Highest Paying Medical Jobs in India: Top Careers with Big Salaries

Introduction

The medical profession in India represents one of the most prestigious and financially rewarding careers available today. As one of the world's largest healthcare markets, India's growing demand for specialized medical services has created exceptional opportunities for doctors across various specializations. Whether you're aspiring to become a physician, surgeon, or specialized medical professional, understanding which medical jobs offer the highest paying potential is crucial for career planning.

The highest paying medical jobs in India have evolved significantly in recent years, driven by increased healthcare privatization, technological advancement, and growing patient demand. Today's best paying jobs in the medical field extend beyond traditional general practice, encompassing specialized surgical fields, cutting-edge diagnostic medicine, and emerging healthcare management roles. With medical salaries ranging from ₹5 lakhs annually for fresh MBBS graduates to over ₹1 crore for top-earning specialists, the earning potential in this field is substantial.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the highest salary doctor positions across India, detailed salary breakdowns by specialization, and actionable insights to help you navigate the medical profession's most lucrative career paths. We'll examine which surgeon earns the most, compare MBBS doctor starting salaries versus specialized practitioners, and reveal medical jobs high pay opportunities that many aspiring doctors overlook.

This article covers all aspects of doctor salaries in India, from entry-level positions to top-tier specialist roles. We'll provide deep insights into which type of doctor has highest salary, explore income of doctors in India across different sectors, and discuss high salary career options in medical field without NEET for those seeking alternative pathways.

Whether you're researching highest paid doctors in india, investigating best paying jobs in the medical field, or understanding which doctor earns the most in india, this resource provides data-driven salary information, career progression timelines, and strategic recommendations for maximizing your medical career earnings. Read on to discover top paid doctors in india and the specializations that command premium compensation in India's dynamic healthcare landscape.

 

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What Are the Highest Paying Medical Jobs in India? Complete Overview

The highest paying medical jobs in india represent the pinnacle of medical career earnings. Medical field high paying jobs typically require extensive education, specialized training, and years of clinical experience. Understanding the salary landscape across different medical specializations helps aspiring doctors make informed career decisions.

The best paying jobs in the medical field in India are concentrated in surgical and specialized medical fields where complex procedures command higher compensation. From neurosurgery to cardiology, these highest paying medical specialties combine significant patient demand with complex medical expertise.

Doctor salaries in India have increased substantially over the past decade. The average medical professional earns between ₹8-12 lakhs annually in early career stages, while established specialists in private practice often exceed ₹50 lakhs yearly. The highest salary doctor positions can reach ₹1 crore or more in exclusive private practices.

Several factors determine medical jobs high pay potential: specialization type, years of experience, geographic location, hospital affiliation, private practice status, and reputation. Specialists with thriving private practices typically earn 2-3 times more than their hospital-employed counterparts.

The Salary Progression Timeline

Understanding how doctor salaries evolve throughout a career is essential. Most highest paid doctors in india followed a consistent progression path:

• Fresh MBBS Graduate: ₹5-8 lakhs annually (₹40,000-65,000 monthly)

• Post-specialization (MD/MS): ₹12-25 lakhs annually

• Established Consultant (5-10 years): ₹25-50 lakhs annually

• Senior Specialist/Private Practice (10+ years): ₹50-100+ lakhs annually

• Top Earners in Exclusive Practice: ₹1 crore+ annually

The highest salary doctor positions achieve this top tier through a combination of specialization, reputation building, private practice establishment, and often entrepreneurial ventures in healthcare.

 

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Top 25 Highest Paying Medical Specialties in India: Detailed Salary Breakdown

The best paying jobs in the medical field come from specific high-demand specializations. These medical jobs high pay sectors combine complex medical knowledge with strong patient demand and significant earning potential.

Top 25 Highest Paying Medical Specialties

Source: Ambitionbox, Glassdoor, 6figr.com, PolicyBazaar (2025 data)

These highest paying medical specialties represent the best paying jobs in the medical field across India. The variation in salary depends significantly on experience, location, and private practice involvement. Many highest paid doctors in india who operate in exclusive private clinics or corporate hospitals exceed these average figures substantially.

