Highest Satisfaction Medical Specialties

Career satisfaction rankings based on feedback from practicing physicians across 12 medical specialties.

#1 Ophthalmology
5.0/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again: 100%
Survey Responses: 4
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#2 Plastic Surgery
5.0/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again: 100%
Survey Responses: 3
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#3 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
4.8/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again: 100%
Survey Responses: 4
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#4 Orthodontist
4.7/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again: 100%
Survey Responses: 6
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#5 Pediatric Critical Care
4.3/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again: 100%
Survey Responses: 3
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#6 Diagnostic Radiology
4.3/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again: 100%
Survey Responses: 3
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#7 Radiology
4.3/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again: 100%
Survey Responses: 6
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#8 Anesthesiology
4.3/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again: 75%
Survey Responses: 4
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#9 General Surgery
4.2/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again: 100%
Survey Responses: 6
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#10 Internal Medicine
4.1/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again: 82%
Survey Responses: 11
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#11 Family Medicine
4.0/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again: 88%
Survey Responses: 8
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#12 General Dentist
3.9/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again: 87%
Survey Responses: 15
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What Makes a Specialty Satisfying?

Based on physician feedback, high-satisfaction specialties typically share these characteristics:

  • Intellectual stimulation - Complex cases and continuous learning
  • Patient relationships - Meaningful long-term patient interactions
  • Work-life balance - Reasonable hours and call schedules
  • Autonomy - Control over practice and clinical decisions
  • Compensation - Fair pay relative to training and responsibility