• Medical Specialties and Careers

Specialist Areas Within Medicine: Detailed List of Medical Specialties and Subspecialties

Explore the different kinds of medical specializations that aspiring physicians can choose as their career focus.

Updated 18 August 2025

Today, we will highlight a list of medical specialities and subspecialties that support the good health of patients around the world.

But before we dive in, let’s answer the first and most obvious question.

What Are Medical Specialties?

Healthcare is one of the most important pillars of society, and now more than ever, our world needs passionate, well-trained doctors. In medical school, you’ll explore a vast landscape of medical specialties and subspecialties, each a distinct area of focus on human health.

At St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine (SMUSOM), successful students will explore these specialties through rotations at associated teaching hospitals, clinics and medical centers in the U.S. (including ACGME-approved locations), and at select elective rotation sites in Canada.

During this time, you will gain hands-on skills and experience in many different areas of medical focus (specialties), such as internal medicine, surgery and pediatrics, allowing you to choose between the many different types of medical practitioners confidently and successfully.

Below, you’ll find a look at several core types of medical doctors and specialties. We will also share what they involve, the strengths they play to, and what compensation looks like in a realistic context. Let’s also keep in mind that specialization in medicine is a journey, not a final destination, so let’s walk through it thoughtfully.

Internal Medicine and Subspecialties

Internal medicine focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases. After residency, many internists choose subspecialties such as cardiology, gastroenterology or infectious disease. Internal medicine subspecialty salaries in the U.S. include:

• General internal medicine: $261,639 USD/year
  
• Cardiology: $454,700 USD/year or more, reflecting the high demand and specialized skills required
  
• Gastroenterology: $433,700 USD/year, among the higher-paid internal medicine subspecialties
  

This field is ideal if you value problem-solving, long-term patient relationships and the option to branch into a focused subspecialty.

Allergy and immunology

Allergy and immunology are important fields of medicine as they help address common issues, with more than 50 million Americans battling allergies each year (making it the sixth most common chronic illness). An allergy and immunology doctor has to deal with adult and pediatric patients, and provide them relief from allergies, respiratory and immune system-related problems. They also help patients experiencing acute problems such as food allergies, immune deficiencies and lung diseases. 

The average earnings of an allergy/immunology physician in the U.S. range between $277,328 USD and $324,667 USD.

Anesthesiology

Anesthesiology is among the most well-known branches of medicine and most of us associate it with operative procedures. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 230 million major surgeries take place each year under anesthesia. The work of an anesthesiologist also impacts other areas within the medical industry, such as labor wards, chronic pain clinics, pediatric anesthesiology, etc., where patients need immediate relief from acute pain. Given its high complication rate, anesthesia has to be given tactfully, and therefore, specialists have to be extensively trained in safe anesthesia practices in all surgical subspecialties.

An anesthesiologist’s salary in the U.S. typically falls between $391,993 USD and $527,252 USD.

Emergency medicine

True to its title, emergency medicine is among the healthcare niches where physicians must provide care in accident and emergency situations. Such departments usually have a team of consultants whose specialties within areas of medicine range from pediatric emergencies, medical emergencies or other injuries. Specialists in this field help patients in a pre-hospital setting and the emergency department. As a physician in a U.S. emergency room, you can expect a salary of approximately $374,200 USD.

Subspecialties within emergency medicine offer opportunities to focus on specific patient groups or care environments. Pediatric emergency medicine blends acute care skills with the unique considerations of treating children, from injury assessment to managing rare but critical pediatric conditions. Pre-hospital emergency medicine focuses on delivering advanced care before a patient reaches the hospital, working in ambulance services, air medical transport or disaster response teams to stabilize and transfer patients safely. Both paths build on core emergency medicine training, adding targeted expertise for high-impact scenarios.

Histopathology

Histopathology refers to the study of cells and tissues using advanced laboratory techniques to better understand clinical issues. It’s a popular type of medical practice that entails detailed studies and diagnosis. Based on reports prepared by pathologists, doctors can prescribe effective treatment to patients. Biopsies, cancer screenings and post-mortems all fall under histopathology. The average annual salary in this field in the U.S. is $326,500 USD.

Subspecialties within histopathology allow doctors to concentrate on specific tissue types, diseases or diagnostic techniques. Hematopathology focuses on disorders of the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic systems, playing a key role in diagnosing leukemias and lymphomas. Dermatopathology specializes in skin diseases, from inflammatory conditions to complex skin cancers, often working closely with dermatologists. Other paths, such as forensic pathology, involve investigating causes of death for legal and public health purposes. Each subspecialty combines detailed laboratory work with critical contributions to patient care and wider medical understanding.

Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYN) are featured among the list of medical careers that are well known to many. This is a broad specialty that consists of surgical (gynecologic oncology) and medical treatments (maternal medicine). This area of specialization involves research in a number of streams, including infertility and stem cell research. According to Salary.com, the average earnings of a gynecologist in the United States is $317,000 USD annually.

Within obstetrics and gynecology, subspecialties allow doctors to focus on particular stages or complexities of reproductive health. Maternal-fetal medicine manages high-risk pregnancies, including complications affecting the parent or baby. Gynecologic oncology specializes in cancers of the reproductive system, combining surgical skill with cancer care. Reproductive endocrinology and infertility focuses on helping individuals and couples conceive, often through advanced treatments like IVF. These subspecialties blend surgical precision with continuity of care, offering a balance of technical and interpersonal work.

Diagnostic radiology

Diagnostic radiology is also listed among popular healthcare niches. Radiologists diagnose illnesses using x-rays, radioactive substances, ultrasounds or magnetic resonance images (MRIs). A career in this field offers subspecialty opportunities such as cardiothoracic radiology, chest radiology, emergency radiology and gastrointestinal radiology. A diagnostic radiologist can earn approximately $528,013 USD annually in the U.S.

Diagnostic radiology also encompasses several subspecialties that target specific parts of the body or imaging methods. Neuroradiology focuses on the brain, spine, and head and neck, aiding in the diagnosis of strokes, tumors and trauma. Musculoskeletal radiology specializes in imaging bones, joints and soft tissues, often supporting sports medicine and orthopedics. Interventional radiology uses imaging guidance to perform minimally invasive procedures, from placing stents to treating tumors. These focused areas allow radiologists to develop deep expertise while collaborating across multiple clinical teams.

Cardiology

Cardiology focuses on diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiologists care for patients with conditions such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, heart failure and congenital defects, often working in both outpatient and hospital settings. The role combines complex diagnostics with procedural skills like catheter-based interventions. The average U.S. cardiologist salary is between $454,700 to $589,000 USD.

Subspecialties include interventional cardiology (catheter-based treatments for blocked arteries), electrophysiology (heart rhythm disorders), heart failure/transplant (advanced therapies for severe heart disease) and cardiac imaging (specialized scans and echocardiography). Each requires additional fellowship training and offers a different balance of procedures, imaging and longitudinal patient care.

Pediatrics

Pediatrics is dedicated to the health of infants, children and adolescents, covering everything from routine check-ups to complex chronic illnesses. Pediatricians are skilled communicators who work closely with families and other specialists to ensure comprehensive care. According to Salary.com, the average U.S. pediatrician earns approximately $253,900 USD.

Subspecialties include neonatology (care for premature or critically ill newborns), pediatric cardiology, pediatric oncology, pediatric endocrinology and pediatric emergency medicine. These paths allow doctors to focus on particular conditions or age groups, often in specialized hospital units.

Neurology

Neurology deals with disorders of the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves, treating conditions like stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Neurologists combine detailed physical examinations with advanced imaging and diagnostic tests. The average salary of a neurologist in the U.S. is approximately $291,300 USD.

Subspecialties include vascular neurology (stroke), neurophysiology (EEG and EMG testing), movement disorders, neuromuscular medicine and child neurology. Each offers opportunities to develop expertise in managing complex neurological conditions.

Psychiatry

Psychiatry focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists use a combination of psychotherapy, medication management and multidisciplinary teamwork. The average U.S. psychiatrist earns approximately $294,434 USD.

Subspecialties include child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry (interfacing with the legal system), addiction psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry and consult-liaison psychiatry (psychiatric care for medically ill patients). These roles allow doctors to focus on specific patient populations or care settings.

General Surgery

General surgery encompasses operative and perioperative care for a wide range of abdominal, soft tissue and endocrine conditions. Surgeons must combine manual dexterity with rapid decision-making. Subspecialties include colorectal surgery, trauma and critical care, endocrine surgery, and minimally invasive/laparoscopic surgery. While general surgeons often cover a broad scope, subspecialization allows focus on certain anatomical areas or surgical techniques.

The average U.S. salary for general surgeons is approximately $438,600 USD.

Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgery treats injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, from fractures to joint replacements. It combines surgical skill with rehabilitation planning. Subspecialties include sports medicine, spine surgery, hand surgery, orthopedic oncology and pediatric orthopedics. These fields offer varied blends of elective and trauma surgery.

U.S. orthopedic surgeons earn approximately $548,000 USD each year.

Urology

Urology focuses on diseases of the urinary tract and male reproductive system, often blending medical management with surgical interventions. Subspecialties include urologic oncology, pediatric urology, female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, and endourology (minimally invasive techniques for stones and strictures).

Average annual salaries in the U.S. are approximately $400,050 USD.

