Pathway: Science
Job: Medical Scientist

Job Description

Medical scientists study living organisms and their relationship to their environment. They research problems dealing with life processes. Medical scientists work to understand the causes of and to discover treatment for disease and other health problems

Necessary Education

Ph.D. in a biological science; Medical Degree is also helpful

Helpful High School Courses

Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Applications

Working Conditions

• Typically work regular hours in offices and laboratories
  
• Usually are not exposed to unsafe or unhealthy conditions
  
• May spend time working in hospitals and clinics administering drugs and treatments to patients in clinical trials
  
• May experience pressure when requesting grant funding and meeting deadlines

Salary Range

• 2003, National average annual salary, $68,170
• 2003, National average hourly wages, $32.77
  

• Virtually all medical scientists work in research and development
  
• Most work independently in private industry, university, or government laboratories
  
• May work with customers or suppliers, and manage budgets
  
• May advance to managerial or administrative positions, or work as consultants

Personal Qualities and Interests

      You:

• Enjoy research
  
• Are able to work independently and as part of a team
  
• Can communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

Did you know?

• Many medical scientists are involved in biotechnology – manipulating genetic material of animals or plants, attempting to make organisms more productive or resistant to disease.

Additional Information

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco
• American Institute of Biological Sciences: http://www.aibs.org

  
  

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