Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists Go Back to List Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities. Includes physicians, dentists, public health specialists, pharmacologists, and medical pathologists who primarily conduct research.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Graphics or photo imaging software

Tasks
	Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
	Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
	Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
	Teach principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, residents, students, and technicians.
	Prepare and analyze organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure.
	Standardize drug dosages, methods of immunization, and procedures for manufacture of drugs and medicinal compounds.
	Investigate cause, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission of diseases or parasites.
	Confer with health departments, industry personnel, physicians, and others to develop health safety standards and public health improvement programs.
	Study animal and human health and physiological processes.
	Consult with and advise physicians, educators, researchers, and others regarding medical applications of physics, biology, and chemistry.

Skills
	Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Knowledge
	Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
	Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

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Education & Training   Education:   Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).   Related Experience:   Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $146,876.00 $70.61  $38.90  $48.96 - $87.05  Danbury $148,143.00 $71.23  $39.05  $45.33 - $86.77  Hartford $141,466.00 $68.01  $43.60  $51.18 - $86.90  New Haven $125,723.00 $60.45  $32.01  $32.16 - $66.85  New London/Norwich $138,870.00 $66.77  $40.53  $50.13 - $82.42  Waterbury $187,365.00 $90.07  $73.27  $92.21 - $92.21

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   143   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow much faster than average, and the number of annual openings will offer good or favorable job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.