Medicine is often seen as a noble profession focused on healing and care, but some doctors have also achieved incredible wealth through their expertise, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
From pioneering medical devices to becoming media personalities, these doctors have turned their skills into vast fortunes.
Here, we look at the 14 richest doctors in the world, each with a unique path to wealth, showing that the medical field can be both lucrative and impactful.
List of Richest Doctors in The World
1. Patrick Soon-Shiong
Patrick Soon-Shiong, a billionaire surgeon, scientist, and entrepreneur, is best known for his groundbreaking work in cancer treatment and medical technology.
He invented the cancer drug Abraxane, which significantly advanced the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
His success in the biotech industry and his numerous investments have made him one of the richest doctors in the world.
- Net Worth: Over $7 billion.
- Specialty: Surgeon and medical researcher.
- Source of Wealth: Pharmaceutical development (Abraxane) and medical technology investments.
- Notable Contributions: Developed cutting-edge treatments for cancer and other diseases.
2. Thomas Frist Jr.
Thomas Frist Jr. co-founded Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), one of the largest private hospital chains in the world.
His business acumen in expanding healthcare services globally has made him a leader in the industry and one of the wealthiest doctors.
His wealth stems from the hospital chain’s success and his strategic investments.
- Net Worth: Over $17 billion.
- Specialty: Former Air Force surgeon.
- Source of Wealth: Co-founder of HCA (Hospital Corporation of America).
- Notable Contributions: Revolutionized private hospital care with HCA.
3. Phillip Frost
Phillip Frost is a dermatologist and entrepreneur who built his wealth through the pharmaceutical industry.
He founded Ivax Corporation, a pharmaceutical company later sold to Teva Pharmaceuticals, where he served as chairman.
His career in medical entrepreneurship has led to numerous successful ventures, making him one of the wealthiest figures in medicine.
- Net Worth: Over $2 billion.
- Specialty: Dermatology.
- Source of Wealth: Pharmaceutical development and biotech investments.
- Notable Contributions: Pioneered affordable drugs and biotech innovations.
4. Gary Michelson
Gary Michelson is a retired orthopedic spinal surgeon who made his fortune through medical patents.
He holds over 950 patents on orthopedic surgery and medical devices, revolutionizing spinal surgery.
His innovations have improved patient outcomes and contributed significantly to his wealth.
- Net Worth: Over $1.5 billion.
- Specialty: Orthopedic spinal surgery.
- Source of Wealth: Medical device patents and innovations.
- Notable Contributions: Pioneered new spinal surgery techniques and devices.
5. James Andrews
James Andrews is a renowned orthopedic surgeon who has treated some of the world’s top athletes.
He is also a specialist in sports medicine and is known for performing surgeries on high-profile athletes such as Michael Jordan and Tom Brady.
His orthopedic surgery and sports medicine expertise have made him famous and wealthy.
- Net Worth: Estimated at $100 million.
- Specialty: Orthopedic surgery and sports medicine.
- Source of Wealth: High-profile surgeries and medical practices.
- Notable Contributions: Pioneered advanced techniques in sports medicine and athlete rehabilitation.
6. Terry Dubrow
Terry Dubrow is a renowned plastic surgeon and reality TV star.
He gained widespread fame by appearing on the reality show Botched, where he helps patients correct botched plastic surgeries.
In addition to his TV career, Dubrow has a successful plastic surgery practice in California, making him one of the wealthiest doctors in his field.
- Net Worth: Over $50 million.
- Specialty: Plastic surgery.
- Source of Wealth: Plastic surgery practice and television career.
- Notable Contributions: Star of Botched and advocate for safe plastic surgery practices.
7. Leonard Hochstein
Leonard Hochstein, also known as “The Boob God,” is a prominent plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation.
Based in Miami, Hochstein has built a thriving practice catering to high-profile clients, making him a wealthy figure in cosmetic surgery.
He is known for his expertise in body contouring and breast enhancement surgeries.
- Net Worth: Over $30 million.
- Specialty: Plastic surgery, specializing in breast augmentation.
- Source of Wealth: Plastic surgery practice and high-profile clientele.
- Notable Contributions: Known for excellence in breast surgeries and body contouring.
