Types of Doctors & Surgeons

Doctors and surgeons come in many different specializations

There are two types of physicians on a general scale, Medical Doctors (MDs) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs). DOs tend to place more emphasis on preventative medicine and patient care, and are typically primary care doctors. There are many different types of doctors and surgeons within MDs and DOs ranging from general practitioners to heart surgeons, brain surgeons or diagnosticians.

General Physicians

General physicians are the first point of contact for members of the public seeking healthcare treatment or advice. They are called upon to treat a wide variety of conditions and are sometimes called family physicians, as they often have a list of long-term and regular patients. If there is need of more specialized treatment, then a general physician will refer a patient on to a specialist in that field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for general physicians is $168,550. Typically, a general physician will have eight years of university study, coupled with three years of internship and hospital residency.

Anesthesiologists

Anesthesiologists are primarily concerned with surgical patients, administering anesthetics and pain relief, and monitoring the patient's condition during and after surgery. Anesthesiologists also work in labor and deliver rooms, as well as intensive care units providing pain relief and management. Anesthesiologists have the required eight years of university study, as well as three or more years of residency and internship, earning them a mean annual wage of $211,750.

Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) are specialized doctors who focus on women's health. These doctors are especially concerned with reproductive health, including the safe carriage and delivery of children. They also deal with other health issues specific to female bodies, such as ovarian cysts and cancers, breast cancer and general female health. OB/GYNs have the full eight years of university study, plus three or more years of internship and residency, specializing in obstetrics and women's health. They earn a mean annual wage of $204,470.

Surgeons

Surgeons are doctors who have completed the necessary eight years of university study, and typically a further six to eight years of internship and residency specializing in their chosen field of surgery. Surgeons specialize in any number of fields, including neurology or brain surgery; cardiovascular or heart surgery; or reconstructive surgery. There are also general surgeons who perform non-specialized surgery, such as mole removal as well as orthopedic surgeons, who specialize in the musculoskeletal system. Surgeons work long and odd hours, and are compensated for their time at the mean annual wage of $219,770.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physicians and Surgeons