Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon

Duties and Responsibilities: ENT’s deal with ailments of the ears, nose and throat. They can be generalist or they can specialize in seven different. They treat patients of all ages, from infants to the elder either in private practice, medical clinics and hospital settings. Otolaryngologists may specialize in the treatment of allergies, head and neck disease, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, disorders of the throat disorders of the nose and sinuses disorders of the ear or pediatrics.

Average Salary:  $368,777

Educational Requirement: ENT"S need a medical degree and license to practice in their state. During their residency at a hospital or medical facility, medical school students train and have hands-on experience with patients under the direct supervision of licensed doctors. Even though ENT's specialize in their field, they are educated, trained and equipped to handle other medical concerns, including life-threatening emergencies.

Thoracic Surgeon

Duties and Responsibilities: According to the Cardiothoracic Surgery Network there are four specialties of cardiothoracic surgery: cardio (involving the heart and major vessels), endovascular (less invasive surgical procedures that use the major vessels and radiology to perform operations), congenital (surgical procedures on inherited conditions), and thoracic (surgeries performed on the organs and structures located in the chest and throat). In addition to these specialties, cardiothoracic surgeons can further focus on surgically treating illnesses in children or adults.

Salary: 350,000

Education: According to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, there are four steps to becoming a general thoracic surgeon: completion of any four-year degree (provided the coursework meets the prerequisites for entrance into medical school), four years in medical school, five years in a surgical residency program, and two to three years of advanced training in cardiothoracic surgery.