7 Easiest Types of Doctor to Become & How to Get There in 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from becoming one of these 7 doctors?

• Anesthesiology: The 4-year residency curriculum is focused on patient safety and critical care, with training that includes managing patients through a wide variety of surgeries and specialized rotations in cardiac, neurosurgical, and pediatric anesthesia.
• Emergency Medicine: The 3- to 4-year residency is a hands-on curriculum focused on critical care, trauma, and the rapid diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of urgent medical conditions in the emergency department.
• Family Medicine: The 3-year residency is a comprehensive curriculum covering general care for patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, focusing on chronic disease management and preventive medicine in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Internal Medicine: This 3-year residency curriculum provides in-depth training on the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of adult diseases, with rotations in both inpatient general medicine and various subspecialties.
• Pediatrics: The 3-year residency curriculum is dedicated to the physical, mental, and social health needs of children, with training that includes rotations in the newborn nursery, pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and outpatient clinics.
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: This 4-year residency is centered on non-surgical treatment and pain management, with a curriculum that includes rotations in spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and musculoskeletal medicine.
• Psychiatry: This 4-year residency focuses on a curriculum of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology, training you to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental and behavioral health issues across different age groups and settings.

Where can I work as one of these 7 doctors?

• Family Medicine: Primarily work in private practices, community clinics, and outpatient settings, with some providing inpatient care in hospitals.
• Psychiatry: Can be found in private practices, general and psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, and even government settings like prisons and the military.
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Work in a variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and private practices, helping patients to restore function.
• Pediatrics: The majority work in private offices or group practices, but many also work in hospitals, clinics, or academic medical centers involved in teaching and research.
• Emergency Medicine: Work almost exclusively in the fast-paced environment of a hospital's emergency department, and some also work in urgent care clinics.
• Internal Medicine: A large number of internists work in an ambulatory setting (office or clinic), while others, known as "hospitalists," specialize in caring for patients exclusively in the hospital.
• Anesthesiology: Work primarily in hospitals in the operating room, but can also be found in outpatient surgical centers, pain management clinics, and private physician offices.

How much can I make as one of these 7 doctors?

• Anesthesiology: Among the highest-paid specialties, with an average of approximately $405,000.
• Emergency Medicine: Average salary around $373,000.
• Family Medicine: Median annual salary is around $240,000 to $280,000, with top earners exceeding $300,000.
• Internal Medicine: Average salary near $264,000.
• Pediatrics: Average annual salary circa $244,000.
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R): Average salary of approximately $322,000.
• Psychiatry: The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a median of $239,200 (with a range from about $73,278 to $431,620).

The 7 Easiest Types of Doctor to Become & How to Get There

Deciding on a medical specialty is a significant life choice, and many aspiring doctors are weighing factors beyond just prestige, such as work-life balance, length of training, and competitiveness of residency programs. While no medical path is truly "easy," some specialties are generally considered to be less competitive to enter and may offer a more predictable lifestyle. 

The 7 easiest types of doctors to become in 2025 are:

1. Anesthesiology
2. Emergency Medicine
3. Family Medicine
4. Internal Medicine
5. Pediatrics
6. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
7. Psychiatry

Each one offers a unique and rewarding career path with its own set of challenges and benefits, and many students ask early on: is biology good for medical school preparation?

What qualifies as the "easiest" medical fields?

When it comes to medicine, no field is truly "easy," as all require years of rigorous education and training. The term "easiest" often refers to specialties that have less competitive residency programs, shorter training durations, or a more favorable work-life balance. These factors can make a path to a medical career more accessible or less demanding in certain ways.

• Residency Competitiveness: This is based on the number of applicants per position. Specialties with more open slots are less competitive. Conversely, many of the highest paid medical jobs are often highly competitive.
• Lower barriers for entry: These specialties have higher match rates, accept applicants with mid-tier test scores, and welcome graduates from DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) programs and international schools, making it easier for those with diverse backgrounds to succeed.
• Training Length: Some residencies are shorter than others, allowing doctors to begin their careers and earn a higher salary sooner.
• Work-Life Balance: This refers to the typical work schedule and the demands of the job, with some fields having more predictable hours than others.
• Lifestyle: Some specialties have fewer on-call responsibilities or less physically demanding work.