 

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Which Doctor Earns the Most in India? Individual Top Earners Profile

When examining which doctor earns the most in india, individual profiles reveal fascinating insights about how top medical professionals build exceptional incomes. The highest salary doctor positions in India are often held by doctors who combine clinical expertise with entrepreneurial ventures.

Profile of India's Top Medical Earners

Dr. Devi Shetty - Cardiac Surgeon & Healthcare Entrepreneur

• Specialization: Cardiac Surgery

• Estimated Annual Income: ₹15+ crore

• Practice Model: Founder of Narayana Health

• Earnings Source: Hospital ownership, cardiac surgery consultations, international recognition

• Key Success Factor: Combined clinical excellence with healthcare innovation and hospital chain establishment

This prominent cardiac surgeon exemplifies how highest paid doctors in india leverage their specialization into broader healthcare enterprises. His cardiac surgeon salary in india started traditionally but grew exponentially through hospital ownership and medical innovation.

Factors That Create Top Medical Earners

The most successful highest salary doctor professionals typically share these characteristics:

1. Specialized Super-Specialization: Neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, and complex gastroenterology

2. Private Practice Establishment: Own clinic or exclusive consulting agreements

3. Hospital Affiliation: Ties to premium hospitals like Apollo, Fortis, or Medanta

4. Reputation Building: Established patient referral networks

5. Entrepreneurial Ventures: Hospital ownership, medical device involvement, or medical tourism

6. Geographic Location: Practice in metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore)

7. International Recognition: Global medical credentials or publications

8. Additional Revenue Streams: Medical writing, consulting, training, or advisory roles

The highest paid doctors in india typically earn 50-70% of their income from private consultations and surgeries, rather than hospital salaries alone.

 

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Which Type of Doctor Has Highest Salary? Specialization Comparison

Understanding which type of doctor has highest salary requires analyzing both surgical and non-surgical specializations. The highest paying medical specialties fall into distinct categories based on earning potential.

Surgical vs Non-Surgical Doctor Salaries

The which surgeon earns the most in india category is dominated by neurosurgeons and cardiac surgeons, who command premium fees for complex life-saving procedures.

Comparing Top Earning Doctor Types

Neurosurgeon vs Cardiologist vs Plastic Surgeon

These three specializations represent the highest salary doctor categories:

• Neurosurgeons: ₹30-120 lakhs annually (highest earning potential)

• Cardiac Surgeons: ₹20-100 lakhs annually (critical procedures)

• Plastic Surgeons: ₹20-100 lakhs annually (cosmetic procedures boost earnings)

The which type of doctor has highest salary answer varies by private practice involvement. In exclusive private practice, plastic surgeons and cardiologists often exceed neurosurgeons in annual earnings due to higher patient volume and repeat procedures.

 

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Cardiac Surgeon Salary in India: Detailed Breakdown

The cardiac surgeon salary india represents one of the most lucrative medical careers. Cardiac surgery combines life-critical expertise with significant patient demand, commanding premium compensation across India's healthcare sector.

Cardiac Surgeon Career Path & Timeline

• MBBS: 5.5 years (Entrance: NEET-UG)

• MD/DNB (General Surgery): 3 years (Entrance: NEET-PG)

• MCh/DNB (Cardiothoracic Surgery): 3 years (Super-specialty entrance)

• Total Timeline: 11.5-12 years before practicing as cardiac surgeon

Cardiac Surgeon Salary by Experience Level

The cardiac surgeon salary in india varies dramatically based on hospital type and private practice involvement. Government cardiac surgeons earn fixed salaries with benefits, while private practitioners can exceed these figures through patient consultations and surgical fees.

