Industry Facts
About 23,600 openings for physicians and surgeons are expected annually through 2034.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 839,000 jobs for physicians and surgeons in 2024.
The 2024 median salary for physicians was $239,200.
Future Trends
Over the next decade, medicine will be reshaped by artificial intelligence, precision genomics, and a fundamental shift in where and how care is delivered. Doctors who can work alongside AI diagnostic tools, interpret genomic data, and deliver care through virtual platforms will be positioned at the leading edge of the profession. At the same time, growing demand for mental health services, the health effects of climate change, and the needs of an aging population are pushing medicine toward prevention, equity, and whole-person care in ways that will redefine what it means to practice.
AI-assisted diagnostics and decision support: Machine learning algorithms can now detect certain cancers on imaging scans, flag irregular heart rhythms from wearable devices, and identify drug interactions faster than manual review. Doctors trained to work with these tools, interpreting their outputs and identifying their blind spots, will practice with a level of precision that previous generations could not achieve.
Precision and genomic medicine: Advances in genome sequencing allow doctors to tailor treatments to a patient's individual genetic makeup rather than relying on one-size-fits-all protocols. Oncologists already use tumor DNA profiling to select targeted therapies, and this approach is expanding into cardiology, psychiatry, and rare disease treatment.
Telemedicine and remote patient monitoring: Virtual visits, wearable health sensors, and remote monitoring platforms are extending a doctor's reach far beyond the exam room. Physicians who develop fluency in digital care delivery can serve patients in rural communities, manage chronic conditions between office visits, and respond to public health emergencies without geographic barriers.
Explore more resources for a future Doctor:
Education & Certification
Becoming a doctor often begins with curiosity about how the body works and a desire to help others, but education and training play an important role in turning that interest into a lifelong career. Many doctors study fields such as biology, chemistry, health sciences, neuroscience, or related sciences in college. These programs help future physicians understand the human body, disease, and how science supports healing and health. High school classes in biology, chemistry, math, health, and communication can help build a strong foundation and spark early interest in medicine.
After college, doctors continue their education through medical school and hands-on training. Medical school combines classroom learning with clinical experience, allowing students to work with patients under supervision. After earning a medical degree, doctors complete residency training in a specific area of medicine, such as pediatrics, surgery, or family medicine. Throughout their careers, physicians continue learning through certifications, specialized training, and ongoing education as medicine evolves.
To Prepare…
Take classes in science, math, health, and communication to build strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Look for opportunities to explore health and helping roles through volunteering, job shadowing, or community health programs.
Participate in clubs, activities, or programs related to science, medicine, leadership, or service to gain experience working with others and supporting community well-being.