Ultimately, while no medical career is without its challenges, understanding the factors that make certain fields less competitive can help you choose a path that aligns with your professional goals and personal lifestyle preferences.

Here are seven different types of doctors often cited as having a less arduous path to residency and practice, along with a breakdown of each one's key aspects.

Anesthesiology

Anesthesiologists are medical doctors who specialize in the administration of anesthesia and pain management. Their primary role is to ensure a patient’s comfort and safety by monitoring vital signs and managing breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure during procedures. They are highly skilled in a variety of procedures, including intubation, nerve blocks, and the placement of epidurals.

Beyond the operating room, they also provide care in intensive care units and pain management clinics. This field is known for a solid work-life balance and is one of the highest-earning medical fields. Their job requires them to be constantly vigilant and prepared to handle any medical emergency that may arise.

• Best Universities: Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, University of California—San Francisco
• Cost: Average medical school debt > $200,000. Annual salaries for residents from $60,000 to $80,000.
• Curricula: Pain management, critical care, patient safety
• Duration: 4 years med school, 4 years residency
• Skills: Calm under pressure, technical dexterity, vigilance

Emergency Medicine

Emergency medicine doctors are responsible for the immediate and urgent care of patients with acute illnesses or injuries. They work in a fast-paced environment where quick thinking, decisiveness, and the ability to multitask are paramount. Their primary objective is to stabilize patients, diagnose their condition, and determine the next course of action.

These types of doctors work almost exclusively in hospital emergency rooms and urgent care clinics. They must possess a broad knowledge base, as they see a wide range of patients and conditions, from minor cuts to life-threatening trauma. The work is demanding and often involves irregular hours, but it provides a high-adrenaline and intellectually stimulating environment.

• Best Universities: Harvard University, Stanford University, University of California—San Francisco
• Cost: Average medical school debt > $200,000. Annual salaries for residents from $60,000 to $80,000.
• Curricula: Critical care, trauma, resuscitation
• Duration: 4 years med school, 3-4 years residency
• Skills: Decisive, composed under pressure, teamwork

Family medicine

Family medicine practitioners are the cornerstone of primary care, offering comprehensive, ongoing health services to individuals of all ages. Their role extends from providing routine checkups and immunizations to managing chronic illnesses and offering preventive health counseling. This specialty is unique in its focus on the entire family unit and the doctor-patient relationship, which often spans many years.

A family physician's work environment is diverse, including both outpatient clinics and hospitals. They are trained to handle a wide range of medical scenarios, from delivering babies to caring for the elderly. Their commitment to continuous, holistic care means they often coordinate with other specialists, helping patients successfully navigate a complex healthcare system.

• Best Universities: Oregon Health & Science University, University of California—San Francisco, University of Wisconsin
• Cost: Average medical school debt > $200,000. Annual salaries for residents from $60,000 to $80,000.
• Curricula: Pediatrics, obstetrics, internal medicine
• Duration: 4 years med school, 3 years residency
• Skills: Communication, empathy, broad diagnostic ability

Internal Medicine

Internal medicine physicians, or "internists," are specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and non-surgical treatment of adult diseases. Their training is focused on a deep understanding of complex, multi-system illnesses that may affect organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Internists are skilled at taking on challenging diagnostic cases, acting as detectives to uncover the root cause of a patient's symptoms.

These types of doctors work in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. In the hospital, they are often referred to as "hospitalists" and focus exclusively on the care of admitted patients. Their work is intellectually stimulating and requires a methodical, evidence-based approach to patient care, and it serves as a foundation for many subspecialties.

• Best Universities: Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts General Hospital, Mayo Clinic, University of California—San Francisco
• Cost: Average medical school debt > $200,000. Annual salaries for residents from $60,000 to $80,000.
• Curricula: General medicine, critical care, subspecialty rotations
• Duration: 4 years med school, 3 years residency
• Skills: Analytical thinking, diagnostic acumen, meticulous

Pediatrics

Pediatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the healthcare of infants, children, and adolescents. They are trained to understand the unique physical, mental, and social factors that influence a child's growth and development. Their work includes providing preventative care, immunizations, and diagnosing and treating a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses.

The practice of pediatrics is heavily focused on forming a trusting relationship with both the child and their family. Pediatricians work in a variety of settings, including private practices, community clinics, and large hospital systems. They must possess a special temperament that combines patience and playfulness with a sharp diagnostic eye. Indeed, how to become a pediatrician is demanding but very rewarding.

