Doctors are the best things that have happened to this world. I am not saying this because we love doctors or are eager to visit them but because of their profession which is held in high esteem by society and especially in the medical community.

Doctors are revered and their profession is prestigious and highly rewarding. No doubt entry to the career as doctor is one of the most difficult career- paths for the students among all other professions.

This is the age of competition and medical entrance exams are highly competitive not only in the west but also in countries like India. You must prepare for at least a year for this exam as well as get good marks in your higher secondary school. In case you succeed in clearing the exam you will be grinded for 8 to 10 years in formal education and training to develop necessary skills  before you can call yourself a doctor. Once you become a doctor you will have to work hard to survive in the profession.

But once you have established yourself as a doctor you are rewarded in all ways. A busy life with attractive remuneration that includes all kinds of facilities like accommodation, transport, high salary and perks and what not. Many of them start their own private practice and clinics and earn even more.

Of course, the earning potential of the doctors varies depending on their experience, location, and specializations.

In this article we will explore some of the highest paid doctor’s jobs, their earning potential and the primary duties associated with each job role.

What is a Doctor?

Doctors are medical professionals who diagnose a patient’s health condition using tests and examinations. Based on their findings, they prescribe medication and treatment to heal any injuries or illnesses their patients have.

1. Cardiologist

A Cardiologist is a specialist doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases related to heart, veins, arteries, and blood vessels. They treat conditions like heart failure, heart attacks, and congenital and coronary heart conditions. All cardiologists are clinical cardiologists who focus on the diagnosis, medical management, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Types of Cardiologists 

• Cardiologist Surgeon
• ECG (Electrographic) technologist
• Interventional cardiologist
• Cardiac Catheterization Technologist

• Nuclear Cardiologist
• Cardiology Director
• Interventional Cardiologist
• Invasive Cardiologist

How can you become a Cardiologist?

Here is a step by step process on how to become a cardiologist in India after you have completed your high school in Physics, Chemistry and Biology with minimum 50% marks.

Step 1. 

You must first get admission to the MBBS degree from a medical college by taking a medical entrance test. It is a five-year program which includes one year of compulsory internship.

Step 2. 

You will also have to complete your Master’s in cardiology which is a three-year course.

Step 3. 

Once you have completed your D.M, you will have to complete your three doctoral courses in Cardiology and earn a MD degree in Cardiology.

Step 4 

Once you have earned a MD degree in Cardiology you can start practicing in different sectors like Government Hospitals, Private Hospitals, Specialist Hospitals, Armed Forces Medical Sciences, Cardiology Clinics. You can even start your own clinic or practisce privately.

Salary of a Cardiologist 

Entry level cardiologist: 10 lacs per annum

Cardiologist with 5 to 10 years of experience: Rs 16 lacs per annum.

Experienced Surgeon: Rs 28 lacs per annum.

Cardiologists with 20 years of experience: 37 lacs per annum

 

2.  Nephrologist

Nephrologists are doctors who treat acute and chronic kidney disorders and hypertension. They treat kidney failures caused by minerals, electrolyte and fluid imbalances. They also monitor and treat patients who require dialysis.

Types of Nephrologists 

Those of you who have completed your courses in Nephrology will have a wide range of career opportunities. Some of the job profiles are given below.

• Nephrologist
• Paediatric Nephrologist
• Surgeon
• Transplant Nephrologist
• Urologist
• Interventional Nephrologist
• Dialysis Medical Officer

How Can You Become a Nephrologist? 

Candidates must complete and pass their 10+2 exam in Physics, Chemistry and Biology with a minimum of 50% to be eligible to sit the medical entrance exam (NEET).

Step 1 

You must get a MBBS degree which is a four-and-a-half-year program from a medical college after clearing the medical entrance exam.

Step 2  

You can apply for a master’s course in Nephrology which is a three-year course once you have completed your MBBS by taking an entrance exam and obtaining a good score.

Step 3

After completing your MDA in general medicine, you can apply for DM in Nephrology or DNB in Nephrology. This is a three-year course.

Step 4 

After completing your DM, you can apply for various jobs as a Nephrologist in various sectors like Research Centers, Kidney Centers, Rehabilitation centres, Dialysis Centers, Hospitals, Colleges, and Various organizations.