8. Robert Rey
Robert Rey is another well-known plastic surgeon famous for appearing on the reality show Dr. 90210.
Rey specializes in aesthetic surgery and has gained a reputation for catering to Hollywood’s elite.
His success in the field and his TV career have earned him significant wealth.
- Net Worth: Over $20 million.
- Specialty: Plastic surgery, focusing on cosmetic enhancements.
- Source of Wealth: Plastic surgery practice and television appearances.
- Notable Contributions: Star of Dr. 90210 and known for celebrity cosmetic surgeries.
9. Sanjay Gupta
Sanjay Gupta is a neurosurgeon and CNN’s chief medical correspondent.
While he continues to practice medicine, Gupta is best known for his media career, where he reports on health-related topics and medical breakthroughs.
His dual roles in medicine and media have made him one of the world’s wealthiest and most recognizable doctors.
- Net Worth: Over $12 million.
- Specialty: Neurosurgery.
- Source of Wealth: Medical practice and media career.
- Notable Contributions: CNN’s chief medical correspondent advocates for public health awareness.
10. Paul Nassif
Paul Nassif is a highly successful plastic surgeon specializing in facial reconstructive surgery.
He gained fame through the reality TV show Botched, where he and Terry Dubrow fixed cosmetic surgery issues.
Nassif is particularly known for his expertise in rhinoplasty (nose jobs), which contributed to his wealth and reputation.
- Net Worth: Over $40 million.
- Specialty: Plastic surgery, specializing in facial reconstructive surgery.
- Source of Wealth: Plastic surgery practice and television career.
- Notable Contributions: Co-star of Botched and expert in rhinoplasty.
11. Garth Fisher
Garth Fisher is a renowned plastic surgeon who gained fame for his role on the reality TV show Extreme Makeover.
He specializes in cosmetic surgery, particularly facial and breast surgeries.
Fisher’s high-profile clientele and his successful practice in Beverly Hills have made him one of the wealthiest plastic surgeons in the world.
- Net Worth: Over $15 million.
- Specialty: Plastic surgery, focusing on facial and breast enhancements.
- Source of Wealth: Plastic surgery practice and television appearances.
- Notable Contributions: Featured on Extreme Makeover and renowned for celebrity cosmetic surgeries.
12. Mehmet Oz
Mehmet Oz, also known as Dr. Oz, is a cardiothoracic surgeon and a prominent television personality.
He gained fame through The Oprah Winfrey Show before hosting his show, The Dr. Oz Show, where he discusses health, wellness, and medical topics.
His media career, book deals, and medical practice have contributed to his substantial wealth.
- Net Worth: Over $100 million.
- Specialty: Cardiothoracic surgery.
- Source of Wealth: Medical practice, television career, and book sales.
- Notable Contributions: Host of The Dr. Oz Show and advocate for public health education.
13. David Drew Pinsky
David Drew Pinsky, also known as Dr. Drew, is a medical doctor and media personality best known for his work in addiction medicine and psychiatry.
He gained fame through his radio show Loveline and later appeared on various television shows, including Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.
His medical and media work has made him a well-known and wealthy figure.
- Net Worth: Over $20 million.
- Specialty: Addiction medicine and psychiatry.
- Source of Wealth: Medical practice, radio, and television career.
- Notable Contributions: Host of Loveline and advocate for addiction treatment and mental health.
14. Randal Haworth
Randal Haworth is a world-renowned plastic surgeon specializing in facial plastic surgery.
He is particularly famous for his expertise in cosmetic procedures like facelifts and rhinoplasties.
Based in Beverly Hills, Haworth has a thriving practice has appeared on several television programs, including The Swan.
- Net Worth: Over $15 million.
- Specialty: Plastic surgery, focusing on facial procedures.
- Source of Wealth: Plastic surgery practice and television appearances.
- Notable Contributions: Featured on The Swan and known for high-end cosmetic surgery.
Conclusion
From medical technology innovators to celebrated media personalities, these 14 doctors have made their mark in the medical world and beyond.
Their expertise, entrepreneurship, and dedication to advancing health care have improved countless lives and earned them vast fortunes.
Whether through groundbreaking surgeries, health advocacy, or medical inventions, these doctors have proven that the intersection of medicine and wealth can lead to remarkable achievements.