• Best Universities: Harvard Medical School, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, University of California—San Francisco
• Cost: Average medical school debt > $200,000. Annual salaries for residents from $60,000 to $80,000.
• Curricula: Newborn care, intensive care, adolescent medicine
• Duration: 4 years med school, 3 years residency
• Skills: Patience, empathy, communication with kids

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, or physiatrists, are experts in a non-surgical approach to treating patients with physical impairments or disabilities. Their primary goal is to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life for individuals with conditions affecting the muscles, bones, nerves, and brain. They lead a multidisciplinary team of therapists and other professionals to create a comprehensive, long-term rehabilitation plan.

Physiatrists treat a wide array of conditions, including those resulting from stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and sports-related injuries. They use treatments such as therapeutic exercise, medication, and injections to manage symptoms and improve function. Their focus is on the whole person, helping them adapt to their physical challenges and maintain their independence.

• Best Universities: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab at Northwestern, Stanford University, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
• Cost: Average medical school debt > $200,000. Annual salaries for residents from $60,000 to $80,000.
• Curricula: Musculoskeletal, neurological rehab, pain management
• Duration: 4 years med school, 4 years residency
• Skills: Patience, collaboration, diagnostic proficiency

Psychiatry

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They are uniquely qualified to prescribe medication in addition to providing various forms of psychotherapy. Their daily work involves conducting patient interviews to understand symptoms, formulating a diagnosis, and creating a tailored treatment plan.

The work of a psychiatrist can be deeply rewarding, helping patients manage conditions like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. They practice in diverse settings, including private offices, hospitals, community mental health centers, and correctional facilities. This field has grown in popularity and demand as mental health becomes a greater focus in modern medicine. Following the steps to become a psychiatrist guarantees an interesting practice after graduation and licensing.

• Best Universities: Columbia University, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania
• Cost: Average medical school debt > $200,000. Annual salaries for residents from $60,000 to $80,000.
• Curricula: Psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, addiction medicine
• Duration: 4 years med school, 4 years residency
• Skills: Active listening, analytical, empathy

What are the average residency lengths for various medical fields?

Across various medical schools and different types of doctors, the average residency length for family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics is three years. Emergency medicine residencies, on average, are slightly longer at 3.5 years. A large group of specialties, including anesthesiology, dermatology, neurology, OB-GYN, ophthalmology, pathology, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), and psychiatry, all require a four-year residency.

General surgery, otolaryngology (ENT), diagnostic radiology, orthopedic surgery, urology, and vascular surgery residencies are all five years on average. The longest residencies on this list are for plastic surgery and neurosurgery, requiring six and seven years, respectively, as shown in the graph below. 

This indicates that while foundational medical training is consistent, the time required for sub-specialization varies significantly across different fields, with surgical specialties often requiring the longest commitment. Ultimately, the duration of training is a crucial factor for aspiring physicians to consider when choosing a specialty—similar to how prospective psychologists compare MPCAC vs CACREP accreditation when evaluating graduate programs.

How much debt does the average medical school graduate have?

According to Laurel Road, as of the 2023-2024 academic year, the cost of medical school for different types of doctors remains a significant financial burden, often leading to substantial student loan debt, as shown in the graphic below. On average, graduates leave with approximately $264,000 in student loan debt, a figure that includes both their medical school and undergraduate studies.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the median annual cost of attendance was $42,668 for public schools and $72,689 for private schools. These expenses accumulate rapidly over four years, culminating in a six-figure debt for the average graduate.

Medical residents earn modest salaries—typically $60,000 to $80,000—while interest continues to accrue. This financial pressure can be significant during training years.

Despite the high cost, this investment paves the way for a highly rewarding and lucrative career. Ultimately, while the initial financial outlay is steep, the long-term career benefits and earning potential generally outweigh the burden of the initial debt, a dilemma not unlike comparing the benefits of a graduate certificate in other fields.

What are the average salaries of the 7 easiest medical fields?

According to 2025 PayScale salary data, pediatricians earn the lowest average salary on this list, at $175,871. This is followed by family physicians, who earn an average of $217,541. Internal medicine physicians earn slightly more at $235,514. The salaries then rise sharply for more specialized fields, with emergency medicine physicians earning an average of $251,159 and psychiatrists earning an average of $252,602.