Salary of a Nephrologist 

• Nephrologists earn about Rs 5 lacs to Rs 7 lacs per annum.
• Professors in Nephrology can earn Rs 5 lacs to 7 lacs per annum.
• Pediatric Nephrologist earns about Rs 7 lacs to 9 Lacs per annum.

• A surgeon earns about 7 lacs to 9 lacs per annum.
• Transplant Nephrologist earns about Rs 4 lacs to 6 lacs per annum.
• Nephrologist Specialist also earn about Rs 4 lacs to 6 lacs per annum.
• Urologist earns about Rs 5 lacs to 10 lacs per annum.
• Dialysis medical officer earns 4 lacs to 6 lacs per annum.

 3.  Orthopaedic Surgeon 

An Orthopaedic Surgeon is a medical professional who is devoted to the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of disorders of Bones, Joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles related to movements. They can also help in treating musculoskeletal diseases like spinal diseases, sports injuries, arthritis, Tumours, infections, and Congenital disorders.They also perform arthroscopy and assist with physiotherapy.

Types of Orthopaedic Surgeon 

You can start your career in any of the following types of Orthopaedic Surgeon after completing your academics.

• Orthopedist
• Foot and Ankle Surgeon
• Spine Surgeon
• Paediatric Orthopaedic surgeon
• Trauma Surgeon
• Hand Surgeon

How can you become an Orthopaedic Surgeon?

To become an orthopaedic surgeon, the minimum eligibility to sit the medical exam (NEET) is to have a minimum of 50% in your 10 +2 exam in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Then they must fulfil the following levels of education in medical science.

• They must get a graduate level degree in MBBS from a recognized medical college in India after clearing NEET.
• Then they must complete a Master of Surgery (MS) in orthopaedic surgery from a recognized medical college after passing their MBBS with minimum 55% marks.
• They can further pursue a Doctor of Osteopathic medicine degree (D.O,) or a degree of Medicine (MD).
• Once you have completed your degrees you can apply for jobs in different hospitals, clinics, educational institutions as Orthopaedic surgeon, Clinical associate, Medical Consultant, and Orthopaedic Professors.

Salary of an Orthopaedic Surgeon

The average salary of an orthopaedic surgeon who has just started his career can range from Rs 15 lacs to Rs 20 lacs per annum. An experienced Orthopaedic Surgeon gets a salary of Rs 24 lacs to Rs 37 lacs per annum.

4.   Urologist

A Urologist diagnoses and treats all types of injuries to the urinary tract of female and reproductive organs of males. They treat disorders related to urinary bladder, urethra, kidney, ureters, prostate, and male reproductive organs.They diagnose diseases like kidney stones, testicular cancer, male infertility and Parkinson’s disease and provide best possible medication or surgical operation for the speedy recovery of their patient.

Types of Urologists 

Urology has a vast scope and there are seven types of Urologists depending on their specialist.

• Paediatric Urology (Children’s Urology)
• Urologic Oncology (Urologic Cancer)

• Renal (Kidney) Transplant
• Male Infertility
• Calculi (Urinary Tract Stones)
• Female Urology
• Neurourology( Nervous system control of genitourinary organs)

How can you become a Urologist? 

Here are the steps for the aspiring candidates to become a Urologist

Step 1 

After completing their 10+2 in high school with minimum 50% in physics, chemistry and biology, you will have to appear and clear in a medical entrance exam (NEET).

Step 2 

After clearing NEET, you must take admission in a government recognized medical college which is a four and a half years course. After completing your MBBS you will have to undergo one and a half years of compulsory training.

Step 3 

You will have to take an admissions specialisation course in M.S.(Urology) to work as Urologist, which is a three-year course.  

Step 4 

After completing MS in Urology, you can now enrol in M.Ch which is a 3-year course for further specialisation.

Step 5 

Once you have completed your MS in Urology and get registration from Medical Council of India you can either go for M.Ch or get jobs in reputed government and private hospitals, super specialty hospitals or run your own private practice by opening your private clinic.

Salary of a Urologist 

In the government sector a urologist can earn about Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 per month plus other benefits like free accommodation and perks depending on his experience and expertise. However, Urologists working in corporate private sector and superspeciality hospitals can easily earn up to Rs 80,000 to Rs 100,000 per month. In case you earn your own private clinic, you can earn this much in a week’s time.