Additional Cardiac Surgeon Income Sources

Beyond base salary, highest paid cardiac surgeons generate income from:

• Private consultations: ₹500-2,000 per patient

• Surgical procedures: ₹50,000-10,00,000 per surgery

• Hospital affiliations: Monthly retainer fees

• Medical tourism: International patients (premium fees)

• Teaching/Training: Medical college positions

• Research grants and publications

• Medical device consultancy

 

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Which Surgeon Earns the Most in India? Surgical Specialization Comparison

When analyzing which surgeon earns the most in india, data reveals clear earning hierarchies within surgical specializations. The highest paying surgical careers combine procedure complexity with patient demand and private practice potential.

Surgeon Earnings Comparison - Top Surgical Specialties

The which surgeon earns the most ranking shows neurosurgeons consistently at the top, followed closely by cardiac surgeons and plastic surgeons. However, individual earnings can vary significantly based on reputation, location, and private practice success.

Why Neurosurgeons Earn the Most

Neurosurgery represents the highest salary surgical field for several reasons:

1. Limited Practitioner Pool: Fewer neurosurgeons available nationwide

2. Complex Procedures: Brain and spinal surgeries require advanced expertise

3. Critical Patient Need: Life-saving procedures justify premium fees

4. Extended Training: 14-year pathway creates scarcity

5. Private Practice Premium: Neurosurgeons often command top consultation fees (₹1,000-3,000+)

6. Procedure Costs: Brain surgeries range from ₹5 lakhs to ₹50+ lakhs, generating substantial income

7. International Recognition: Expertise attracts medical tourism patients

 

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MBBS Doctor Salary in India: Fresh Graduates to Specialists

Understanding mbbs doctor salary in india is crucial for aspiring medical professionals. The doctor starting pay in india for MBBS graduates forms the foundation for long-term medical career earnings.

MBBS Fresh Graduate Salary Breakdown

MBBS Doctor Salary - Fresh Graduates (2025)

The doctor starting pay for fresh MBBS graduates in india typically ranges from ₹3-9 lakhs annually, depending on hospital type and location. This represents the entry point for what can become one of the highest paying medical jobs in india.

MBBS Salary Progression Path

Year 1-2 (Internship/Junior Resident):

• Average Salary: ₹1.8-3.6 lakhs annually

• Focus: Clinical training and experience

• Path: Foundation for specialization

Year 3-5 (MD/MS Postgraduate):

• Average Salary: ₹8-15 lakhs annually

• Focus: Specialization in chosen field

• Path: Entering specialized medical field

Year 6-10 (Established Specialist):

• Average Salary: ₹20-40 lakhs annually

• Focus: Building reputation and patient base

• Path: Private practice establishment

Year 10+ (Senior Specialist/Private Practice):

• Average Salary: ₹50-100+ lakhs annually

• Focus: Advanced procedures and entrepreneurship

• Path: Maximum earning potential achieved

 

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Doctors Salaries in India: Sector Comparison (Government vs Private)

The doctors salaries in india landscape differs dramatically between government and private sectors. Understanding these differences is essential for career planning in the medical field.

Government vs Private Sector Doctor Salaries

The highest paying medical jobs in india are predominantly in the private sector, where consultation fees, surgical procedures, and performance incentives significantly boost earnings.

Government Sector Advantages

• Stable, fixed income

• Pension after retirement

• Job security and benefits

• Free/subsidized housing

• Lower work pressure

• Research opportunities

Private Sector Advantages

• Higher earning potential

• Performance-based bonuses

• Consultation fees

• Procedure-based income

• Entrepreneurial opportunities

• Faster career advancement

Most highest paid doctors in india leverage both sectors: government positions for stability while building private practices for additional income.

 

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Income of Doctors in India: Detailed Salary by Specialization & Location

The income of doctors in india varies significantly based on specialization, experience, location, and private practice involvement. This comprehensive analysis reveals salary patterns across India's medical profession.

Medical Specialization Salary Comparison

 Doctor Salary by City (Highest Paying Locations)

Metro cities offer significantly higher salaries for medical professionals. Delhi and Mumbai consistently rank as highest paying locations for doctors in india.

 

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Medical Courses Without NEET: High Salary Career Options

While NEET qualification opens physician pathways, several high salary career options in medical field exist for those seeking alternatives.