The highest-paid roles on this list are rehabilitation medicine physicians at an average of $272,764 and anesthesiologists at an average of $349,870.

The trend in this data, shown in the graph below, indicates a clear correlation between the level of medical specialization and higher earning potential, with the highest salaries commanded by those in procedural and non-primary-care fields. While all of these professions are financially rewarding, a physician's choice of specialty directly influences their earning potential, much like knowing the acute care nurse practitioner salary can shape career decisions in nursing.

How have physician salaries changed in recent years?

Physician compensation has steadily increased over the past three years, rising from $352,000 in 2022 to $363,000 in 2023 and reaching $374,000 in 2024. This reflects an average growth rate of 2.9% across the period. The upward trend, shown in the graphic below, is consistent across both primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists.

PCPs saw their average salary grow from $265,000 in 2022 to $277,000 in 2023 and $287,000 in 2024. Specialists continued to earn significantly more, with compensation rising from $382,000 in 2022 to $394,000 in 2023 and $404,000 in 2024. These figures highlight the ongoing disparity between PCP and specialist earnings, while confirming a broader trend of rising physician pay.

Where can I work with an MD in the 7 easiest medical fields?

There are a variety of work environments for physicians in these seven specialties, offering a range of settings, from large hospital systems to small private clinics. The choice of workplace often depends on the doctor’s desired lifestyle, patient population, and professional goals.

• Anesthesiology: Work primarily in hospital operating rooms, outpatient surgery centers, and pain management clinics.
• Emergency Medicine: Work almost exclusively in hospital emergency departments, and some also practice in urgent care centers.
• Family Medicine: Practice in private or group outpatient clinics, community health centers, and some may have hospital-based privileges.
• Internal Medicine: Work as hospitalists in inpatient settings or in private and group outpatient clinics.
• Pediatrics: Practice in private or group outpatient clinics, large hospital systems, and community health centers.
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Work in inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, long-term care facilities, and specialized outpatient clinics. For those who seek non-medical rehab occupations, our rehabilitation counselor career guide may be of interest.
• Psychiatry: Found in private practices, general hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, and community mental health centers.

The variety of settings ensures that a physician can find a workplace that aligns with their desired balance between clinical practice and personal life.

The US healthcare workforce is experiencing significant changes in both demographics and compensation, as shown in the graphic below.. According to a November 2024 report by the Health Resources and Services Administration, there are 933,788 professionally active physicians in the United States, with 800,355 of them actively engaged in patient care. Internists and family medicine physicians together account for almost a quarter of all patient-care doctors.

A key demographic trend is the increasing number of women in medicine, who now constitute 38.9% of patient-care physicians and outnumber male students in medical schools. Looking ahead, a projected shortage of 187,130 full-time equivalent (FTE) physicians is expected by 2037, with non-metro areas facing more acute shortages.

What additional certifications are available for doctors in the 7 easiest medical fields?

After completing a core residency, many physicians pursue additional certifications to specialize further. These certifications demonstrate expertise, open up new career paths, and enhance their skill sets. This commitment to lifelong learning is a hallmark of the medical profession.

Anesthesiology

Anesthesiologists can obtain certifications in subspecialties that focus on specific patient populations or types of care. These additional qualifications require fellowship training.

• Critical Care Medicine: Manages critically ill patients in an ICU.
• Pain Medicine: Evaluates and treats patients with chronic pain.
• Pediatric Anesthesiology: Provides anesthesia for infants and children.
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine: Provides comprehensive care for life-limiting illnesses.
• Neuroanesthesiology: Anesthesia management for neurosurgery patients.
• Cardiac Anesthesiology: Anesthesia care for heart surgery patients.
• Obstetric Anesthesiology: Anesthesia for pregnant women during delivery.

Emergency Medicine

Emergency medicine doctors can pursue subspecialty certifications in areas that address specific patient needs or skills. This allows them to focus their expertise within the broad field of emergency care.

• Medical Toxicology: Manages poisoning and drug-related emergencies.
• Sports Medicine: Prevents and treats sports-related injuries.
• Critical Care Medicine: Manages critically ill patients in an ICU.
• Pediatric Emergency Medicine: Provides specialized care for children.
• Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine: Treats disorders from pressure changes.
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine: Provides comprehensive care for life-limiting illnesses.
• Addiction Medicine: Treats individuals with substance use disorders.