5. Neurologists

  

Neurologists are medical professionals who treat diseases related to the central nervous system like the brain, spinal cord and nervous system. They treat patients with ailments like stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, migraines, Parkinson’s diseases and dementia.They consult their patients and monitor their progress to prevent the growth of neural diseases.

Types of Neurologists 

Here are the different types of Neurologists for you to pursue your specialisation.

• Neurophysiologist
• Neuro- muscular specialists
• Epilepsy specialists
• Vascular Neurologists
• Child Neurologist
• Geriatric Neurologist

How to become a Neurologist? 

Step 1 

You must complete 10+2 in science with Physics, Chemistry and Biology with good marks. This is the minimum eligibility.

Step 2 

You must pass the National Eligibility and Entrance Exam (NEET) and get admission to a recognized medical college to get a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. This is a 5.5-year course comprising 4.5 years of classroom training and one year of rotating internship.

Step 3  

Once you have completed your MBBS degree you must now go for a postgraduate degree. You can go for either MD or DNB in Neurology. Both degrees are of 3 years duration that includes clinical rotation, Research projects and theoretical training.

Step 4 

You will have to register yourself with the Medical Council of India after completing your MD or DNB.

Step 5 

Now you can apply for various jobs as Neurologist in various Government and private hospitals according to your skills and specialisation. You can even run your own private clinic.

Salary of Neurologists 

The salary of the Neurologists with less than one year of experience in Rs 0.5 lacs per annum bur rises rapidly to Rs 10 lacs per annum as he gains experience in the span of 10 years. It rises even further depending on his experience and expertise.

6.Oncologist 

An Oncologist is a medical professional who tries to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and cancer- related diseases. Oncology is the study of cancer. Oncologists work with Radiologists, surgeons and physicians to prevent treatment protocols for their patients.

Types of Oncologists 

Here are a few types of oncologists that you can become.

• Medical Oncologist
• Radiation Oncologist
• Surgical Oncologist
• Geriatric Oncologist
• Gynecologic Oncologist
• Hematologist
• Neuro Oncologist
• Pediatric Oncologist
• Thoracic Oncologist
• Urologic Oncologist

How can you become an Oncologist? 

To be eligible for the medical entrance exam to become an oncologist you must first complete your 10+2 in physics, chemistry and biology with good marks. Here are the steps for you to undertake to become an Oncologist. 

Step 1 

After completing your 12th, you must now prepare for the medical entrance exam (NEET) and clear it to get admission in MBBS which is a 5.5-year course including Internship.

Step 2 

After completing your MBBS you will now have to complete your master’s degree (MD in Oncology) which is a three-year course.

Step 3 

You can now go for the Doctorate degree and complete your DM (Doctorate in medicine). This again is a three-year course.

Step 4 

Once you have completed your education in oncology and gained necessary skills you will have lots of job opportunities in different sectors like Private hospitals, Government hospitals, Specialist hospitals, Cancer hospitals, and medical colleges. Plus, you can start your own private clinic once you have gained years of experience.

 Salary of an Oncologists 

The basic salary of an oncologist working in a government hospital is Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 per month. In the private hospitals the salary ranges from Rs 50,000 to Rs 80,000 per month. It increases many folds as you gain experience.

7. Surgeon 

A surgeon is a doctor that specializes in surgery. They perform operations on patients who suffer from diseases, injuries and deformities. They are supported by the whole team in the operating room who prepare and monitor tasks so that the surgeon focuses on the operation.

Types of Surgeons 

There are various specializations in surgery for you to practice as per your interest and aptitude. Here are a few types of surgeon jobs that you can become.

• Cardiothoracic Surgeon
• Neurosurgeon
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
• Orthopaedic Surgeon
• General Surgeon
• Paediatric Surgeon
• Urologist
• Vascular Surgeon

• Obstetrician and Gynecologist

How can you become a Surgeon? 

Here are the steps for you to become a Surgeon.

• You must pass your 12th with physics, chemistry and biology securing a minimum 60%.

• You will have to clear NEET, the medical entrance exam and get admission to a recognized medical college and complete your MBBS which is a 5.5-year course.

• After completing your MBBS, you will have to complete your MS in surgery which is a three-year specialization course to become a surgeon.

• After completing your MS in surgery, either you can go for 3 years super specialization M.Ch course in surgery or you can also take up a job in Government hospitals, private hospitals and super specialty hospitals.

