What are my career options once I have my M.D. degree?

A medical career offers a wide range of opportunities, from setting broken bones to setting health policy. Chances are, if you’re reading this page, you’ve already given a great deal of thought to helping people feel better or improving the nation's health care.  The question is, what type of medical career is right for you?

In addition to providing the knowledge and skills you need to practice medicine, medical school will help you explore the many rewarding career paths awaiting aspiring doctors.

For example:

• Want to help those who can’t always get the care they need, or may not even know they need it?  Working in an inner-city clinic or on an Indian reservation may be right for you.
  
  
• Frustrated that a cure hasn’t been found for chronic diseases such as diabetes or viruses such as HIV?  Maybe a career in medical research is something to explore.
  
  
• Think our health care system needs improvement? Consider a career in public policy, perhaps at one of the many medical or health associations, or in government itself.
  
  
• Feel the need to inform others about changes going on in health care, including medical breakthroughs and new diagnostic and treatment options? You may want to think about being a medical news reporter.

For More Information:

• Considering a Career in Medicine  - Free Resource!
  The AAMC Web site has information about whether a career in medicine is right for you and provides details on what you can expect from a career in medicine.