Family Medicine

Family physicians can earn Certificates of Added Qualifications (CAQs) to demonstrate expertise in a select field. These certificates allow them to subspecialize while maintaining their core family medicine practice.

• Adolescent Medicine: Focuses on teenage healthcare needs.
• Geriatric Medicine: Manages health issues in the elderly.
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine: Provides compassionate care for life-limiting illnesses.
• Pain Medicine: Evaluates and treats patients with chronic pain.
• Sleep Medicine: Diagnoses and manages sleep disorders.
• Sports Medicine: Prevents and treats sports-related injuries.
• Hospital Medicine: Cares for hospitalized patients.
• Medical Toxicology: Manages poisoning and drug-related emergencies.

Internal Medicine

Internal medicine physicians can pursue a vast number of subspecialties, allowing them to focus their practice on specific organ systems or complex conditions. This is one of the most common pathways to becoming a subspecialist.

• Cardiology: Diagnoses and treats diseases of the heart.
• Gastroenterology: Specializes in the digestive system and its disorders.
• Pulmonary Disease: Manages diseases of the lungs.
• Endocrinology: Concentrates on hormone disorders.
• Infectious Disease: Diagnoses and treats infectious illnesses.
• Nephrology: Focuses on diseases of the kidneys.
• Hematology/Oncology: Specializes in blood disorders and cancer.
• Rheumatology: Treats diseases of the joints and muscles.
• Critical Care Medicine: Manages critically ill patients.
• Allergy and Immunology: Treats allergies and immune system disorders.
• Geriatric Medicine: Specializes in healthcare of the elderly.
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine: Provides comprehensive care for life-limiting illnesses.

Pediatrics

Pediatricians can pursue subspecialty certifications to focus on the unique health needs of children within a specific area of medicine. These additional years of training allow them to become experts.

• Adolescent Medicine: Focuses on teenage healthcare needs.
• Neonatology: Cares for ill or premature newborn infants.
• Pediatric Cardiology: Treats heart diseases in children.
• Pediatric Hematology-Oncology: Specializes in childhood blood disorders and cancer.
• Pediatric Emergency Medicine: Provides specialized care in the ER.
• Child Abuse Pediatrics: Focuses on diagnosing and treating child abuse.
• Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics: Treats developmental and behavioral issues.
• Pediatric Infectious Diseases: Treats infectious illnesses in children.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

After their core residency, PM&R physicians can pursue subspecialty certifications to focus on specific patient populations or medical conditions. These certifications often require an additional fellowship.

• Spinal Cord Injury Medicine: Specializes in care for spinal cord injuries.
• Brain Injury Medicine: Focuses on care for brain injury patients.
• Pain Medicine: Treats patients with acute and chronic pain.
• Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine: Diagnoses and treats children with disabilities.
• Sports Medicine: Prevents and treats sports-related injuries.
• Neuromuscular Medicine: Diagnoses diseases of nerves and muscles.
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine: Provides comprehensive care for life-limiting illnesses.

Psychiatry

Psychiatrists can obtain additional certifications to specialize in specific age groups or types of mental health conditions. This training allows them to focus on a niche area within the broad field of mental health.

• Addiction Psychiatry: Treats substance use disorders.
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Focuses on mental health of children.
• Geriatric Psychiatry: Treats mental health of the elderly.
• Forensic Psychiatry: Applies psychiatric principles in legal settings.
• Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry: Treats psychiatric symptoms in medically ill patients.
• Pain Medicine: Treats patients with chronic pain.
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine: Provides mental support for life-limiting illnesses.

On another note, psychiatry is different from related areas such as clinical psychologist vs mental health counselor fields in that it utilizes medical intervention, whereas the other two utilize behavioral intervention for patient treatment. 

What are the biggest challenges faced by doctors in the 7 easiest medical fields?

Anesthesiology

• Patient Safety: Immense pressure to ensure patient well-being during all procedures.
• Systemic Issues: Challenges with drug shortages and managing complex, multi-morbid patient populations.
• Workload: Stress from long hours and an environment with little room for error.

