialty to pursue as a medical doctor. Training is long and intensive, with four years in medical school and seven years in a residency program viewed as the norm. The work itself is also very challenging given the complexity of the systems being operated upon, namely the brain and spinal cord. Benefits are also very appealing however, given the high demand for neurosurgeons and the extremely good pay.
While no medical specialty is easy to pursue, some of those that require shorter periods of training in residency before being able to practice include family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics. Each of these generally only require future practitioners to complete a three year residency program after medical school.