High Salary Jobs in Science Stream Without NEET

 Medical Career Options Without NEET

These high salary career options in medical without neet provide legitimate paths to respectable incomes without pursuing NEET and MBBS.

Why These Careers Offer High Salaries

1. Healthcare Sector Growth: Expanding demand across all medical professions

2. Specialization Value: Specific skills command premium pay

3. Corporate Hospital Growth: More positions in private facilities

4. International Scope: Export opportunities for skilled professionals

5. Entrepreneurship: Many professionals establish independent clinics/labs

 

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Factors Affecting Highest Paying Medical Jobs in India

Multiple interconnected factors determine which medical jobs are highest paying and how much individual doctors earn.

 Key Factors Influencing Doctor Salaries

Geographic Location Impact on Medical Salaries

The geographic location substantially influences the highest paying medical jobs in india. Doctor earnings vary dramatically across regions:

Metro Cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore)

• Average doctor salary: ₹12-30 lakhs

• Highest specialists earn: ₹80-150+ lakhs

• Private practice premium: 200-300%

Tier-1 Cities (Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune)

• Average doctor salary: ₹8-15 lakhs

• Highest specialists earn: ₹40-80 lakhs

• Private practice premium: 150-200%

Tier-2 Cities (Regional Hubs)

• Average doctor salary: ₹5-10 lakhs

• Highest specialists earn: ₹25-50 lakhs

• Private practice premium: 100-150%

Tier-3 Cities/Rural Areas

• Average doctor salary: ₹3-6 lakhs

• Highest specialists earn: ₹12-30 lakhs

• Private practice premium: 50-100%

 

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How to Maximize Earnings in the Highest Paying Medical Jobs

Understanding optimal strategies for maximizing medical career earnings is essential for aspiring doctors.

Strategic Career Path to Maximize Income

Phase 1: Foundation (0-3 years)

• Focus: Gain clinical expertise and credentials

• Action: Complete MBBS, start specialization

• Income: ₹3-8 lakhs annually

• Goal: Build foundational knowledge and network

Phase 2: Specialization (3-7 years)

• Focus: Complete MD/MS, establish expertise

• Action: Choose high-paying specialty

• Income: ₹10-25 lakhs annually

• Goal: Develop specialist reputation

Phase 3: Practice Building (7-12 years)

• Focus: Establish private consultancy

• Action: Open clinic, build referral network

• Income: ₹30-60 lakhs annually

• Goal: Create independent income streams

Phase 4: Premium Positioning (12+ years)

• Focus: Premium specialization and entrepreneurship

• Action: Lead hospital department or own practice

• Income: ₹80-200+ lakhs annually

• Goal: Achieve maximum earning potential

Income Optimization Strategies

1. Specialization Selection: Choose high-demand specialties (cardiology, orthopedics, plastic surgery)

2. Private Practice Setup: Establish independent clinic by 7-10 years of practice

3. Urban Location: Practice in metro cities for higher patient fees

4. Multiple Revenue Streams: Combine hospital salary + private practice + consulting

5. Build Reputation: Invest in marketing and patient testimonials

6. Procedure Focus: Develop high-fee procedure expertise

7. Continuous Learning: Advanced certifications command premium fees

8. Network Building: Referral network expansion increases patient volume

9. Medical Tourism: Attract international patients at premium rates

10. Entrepreneurship: Hospital ownership or medical device involvement

 

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Frequently Asked Questions - Highest Paying Medical Jobs in India

Q1: Which doctor earns the most in india annually?

A: Neurosurgeons, cardiac surgeons, and plastic surgeons earn the highest salaries in India. Top earners in exclusive private practice can earn ₹50-150+ lakhs annually, with some exceptional practitioners exceeding ₹1 crore yearly. The highest salary doctor positions are achieved through a combination of specialization, reputation, and private practice success. Individual top earners like Dr. Devi Shetty (cardiac surgeon, founder of Narayana Health) reportedly earn ₹15+ crore annually through hospital ownership and surgical expertise.

Q2: What is the best paying jobs in the medical field for 2025?

