Several surgeons are billionaires, notably Dr. Gary Michelson, a retired spine surgeon known for his numerous patents; Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a transplant surgeon and biotech entrepreneur; and Dr. Thomas Frist Jr., co-founder of HCA Healthcare. Other examples include Dr. Devi Shetty, an Indian cardiac surgeon, and Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, a radiologist who founded VPS Healthcare, illustrating how medical expertise combined with invention, business, and healthcare systems can lead to billionaire status.
Patrick Soon-Shiong is a South‑African‑born surgeon, scientist, and serial entrepreneur who tops the list of wealthiest physicians.
Another example is Patrick Soon-Shiong, the South African–born American transplant surgeon behind the cancer drug Abraxane. He sold his companies, American Pharmaceutical Partners and Abraxis BioScience, for a combined $9.1 billion, according to STAT News and Forbes.
Meet Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, a radiologist who became a billionaire businessman! 👨⚕️ He started his career as a radiologist in the UAE. 🏥 Then founded VPS Healthcare, a big healthcare group with 20+ hospitals in the Middle East, Europe, and India.
The Richest Doctors in the World
The highest-paid doctors in the U.S. are neurosurgeons, thoracic surgeons, and orthopedic surgeons. These surgical specialists earn average annual salaries between $650,000 and $760,000, making them the top earners among physicians.
Some of the most famous doctors in history include Hippocrates, Galen, Avicenna, Edward Jenner, and Elizabeth Blackwell. These doctors introduced groundbreaking treatments, revolutionized medical practices, and advanced knowledge in fields like surgery, immunology, and public health.
doctors are not as wealthy as they used to be generations ago. Many are forced to do extra locum or private shifts to fund the extras that the basic salary doesn't cover. And the problem with this approach is that the more you work, the more proportional tax you pay and the less the relative take home.
The 12 Richest Plastic Surgeons in the World
What to study to become a billionaire? You can study Engineering, Economics/Finance, Politics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Law, or MBA to enhance your financial strength, as these are some of the highest-paying degrees in the world.
With the highest paid occupations and the highest-paid doctors being Neurosurgeons coming number 1 at $575,687 AUD, followed by Ophthalmologists at 2 with $524,804 AUD and Ear Nose and Throat Surgeons 3 at $468,525 AUD.
1. Neurosurgery. Neurosurgeons top the list of highest-paying surgical specialties, with Physicians Thrive's “2024 Physician Compensation Report” estimating a median annual salary of $788,000 for these specialists.
The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is consistently ranked as the #1 hospital in the world by publications like Newsweek and Statista, earning this title for multiple years due to its high quality of care, patient safety, and outcomes, with rankings also highlighting its excellence in numerous specialized fields.
Radiologist salaries in Australia vary significantly by experience and location, generally ranging from $350,000 to over $1,000,000 annually, with senior roles in high-demand areas potentially reaching the higher end, while general averages hover around $400,000 - $500,000+ in major cities like Melbourne or Sydney, influenced by private vs. public practice.
Top 10 Highest Paid Doctors in the World (2025 Guide for IMGs & USMLE Aspirants)
Lowest paid:
1. Engineering. Engineering has long been a top field for producing millionaires. This broad discipline encompasses various branches like electrical, mechanical, civil, and chemical engineering, each offering unique opportunities for innovation and high earning potential.
Engineers often have a financial advantage in the early stages of their careers due to earlier workforce entry and earnings. Doctors surpass engineers in cumulative earnings around the age of 43, assuming they specialize and earn higher salaries.
So, let us look at the top 5 most competitive specialties that conclude the debate of what is the hardest doctor to become.
A renegade physician, a pioneer, the father of open-heart surgery, and perhaps the best surgeon who ever lived, Dr. Michael DeBakey died of natural causes at 99.