Dermatology

Dermatology covers the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair and nail disorders, from acne to melanoma. Many dermatologists balance medical, surgical and cosmetic practice. Subspecialties include dermatopathology (microscopic skin diagnosis), pediatric dermatology and procedural dermatology (skin surgery, laser treatments, cosmetic procedures).

Average annual salaries in the U.S. typically hover around $398,600.

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology combines medical and surgical care for eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma and retinal diseases. Subspecialties include retina/vitreous surgery, cornea and external disease, glaucoma, pediatric ophthalmology, and oculoplastics (eyelid and orbital surgery).

Practitioners in the U.S. can expect average annual salaries of approximately $339,900 USD.

Otolaryngology (ENT)

Otolaryngology covers conditions of the ear, nose, throat, head and neck, blending medical care with complex surgeries. Subspecialties include otology/neurotology (ear and skull base), rhinology (nasal and sinus surgery), laryngology (voice and airway) and head and neck surgical oncology.

U.S. salaries average approximately $432,700 USD per year.

Family Medicine

Family medicine provides comprehensive, continuous care to patients of all ages. Physicians manage acute and chronic illnesses, preventive care, and health education. Subspecialties include sports medicine, geriatrics, adolescent medicine and palliative care.

Annual salaries in the United States for such practitioners can average approximately $245,230 USD.

Forensic Pathology

Forensic pathology applies medical expertise to legal investigations, determining causes of death through autopsies and evidence analysis. This specialty is itself a subspecialty of pathology, but practitioners may focus further on areas like forensic neuropathology or forensic toxicology. 

Average U.S. salaries are approximately $329,963 USD per year.

Thoracic and Vascular Surgery

Thoracic surgery treats diseases of the chest, including the lungs, esophagus and mediastinum, while vascular surgery focuses on arteries, veins and lymphatic systems outside the heart. Subspecialties include cardiothoracic surgery (heart and chest procedures), general thoracic surgery (non-cardiac chest surgery) and endovascular surgery (minimally invasive vascular techniques).

Cardiothoracic surgeons can earn approximately $516,900 USD per year in the United States.

How to Choose Your Medical Specialty

Choosing your path in medicine is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) decisions you’ll make in your career. The good news is that medical school gives you time and opportunities to explore before committing. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Know your interests and strengths.
Think about the aspects of medicine that energize you. Do you enjoy rapid-fire decision-making, or do you prefer longer, investigative cases? Are you happiest in surgery, on the wards or in the clinic? Matching your personality and skill set to a specialty is one of the best predictors of long-term satisfaction.

2. Get hands-on exposure.
Use core rotations and electives to sample different fields. Seek out shadowing opportunities, summer placements or research projects in areas you’re curious about. Real-world experience will show you the pace, patient population and lifestyle of each specialty.

3. Understand the training pathway.
Specialties vary in training length, fellowship requirements and competitiveness. Some, like family medicine, can lead to practice after just three years of residency training (after medical school), while others may require a decade of post-medical school training. Factor in how long you’re willing to train before practicing independently.

4. Consider lifestyle and work–life balance.
Shift patterns, on-call duties and patient demand can differ dramatically. If you value a predictable schedule, certain outpatient specialties may be more appealing than acute hospital-based fields.

5. Look at future demand and opportunities.
Healthcare needs are evolving. Ageing populations, technology advances and public health challenges shape which specialties will be increasing in demand and opportunities. Reviewing workforce trends can help you choose an area with strong career prospects.

6. Weigh financial considerations, but don’t let them dominate.
Average salaries differ widely across specialties, but they shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. A high-paying field may not feel sustainable if it doesn’t match your interests or preferred pace.

7. Seek mentorship.
Talk to physicians at different stages in their careers. Ask about their daily routines, what they love about their field and the challenges they face. Honest insights from experienced practitioners can help you make an informed choice.

8. Keep an open mind.
Your ideal specialty might surprise you. Many students enter medical school with a fixed plan, only to discover a passion for a completely different field during rotations. Stay curious and flexible – medicine offers more paths than you might think.

Conclusion

No matter what medical specialty you’re currently considering, St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine (SMUSOM) can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to get there. And even if all you know is that you want to pursue your MD degree and figure out the rest later, our supportive learning environment is the perfect place to start your journey!

Established in 1997, SMUSOM’s legacy includes 2,300+ Doctor of Medicine (MD) program graduates. Thanks to our strong curriculum, dedicated faculty and early hands-on training opportunities, SMUSOM students are well-equipped to succeed in USMLE examinations, excel during their U.S. (core and electives) and Canadian (select electives) clinical rotations, and secure residency placements post-graduation.

Learn more about the St. Matthew’s University student experience in this alumni testimonial video from a practicing cardiologist:

You can also learn more by contacting us or exploring how to apply to our MD program.

FAQs About Medical Specialties

Get In Touch for More Information