Salary of a Surgeon 

At the entry level a surgeon can get a salary of Rs 9,71 ,000 per annum. Which can increase to approx. 11 lacs per annum with a span of 5 to 10 years and later to approx. Rs 24 lacs per annum as you gain more experience and reach a top level.

8. Pulmonologist 

A Pulmonologist is a physician that treats diseases related to the respiratory system which includes the lungs, airways and respiratory muscles. A Pulmonologist diagnoses and treats patients with severe and chronic breathing issues. They are experts in diagnosing and treating structural, inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic respiratory disorders.  Some common conditions that pulmonologists treat are Asthma, Bronchitis, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Emphysema, Obstructive sleep apnea, and intestinal lung diseases.

Types of Pulmonologists 

Here are a few types of Pulmonologists for you to follow.

• Chest Pulmonologist
• Chest Specialist
• Cardiologists
• Neurologists

Steps to become a Pulmonologist 

Here are a few steps for you to follow to become a pulmonologist.

Step 1 

You must complete your 12th degree in Biology, physics and chemistry to be eligible for the medical entrance exam NEET.

Step 2 

After passing your NEET exam you must take admission in a government recognized medical college to pursue your bachelor’s degree of MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of surgery) or BOT (Bachelor of occupational therapy) which is a 5.5-year graduate program including internship.

Step 3 

After completing your bachelor’s degree, you must now complete your master’s degree Master of Surgery (MS).

Step 4 

After completing your MS and getting a degree recognized by the medical council of India, you can get jobs in various sectors like Government hospitals, Private hospitals and private clinics.

Salary of Pulmonologist 

The average salary of a Pulmonologist is Rs 8,40, 000 per annum at the entry level and increases to Rs 14,00,000 per annum at the senior level.

9. Orthodontist 

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who treats and prevents dental irregularities by applying braces and other aligners to straighten and aligners to straighten teeth and fix misaligned bites.

Orthodontist provides dental services to their patients which includes

• Crowded teeth
• Overbites
• Underbites
• Misaligned teeth

Orthodontist treatment helps to improve speech, easier chewing and increased self-confidence

Orthodontist is the first recognized stream of Dentistry.

Steps to become an Orthodontist 

You can become an Orthodontist by following these steps in your career-path.

Step 1 

Complete your 12th with majors in Physics, chemistry, and Biology.

Step 2 

You will have to take admission in a Dental college to complete your bachelor’s degree in Dentistry from a college recognized by Dental Council of India. For that you will need to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), which will access your academic knowledge. You will need to get a good DAT score to get admission to a good Dental College in  Bachelor’s of dental surgery (BDS) which is a four-year course.

Step 3 

After completing your BDS, you will have to go for your master’s in dental surgery (MDS) with specialisation in Orthodontist. MDS is offered by all reputed dental colleges in India. It is a three-year specialty course.

Step 4 

Once you have received your degree and licence from Dental Council of India you can get jobs in dentistry in various sectors like government hospitals, private hospitals and private clinics. You can also start your own clinic after a few years of experience.

Salary of an Orthodontist 

The salary of an orthodontist depends on his work experience and skills. His salary ranges from Rs 30,000 per month to Rs 100,000 per month in India depending upon location of work, years of experience, treatment purpose etc.

10. Dermatologist 

Dermatologists are specialists who treat skin, and skin related disorders.They treat not only skin but nails, hair, and mucous membrane conditions. Skin diseases and disorders include fungal infections, acne, eczema, vitiligo, and dermatitis. Today Dermatologists can cure about 3000 types of skin and skin related diseases.

Types of Dermatologists 

Here are some of the dermatologist job profiles that are given below.

• Dermatopathologists
• Immune Dermatologists
• Tele Dermatologists
• Paediatric Dermatologists
• Cosmetic Surgeon

How can you become a dermatologist? 

Here are the steps you need to follow to become a dermatologist.

Step 1 

Pass your 12th in physics, chemistry and Biology with a minimum of 40%. This is the minimum eligibility to qualify for the medical entrance exam (NEET).

Step 2 

Once you have appeared and passed NEET you must get admission in a recognized medical college and complete your MBBS which is 5.5 years including your internship.

Step 3 

After completing your MBBS you will have to complete your Master (MS) in Dermatology which is 3 years.

Step 4 

You can go for specialisation for which you need to complete an M.Ch degree from a college recognized by the medical council of India.

