Money is not the reason most of us choose medicine, but it shapes the life you can build. In this Med Path episode, Dr. Dave Watson gives a clear look at physician pay in 2025 and turns big questions into simple next steps. 

You will hear how specialty choice affects income, why geography changes your take-home, what to know about persistent pay gaps, and when private practice can outperform employment. We also cover student loan strategies that actually help, realistic income growth over time, and four practical money rules for new attendings. What you will learn:

• Which specialties sit at the top of the pay scale and why procedure volume matters
• How location, taxes, and cost of living change real take-home pay
• How and why demographic pay gaps persist, and what to do when you negotiate
• Private practice vs employment, including risk, reward, and autonomy
• The programs that move the needle on loans, including PSLF and state options
• How physician income typically grows in years 5 to 10
• Four simple money rules that buy you freedom and options

For the numbers and links mentioned, see the companion guide in the notes.

Show notes 

• Companion guide: How Much Do Doctors Make? Physician Salaries — 
• Med Path with Dr. Dave Watson Podcast — 

Disclaimer: Salary figures discussed are broad summaries and may vary by role, market, contract, and productivity. This episode is for education, not financial or legal advice.

Additional Reading

• Medical School Prep – Pros, Cons, Pitfalls, and Tips
• Useful Tips to Help You Become a Nurse
• How Healthcare Verification Protects and Empowers Health Professionals
• Will Grad School Help You Get Into Medical School?
• Why Should You Complete a Pre-Med Program?

In this episode of Med Path, Dr. Dave Watson uncovers the 8 biggest mistakes students make on their CASPA applications for Physician Assistant school — and how to avoid them to stay ahead of the competition.

Drawing from insights in "Cracking the CASPA Code: 8 Game-Changing Mistakes to Avoid on Your PA School Application", Dr. Watson explains how small errors in your personal statement, clinical experience, recommendation letters, and program supplements can have a major impact on your chances of getting accepted.

Visit medicalaid.org to explore global healthcare internships, personalized PA school and medical school admissions consulting, and expert guides to strengthen your application.

In this episode of Med Path, Dr. Dave Watson breaks down everything you need to know about dressing for your medical school interviews — including what to wear, what mistakes to avoid, and why your professional appearance matters more than you might think.

Drawing insights from Dressing Right for Your Medical School Interview: An In-Depth Guide, Dr. Watson shares practical tips for both in-person and virtual interviews to help you make a confident, polished first impression.

Visit medicalaid.org to explore global healthcare internships, medical school admissions consulting, and expert resources for building your best application.

In this episode of Med Path, Dr. Dave Watson explores the powerful reasons why medical volunteering abroad, especially in countries like Kenya, can completely transform one's personal and professional future.

Drawing insights from 5 Compelling Reasons to Be a Medical Volunteer in Kenya, Are Medical Mission Trips Worth It? and More Reasons to Be a Medical Volunteer in Kenya, Dr. Watson explains how ethical volunteering builds clinical skills, cultural competence, emotional resilience, and a more profound commitment to service while making a real impact in global healthcare.

Visit medicalaid.org to explore global healthcare internships, medical school admissions consulting, and expert resources to help launch your future in medicine.

In this episode of Med Path, Dr. Dave Watson explores three critical topics for future healthcare professionals: how to strategically choose study abroad experiences, the real difference between internships and externships, and why building a focused extracurricular profile can make or break your medical school application.

Drawing from insights in the articles "The Top 5 Study Abroad Destinations", "The Difference Between an Internship and an Externship", and "Building a Well-Rounded Profile: The Role of Extracurriculars in Med School Applications", Dr. Watson breaks down practical strategies that can set you apart in one of the most competitive admissions processes in the world.

Visit medicalaid.org to learn more about global healthcare internships, personalized medical school admissions consulting, and expert guides for building your best application.

In this episode of Med Path, Dr. Dave Watson explores the hidden realities of healthcare in Peru — and how pre-med students can make a meaningful difference through global internships.

Drawing from the articles How to Maximize Your Experience When Interning Abroad, How Pre-Med Students Can Contribute to Peruvian Healthcare, and Andes to the Amazon: Peru Health Challenges Revealed, this episode provides practical strategies for maximizing your clinical experience abroad, building cross-cultural trust, and understanding Peru’s major healthcare challenges from the Andes to the Amazon.

Visit medicalaid.org to learn more about global healthcare internships, medical school admissions consulting, and expert guides for getting into medical school.

In this episode of Med Path, Dr. Dave Watson discusses how physical therapy internships build real-world clinical competence and prepare students for success in healthcare careers.

Drawing from the article 5 Ways Physical Therapy Internships Enhance Clinical Competence, Dr. Watson explains how internships strengthen patient care skills, critical thinking, professional confidence, and expose students to diverse clinical environments.

Whether you’re planning a future in physical therapy or looking to deepen your clinical experience, this episode breaks down why hands-on internships are essential to your development. Visit medicalaid.org to learn more about global healthcare internships, medical school admissions consulting, and guides to help you on your path to medical school.

In this episode of Med Path, Dr. Dave Watson covers essential Spanish medical phrases and terminology to help you succeed during a global health internship in Peru or other Spanish-speaking countries.

Drawing from the guide "Spanish Medical Phrases and Medical Terminologies for Interning in Peru", Dr. Watson explains why communication is key to delivering quality healthcare abroad — and which Spanish phrases and vocabulary will prepare you to better serve patients.

Visit medicalaid.org to explore global healthcare internships, medical school admissions consulting, and guides to getting into medical school.

In this episode of Med Path, Dr. Dave Watson explores why completing a physiotherapy internship abroad could be one of the smartest moves for your healthcare career.
Drawing from insights in the article "Top Reasons to Complete Your Physiotherapy Internship Abroad", Dr. Watson breaks down how international internships expand your clinical skills, develop cultural competence, and help you stand out in a competitive healthcare landscape.
Tune in to find out how an experience abroad can reshape your future as a physical therapist. Visit medicalaid.org to learn more about global healthcare internships, medical school admissions consulting, and guides to getting into medical school.

In this episode of Med Path, Dr. Dave Watson dives into an essential question for anyone considering advanced practice nursing: How do you know if you're ready to become a nurse practitioner?

Becoming an NP is a huge decision that impacts your life personally, professionally, mentally, and emotionally. Dr. Watson walks you through the key things to consider before making the leap, including work-life balance, emotional readiness, and career goals.

Inspired by the article How to Know You're Ready to Become a Nurse Practitioner from International Medical Aid, this conversation is essential for any student or healthcare professional thinking about taking that next big step. 

Stay tuned to the end for more resources, and remember to visit medicalaid.org for global healthcare internships, medical school admissions consulting, and expert guides to launching your healthcare career.