Emergency Medicine

• Capacity Overload: Managing overwhelming patient volumes and hospital-wide crowding.
• Burnout: High rates of burnout and fatigue due to a demanding, high-stress environment.
• Staffing Shortages: Dealing with a persistent lack of adequate personnel.

Family Medicine

• Administrative Burden: A significant amount of paperwork and administrative tasks that reduce time with patients.
• Workforce Shortage: A growing nationwide shortage of primary care providers.
• Care Coordination: Navigating a fragmented healthcare system to ensure patients receive proper follow-up care.

Internal Medicine

• High Workload: Managing complex chronic diseases within short appointment times.
• Administrative Burden: Dealing with increasing paperwork and regulatory requirements.
• Lack of Respect: Sometimes face a perceived lack of respect compared to more procedural specialties.

Pediatrics

• Family Dynamics: The unique challenge of managing stressed parents and the entire family unit.
• Communication Barriers: Must diagnose illnesses in young children who cannot verbalize their symptoms.
• Emotional Toll: Dealing with the emotional burden of caring for suffering and critically ill children.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

• Public Awareness: A lack of general understanding and awareness of the specialty's role.
• Complex Patients: Managing a growing population of elderly patients with multiple chronic conditions.
• System Navigation: Challenges in getting insurance coverage for non-surgical treatments.

Psychiatry

• Societal Stigma: The persistent challenge of societal discrimination and stigma surrounding mental illness.
• Workforce Shortage: An ongoing shortage of psychiatrists to meet the high demand for mental health services.
• Diagnostic Controversies: Grappling with evolving diagnostic criteria and treatment debates. Also, clinical psychology vs counseling psychology diagnoses may have some overlaps in psychiatric cases, leading to more complex treatment requirements.

What are the biggest opportunities for doctors in the 7 easiest medical fields?

Opportunities for physicians in these specialties are expanding due to new technologies, changing healthcare models, and a growing demand for specialized care. These developments allow doctors to innovate their practices, improve patient outcomes, and find professional fulfillment in new ways.

Anesthesiology

• Pain Medicine Specialization: Anesthesiologists are increasingly needed to lead multidisciplinary pain clinics, using advanced techniques to manage chronic pain conditions.
• Perioperative Medicine: A growing opportunity to manage a patient’s medical care before, during, and after surgery, optimizing their health and reducing complications.
• Leadership Roles: They are often sought to direct surgical services and manage hospital operating room efficiency.

Emergency Medicine

• Telehealth and Virtual Care: Opportunities to provide remote consultations and screenings, which help to reduce emergency department wait times and improve access.
• Mobile Integrated Healthcare: Emergency physicians are leading teams that deliver care to patients at home, preventing unnecessary trips to the hospital.
• Urgent Care and Rural Medicine: The skill set of an emergency physician is highly valuable in urgent care clinics and rural hospitals, addressing a significant workforce need.

Family Medicine

• Value-Based Care: This model rewards family physicians for improving patient outcomes and prevention, shifting the focus from the number of visits to the quality of care.
• Team-Based Practice: Opportunities to lead a team of healthcare professionals, including nurses, social workers, and nutritionists, to manage patient health more holistically.
• Digital Health Tools: Using technology to monitor patients remotely and streamline administrative tasks, which frees up time for direct patient care and counseling.

Internal Medicine

• Hospitalist Career Path: A dedicated career for internists who prefer to focus exclusively on caring for hospitalized patients.
• Subspecialty Fellowships: The broad nature of internal medicine makes it a launchpad for fellowships in dozens of fields, from cardiology to infectious disease.
• Leadership and Administration: Internists are well-suited for leadership roles in hospitals, healthcare systems, and public health, thanks to their comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system.

Pediatrics

• Mental Health Integration: Pediatricians have a growing opportunity to screen for and manage common mental health conditions, often in collaboration with specialists.
• Telemedicine: Using technology to provide remote consultations, making it easier to care for children with complex or chronic conditions, and serving families in rural areas.
• Genetic Therapies: Future opportunities will arise in treating congenital and genetic disorders with new medical technologies and advanced therapies.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

• Telerehabilitation: A major opportunity to provide remote care for patients with mobility issues, removing barriers like transportation.
• Regenerative Medicine: Physiatrists can use cutting-edge treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapies to repair injured tissues and promote healing.
• Prosthetics and Robotics: Working with robotic exoskeletons and advanced prosthetics to help patients with movement disorders regain function and independence.

