The best jobs that make the world a better place can be defined in any number of ways. Musicians compose soaring scores; actors make us laugh and cry; writers make us dream in wonder. College professors teach our future generations; scientists create new medicines; trash collectors and janitors clean up our messes. From the lowest end of the totem pole to the highest paid professions – so many careers can be considered a benefit to society.
CNN Money, in collaboration with Payscale, surveyed more than 35,000 workers asking the question, "Do you feel your job makes the world a better place?" While the options are numerous, the response was overwhelmingly in favor of one occupation – medical jobs.
Best Jobs in Medicine for Benefit to Society
The best careers in medicine that benefit society are those in specialties that offer both top and mid-range salaries including Obstetrician/Gynecologists (OB/GYNs), Physician Assistants, Anesthesiologists, and Nurse Practitioners. Yet topping the list, Family and General Physicians reported the highest percentage of workers who feel their jobs benefit society.
The reason why General MDs feel their job benefits society is likely because they are the first line of defense in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They have regular patients with whom they establish a relationship; provide guidance on health, wellness and prevention; and send their patients to specialists if need be for further treatment.
The best jobs in medicine that benefit society also include Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs). Because of the continuing decline in General Physicians coming out of medical school, both occupations are taking on more of the responsibilities of General MDs. Both NPs and PAs can diagnose and treat common diseases, perform minor surgical procedures and prescribe medications.
Two additional medical jobs that respondents reported as a benefit to society include Speech-Language Pathologists and Clinical Psychologists. Speech-Language Pathologists specialize in diagnosing and treating language, hearing, voice and other related disorders. Clinical Psychologists diagnose and treat mental disorders that can lead to emotional and even physical problems. However, unlike Psychiatrists they cannot prescribe medication.
Other Best Careers That Benefit Society
In addition to medical specialties, three other careers made it into the list of best jobs that benefit society: Veterinarians, Human Resource Managers and Intelligence Analysts. Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases specific to certain types of pets. Human Resources Managers hire, train and motivate employees – they also coordinate and schedule special events such as Family Day at an amusement park or a community blood drive. Intelligence Analysts protect the nation by identifying potential threats from those who wish to do harm to entire populations.
The best careers that benefit society are those whose role is to help people face to face, particularly in the field of medicine. While specialty medical jobs including Anesthesiologists and OB/GYNs earn an above-average salary, others earn less. This shows that the highest paying careers aren't necessarily the ones that benefit society the most; on the other hand, it all has to do with helping people on a very personal level and making an impact on the world around them.
Daniel Gansle - Daniel J. Gansle is the author of 2012: Day of Reckoning, graduate of Anthropological Studies and expert in ancient Mayan culture.