Step 5 

You can now apply for jobs in various government hospitals, private hospitals, hair clinics, cosmetic surgery clinics etc. You can also start your private practice after gaining a few years of experience.

Salary of Dermatologist 

At the entry level a dermatologist can get a salary of Rs 10,000.00 per annum. After gaining 5 to 10 years, he can earn up to Rs 20,000,000 per annum which can go as high as Rs 33,000,00 per annum.

11. Radiologist 

A Radiologist is a licensed medical professional who specialises in medical imaging, X-Rays, Ultrasounds, CT scans, PET and MRI to detect.They help treat injuries and provide radiation therapy and interventional radiology.

Types of Radiologists 

• Diagnostic Radiologist
• Radiation Oncology
• Interventional Radiologist

  Steps to become a Radiology 

You can become a Radiologist by following these steps.

Step 1 

Complete your 10+2 in Physics, chemistry and Biology to qualify for the medical entrance exam NEET.

Step 2 

Then you must get admission in a government recognized medical college to complete your MBBS which is a 5.5-year course including 1.5 years of internship.

Step 3 

Once you have completed your MBBS degree, you will now enrol for a three-year Radiology residency program. The residency programs provide you experience before you join full time as a radiologist.

Step 4 

After completing your MBBS and Residency program you will have to do your Post graduation course which can either be of three years Doctor of Medicine (MD) or of two years Diploma in Medical Radiodiagnosis (DMRD).

Step 5 

After completing your Post Graduation, you have two options.

One you can go for Fellowship and take a specialisation in Radiology like diagnostic Radiology, breast imaging Radiology, radiation oncology, gastrointestinal radiology and cardiovascular radiology. In their fellowship program candidates advance their imaging knowledge by getting trained in one of the subspecialties of Radiology. Most of the fellowship programs last for 1 to 2 years.

Secondly you can now apply for jobs as Radiologists in various hospitals both government and private, super-specialty hospitals, private clinics etc.

Salary of a Radiologist 

Like any other profession the salary of a Radiologist depends on a number of factors like years of experience, location, demography, type of specialisation and so on. The average salary of a Radiologist is Rs 92,551 per month.

12. Internal Medicine Doctors

Internal medicine physicians are experts who apply their skills and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults ranging from health to complex illness. These physicians are well trained, especially in the diagnosis of puzzling and complicated medical problems, in the ongoing care of chronic illnesses, and in caring for patients with more than one disease. These physicians also specialise in health promotion and disease prevention. They treat diseases like asthma, hypertension, diabetes and infection.

Internal medicine physicians are also called “Internists”.They however do not perform surgeries or treat children.

How can you become an Internal Medicine Doctor? 

Here are the steps for you to become an Internal Medicine Physician.

Step 1 

You must pass your 10+2 exam with physics, chemistry and biology as core subjects and 17 years of age to qualify for the medical entrance exam NEET.

Step 2 

After passing NEET you must complete your MBBS from a recognized college. It is a 5.5-year course including Internship.

Step 3 

After completing your MBBS you will have to complete your Post Graduation (MD or MS) degree from a college recognized by the Medical Council of India.

Step 4 

After completing your MD or MS you can apply jobs various Multi-specialty government and private hospitals. You can consult patients at various health clinics. You can pursue teaching in various colleges.

Salary of  Internal Medicine Doctors

After you complete your D.M. your salary at the entry level is Rs 100,000 to Rs 130,000 per month in a government hospital and Rs 1,50,000 to Rs 2,00,000 per month in a private hospital. Senior Specialists consultants with 15 to 20 years of experience get a salary of Rs 2,50,000 to Rs 12,000,00 per month.

Conclusion

Today we live in a world that gives us many problems, both mental and physical. We toil day and night to survive both alone and with our family in this competitive world. This battle for survival takes a toll on our body and our mental health. To work we need a healthy mind and healthy body. We need clean air, clean water, good food, hygienic conditions, proper housing and sanitation, a good work environment, and so on. These conditions are basic for our survival in a modern society.

If any of the above conditions are not met, we fall ill, which can be physical or mental. Which means we will have to meet someone who can cure us. Here the doctors come into play. Today Doctors have become an indispensable part of modern society and our life. They are our life savers. Hospitals and clinics are like temples and churches and doctors are our new Gods.