Psychiatry

• Telepsychiatry: The demand for telepsychiatry is expanding rapidly, allowing psychiatrists to provide care to patients in remote locations and offer more flexible scheduling.
• Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: Opportunities are growing in the research and therapeutic use of psychedelics to treat conditions like depression and PTSD.
• Digital Therapeutics: Psychiatrists can use apps and wearables to collect data on a patient's mood and sleep, leading to more data-driven treatment plans.

The wide range of available subspecialties and evolving care models ensures a wealth of opportunities for physicians in these fields. This allows doctors to tailor their careers to their specific interests and find rewarding paths outside of traditional clinical roles.

What are some current and future trends in the 7 easiest medical fields?

Anesthesiology

• AI and Patient Safety: AI systems analyze patient data to optimize dosing and predict complications.
• Personalized Anesthesia: Protocols are tailored to patients using genetic information and biomarkers.
• Chronic Pain Management: Anesthesiologists are taking on a larger role in treating long-term pain.

Emergency Medicine

• Telehealth: Used for remote screenings, pre-hospital care, and specialist consultations to improve access and reduce wait times.
• Mobile Integrated Healthcare: EMS teams provide care outside of the hospital setting.
• AI for Logistics: AI helps hospitals manage patient flow and resource distribution.

Family Medicine

• Value-Based Care: A shift from fee-for-service to a model that rewards keeping patients healthy.
• Preventive Medicine: A major focus on prevention, care coordination, and managing chronic diseases.
• Digital Health Tools: Use of remote monitoring and patient portals to improve engagement.

Internal Medicine

• Rise of Hospitalists: A dedicated career path focused on caring for hospitalized patients.
• Subspecialization: Internists increasingly pursue fellowships in fields from cardiology to infectious diseases.
• Data-Driven Care: Growing use of EHRs and information systems to manage complex conditions.

Pediatrics

• Mental Health Integration: An increasing focus on embedding mental health services into primary care.
• Telemedicine: Used to connect rural patients with specialists and assist with diagnoses.
• Advanced Therapies: Future trends include regenerative medicine and genetic therapies for congenital disorders.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

• Telerehabilitation: Provides remote therapy and consultations for patients with mobility issues.
• Robotics and Advanced Prosthetics: Use of robotic exoskeletons and smart prosthetics to help patients regain function.
• Regenerative Medicine: Therapies like stem cells and PRP are used to repair injured tissues.

Psychiatry

• Telepsychiatry: Significantly expanding access to mental healthcare for a broader patient base.
• Novel Therapeutics: Research into psychedelic-assisted therapy and digital therapeutics is growing.
• Integration with Primary Care: Increased focus on embedding psychiatric care within general health practices.

Here's What Graduates Say About Their Medical Degrees

Other Things You Should Know About the 7 Easiest Types of Doctor

Are less competitive medical specialties less respected?

Less competitive medical specialties are not necessarily less respected. While there can be stigma—mainly among medical students—prestige is often linked to higher pay, complex procedures, and demanding schedules. However, fields like family medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine are crucial to healthcare and highly valued by patients and communities for their broad expertise and continuous care.

Physicians in these specialties often report high job satisfaction and enjoy better work-life balance, with less burnout than in more competitive fields. Respect in medicine comes from competence and dedication, regardless of specialty.

Are there any doctor specialties that don't involve a lot of on-call hours?

Yes, several specialties offer minimal on-call duties and better work-life balance, especially those focused on outpatient care or lab work. Fields like dermatology, ophthalmology, and pathology typically involve regular hours and limited emergency calls. Pathologists, for example, work mostly in labs and rarely face after-hours demands.

Other low-on-call specialties include psychiatry and family medicine, which often operate in outpatient settings. These roles offer flexible schedules and shared or limited on-call responsibilities. Telemedicine has further improved flexibility in both fields.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who can prescribe medication and perform medical procedures like brain stimulation therapies. Their training includes medical school and a psychiatry residency, preparing them to treat complex mental health conditions. They often combine medical and psychological approaches in patient care.

A psychologist holds a Ph.D. or Psy.D. and focuses on behavioral therapy and mental processes. They provide counseling and psychotherapy but typically cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists often collaborate with psychiatrists to offer comprehensive treatment.