A: The best paying jobs in the medical field in 2025 include:

• Neurosurgery (₹30-120 lakhs)

• Gastroenterology (₹28.8-80 lakhs)

• Neprology (₹33.8-70 lakhs)

• Cardiac Surgery (₹20-100 lakhs)

• Plastic Surgery (₹20-100 lakhs)

• Medical Director (₹27.7-60 lakhs)

These highest paying medical specialties combine critical patient need with limited practitioner availability.

Q3: What is the starting salary for a fresh MBBS doctor in India?

A: Fresh MBBS graduates in India typically earn:

• Government sector: ₹40,000-60,000 monthly (₹4.8-7.2 lakhs annually)

• Private hospitals: ₹25,000-50,000 monthly (₹3-6 lakhs annually)

• Corporate hospitals: ₹50,000-80,000 monthly (₹6-9.6 lakhs annually)

The doctor starting pay in india varies by hospital type, location, and performance. Government roles offer stability while private sectors offer faster salary growth.

Q4: Which type of doctor has highest salary potential in India?

A: Surgical specialists have the highest salary potential. The which surgeon earns the most in india consistently shows neurosurgeons, cardiac surgeons, and plastic surgeons leading earning rankings. These surgical specialties combine complex procedures with strong patient demand, justifying premium fees. Medical field high paying jobs in surgical categories often earn 2-3x more than non-surgical specialists.

Q5: What is cardiac surgeon salary in India per month?

A: Cardiac surgeon salary in india varies by experience:

• Fresh graduates: ₹65,000-1 lakh monthly

• Experienced consultants (5-10 years): ₹2-5 lakhs monthly

• Senior practitioners (10+ years): ₹4-8+ lakhs monthly

• Private practice practitioners: ₹5-20+ lakhs monthly

The cardiac surgeon salary in india reflects the critical nature of heart surgeries and limited practitioner availability.

Q6: How much do medical jobs high pay specialists earn in private practice?

A: Medical jobs high pay specialists in private practice earn substantially more than hospital colleagues:

• Specialists in private clinics: ₹50-100+ lakhs annually

• Established practitioners: ₹1-3 crore annually

• Top practitioners: ₹3-5+ crore annually

Private practice income comes from consultation fees (₹500-5,000 per patient), surgical procedures (₹50,000-10,00,000), and hospital affiliations.

Q7: What are high salary career options in medical without NEET?

A: High salary career options in medical without NEET include:

• B.Sc. Nursing: ₹10-20 lakhs (advanced)

• BPT (Physiotherapy): ₹8-15 lakhs (advanced)

• B.Pharmacy: ₹10-25 lakhs (advanced)

• B.Sc. Radiology: ₹8-15 lakhs (advanced)

• Clinical Research: ₹10-20 lakhs (advanced)

• Healthcare Management: ₹12-25 lakhs (advanced)

These medical courses without neet provide respectable earning alternatives without pursuing physician pathways.

Q8: How does experience affect doctors salaries in India?

A: Experience dramatically impacts doctors salaries in india:

• 0-2 years: ₹3-8 lakhs annually

• 2-5 years: ₹8-15 lakhs annually

• 5-10 years: ₹20-40 lakhs annually

• 10-15 years: ₹40-80 lakhs annually

• 15+ years: ₹80-200+ lakhs annually

Senior doctors earn 10-25x more than fresh graduates, emphasizing the importance of experience in medical career earnings.

Q9: Is private practice more profitable than hospital employment?

A: Yes, private practice typically generates 2-5x higher income than hospital employment:

• Hospital salary (specialist): ₹20-40 lakhs annually

• Private practice income: ₹50-150+ lakhs annually

• Entrepreneurial ventures (hospital ownership): ₹1+ crore annually

However, private practice requires reputation building, patient network development, and entrepreneurial risk-taking.

Q10: Which cities in India offer highest paying medical jobs?

