Physician & Social Activist

Description: Physicians diagnose illnesses and prescribe and administer treatment for people suffering from injury or disease.

Knowledge Required: Sciences, biology, anatomy, physiology, radiology, medical ethics, mathematics, communication

Skills: Physicians solve complex problems, have general knowledge of scientific rules and methods, and are active listeners and decision makers. 

Career Path: After completing college and medical school, aspiring physicians must complete a residency program that lasts three to six years. Many doctors choose to complete a fellowship in order to develop specialized skills.

Best Cities for this job: Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, San Francisco, and Sacramento

Median Annual Income: National: $186,044 CA: $339,738

Future Growth: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment of physicians to grow 22 percent over the 2008–18 decade, which is faster than average.

From the field: "Have a skill that no one can take away from you, no matter what." - Dr. Jim Yong Kim