If you are interested in pursuing a career in medicine, you may have considered a future as a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. While these roles are more common for medical graduates, there are many lesser-known medical degrees that can prepare you for a successful career in the healthcare field.

Health informatics

As the demand for digitization of health and genomics data increases, health information is emerging as a mainstay and it will transform how we process and consume medical information. Health informatics programmes in the UK prepare individuals to understand the complexities of healthcare thus leveraging the power of data science and technology. Graduates are equipped to analyze health information, develop new health information technologies and apply data-driven approaches to improve patient care. They play an important role in improving clinical decision making, streamlining procedures and improving patient outcomes.

Career prospects

As more health care professionals prefer health informatics, the need for skilled professionals continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, between 2021 and 2031, the number of jobs in Health informatics is expected to increase significantly.

Genomic medicine

The academic field examines the relationship between genes and their profound impact on health outcomes which eventually leads to personalized therapies and prevention strategies. New developments in genomic research have paved the way for changing practices and transforming patient care. A master’s degree in genomic medicine equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to effectively use genetic information to transform patient care through personalized medicine.

Career prospects

As scientists and other professionals use discoveries in genetics, work in the field of genomic medicine is booming, thanks to advances in personalised medicine, technology in DNA sequencing and commercial genetic testing.

Humanitarian studies

Bridging the gap between health care and humanitarian assistance, medical humanitarian research addresses important health needs in crisis situations and underserved populations well in the right direction.

Unlike traditional health care, which focuses on the care of individual patients and the humanitarian response to broader socio-economic needs, humanitarian studies in medicine combine medical knowledge with humanitarian principles to provide comprehensive assistance to communities in distress. One such degree in this domain is the M. Sc. Humanitarian Studies offered by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine which equips students with specialised knowledge and skills to understand and manage complex humanitarian challenges.

Career prospects

Throughout the programme you will be exposed to finding innovative solutions for complex situations. Graduating in humanitarian studies prepares students for a career path with international NGOs and government agencies.

Medical physics

This specialty includes applying biological principles to health care. It plays an important role in improving patient care by applying biological principles to clinical settings. Medical physicists contribute to the development of diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy and medical devices to improve health care worldwide. Postgraduate programmes in medical physics provide students with advanced skills in radiology, imaging techniques and medical instrumentation which prepare them for the role of medical physicists.

Career prospects

There are many opportunities for advancement for medical physicists, especially those with doctoral degrees. With more experience, they can secure larger research budgets and advance to managerial roles.

Medical law and ethics

With its objective on improving patient safety and maintaining ethical standards, this multidisciplinary profession shapes health care policy and practice. Master’s programmes in medical law and ethics provide a comprehensive legal and ethical background in health care and equip graduates with the required skills and knowledge to understand and deal with complex health care issues.

Career prospects

Successful graduates progress into careers in medicine, law and ethics. These graduates specialize in medico legal practice and academic careers and the degree programme further enhances their careers.

Medical anthropology

This field of medicine deals with the study of health, disease and health care in cultural terms thereby providing insights into the intersection of culture and medicine. By examining differences in health care and encouraging physicians to understand different cultures, medical anthropologists help us understand and solve multifaceted health issues.

Career prospects

Medical anthropologists develop skills that prepare them for a range of career options. These skills include exploring cultural development and the impact of culture on health, understanding medical issues, learning alternatives to modern medicine and communicating across cultures and languages.