A: Delhi and Mumbai consistently offer highest paying medical jobs in India:

• Delhi: Average ₹13 lakhs, specialists earn ₹50-120+ lakhs

• Mumbai: Average ₹8-12 lakhs, specialists earn ₹40-100+ lakhs

• Bangalore: Average ₹5-9 lakhs, specialists earn ₹30-80 lakhs

• Hyderabad: Average ₹6.2 lakhs, specialists earn ₹25-70 lakhs

Metro city practice offers 50-200% salary premiums compared to tier-2 cities.

Q11: What is the income of doctors in India by specialization?

A: The income of doctors in india varies significantly by specialization. Highest paying medical specializations include gastroenterology (₹28.8 lakhs), neprology (₹33.8 lakhs), and neurosurgery (₹30-120 lakhs). General practitioners earn ₹12-15 lakhs while consultants in premium specializations earn ₹50-100+ lakhs.

Q12: Can doctors in India earn through telemedicine?

A: Yes, highest paying medical jobs increasingly include telemedicine income:

• Online consultations: ₹300-1,000 per patient

• Telemedicine platform earnings: ₹30,000-2,00,000 monthly

• Additional income potential: ₹5-20 lakhs annually

Telemedicine provides supplementary income for practicing doctors nationwide.

Q13: What are the highest salary doctor positions in government sector?

A: Government sector highest salary doctor positions include:

• Medical Director: ₹25-40 lakhs annually

• Senior Professor: ₹20-35 lakhs annually

• Specialist Consultant: ₹15-25 lakhs annually

• Junior Consultant: ₹8-15 lakhs annually

Government roles offer stability, pensions, and benefits despite lower salaries than private sector.

Q14: How does location affect highest paying medical jobs in India?

A: Location significantly impacts highest paying medical jobs in india. Metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai) offer 50-200% higher salaries than tier-2 cities. Premium hospital affiliations in metros command higher consultation fees. Private practice income potential increases substantially in major cities due to higher patient fees and affluent patient base.

Q15: What is the salary growth trajectory for medical professionals in India?

A: Medical professionals experience significant salary growth:

• Year 1-3: ₹3-8 lakhs annually (learning phase)

• Year 4-7: ₹10-25 lakhs annually (specialization phase)

• Year 8-12: ₹30-60 lakhs annually (establishment phase)

• Year 13+: ₹80-200+ lakhs annually (premium phase)

Specialized doctors with private practices achieve highest paying medical jobs status within 10-15 years of practice.

 

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Conclusion

The highest paying medical jobs in india represent exceptional career opportunities for aspiring medical professionals. The medical field offers significant earning potential ranging from ₹5 lakhs for fresh MBBS graduates to ₹1 crore+ for top specialists in exclusive private practice.

Best paying jobs in the medical field are concentrated in surgical and specialized medical fields, with neurosurgery, cardiology, and plastic surgery commanding the highest salaries. These highest salary doctor positions require 12-14 years of education and training but offer substantial financial rewards and prestige.

Medical jobs high pay opportunities are maximized through:

1. Choosing high-demand specializations (neurosurgery, cardiology, gastroenterology)

2. Establishing private practice by 10 years of experience

3. Building reputation and referral networks

4. Focusing on procedure-based income

5. Practicing in metro cities with higher patient fees

6. Leveraging multiple income streams (hospital salary, consultations, medical tourism)

Whether pursuing which surgeon earns the most specialization or exploring which type of doctor has highest salary potential, medical professionals should understand the income of doctors in india varies significantly based on specialization, experience, location, and entrepreneurial ventures.

For those seeking high salary career options in medical without NEET, alternative pathways in nursing, physiotherapy, pharmacy, and clinical research provide respectable earnings without physician training requirements.

The medical profession in India continues evolving with private healthcare growth, technological advancement, and increasing patient demand. Doctors strategically positioning themselves in high-demand specializations, developing strong private practices, and leveraging their expertise across multiple platforms can achieve the highest salary doctor status within 10-15 years of dedicated professional practice.

Your medical career earnings depend on specialization selection, continuous learning, reputation building, and entrepreneurial mindset. By understanding these factors and implementing strategic career planning, aspiring doctors can navigate toward India's most lucrative medical opportunities.