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
View salary data →
#2 Plastic Surgery
5.0/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again:
100%
Survey Responses:
3
View salary data →
#3 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
4.8/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again:
100%
Survey Responses:
4
View salary data →
#4 Orthodontist
4.7/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again:
100%
Survey Responses:
6
View salary data →
#5 Pediatric Critical Care
4.3/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again:
100%
Survey Responses:
3
View salary data →
#6 Diagnostic Radiology
4.3/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again:
100%
Survey Responses:
3
View salary data →
#7 Radiology
4.3/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again:
100%
Survey Responses:
6
View salary data →
#8 Anesthesiology
4.3/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again:
75%
Survey Responses:
4
View salary data →
#9 General Surgery
4.2/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again:
100%
Survey Responses:
6
View salary data →
#10 Internal Medicine
4.1/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again:
82%
Survey Responses:
11
View detailed insights →
#11 Family Medicine
4.0/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again:
88%
Survey Responses:
8
View detailed insights →
#12 General Dentist
3.9/5
Average Satisfaction
Would Choose Again:
87%
Survey Responses:
15
View salary data →
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