¶ … Jobs
In any field, careers can be classified along various parameters. For doctors and scientists, jobs can be divided generally into private practice, public sector, and laboratory work. Private practice jobs can be highly lucrative. However, the doctor has to contend with rent, malpractice insurance, and marketing costs. Public sector jobs may be rewarding personally but often offer less freedom and pay less than private practice jobs. Finally, laboratory work offers a unique working environment that research physicians may appreciate.
Private practices for doctors can be further broken down into different categories depending on the area of specialization. Many doctors choose to allocate some of their time to hospital rounds, whereas others opt for exclusive private practices. Private practice doctors can be general practitioners or be specialists including plastic surgeons, pediatricians, psychiatrists, or podiatrists. Doctors with private practices may share their office space or operate an office independently.
Public sector medical jobs may be with local hospitals, clinics, or NGOs. Work in hospitals often resembles private practice jobs and indeed, many doctors perform both public and private work. Some, however, choose to devote their time to healing those who cannot otherwise afford medical care. International organizations like Doctors Without Borders offer jobs to such altruistic doctors. Many public sector jobs also involve regularly giving lectures.
Doctors who prefer to work behind-the-scenes rather than with patients may prefer laboratory positions. Laboratory positions can be further subdivided into categories related to the specific area of specialization such as oncology or infectious disease. While not all laboratory positions pay well, many do. Moreover, laboratory positions can also be classified into private and public: some research facilities are private corporations whereas others are exclusively government and taxpayer-funded institutions.
Each category of medical position: private practice, public sector, and laboratory work, offers rewarding careers that help the advancement of science and that contribute to human health. Private practice jobs appeal to entrepreneurs who appreciate independence and large paychecks. Public sector medical jobs may be more geared for altruists, and laboratory work is good for doctors who prefer to work on their own.
