Do doctors make bad investors?

Physicians are often viewed as financially successful professionals, yet many struggle to translate high incomes into long-term investment success. The reasons are complex. Years of training can delay saving and investing, leaving many doctors feeling behind financially just as their earnings peak. Heavy workloads and demanding schedules may also limit the time available to study markets, evaluate opportunities, or build disciplined investment strategies. As a result, some physicians rely heavily on advisors, follow trends without a clear plan, or make decisions driven more by tax concerns or short-term performance than by long-term goals.

At the same time, doctors possess many characteristics that can make them strong investors: analytical thinking, comfort with data, and the discipline required to complete rigorous training. When these strengths are paired with sound financial education and a structured approach to risk, physicians can become highly effective long-term investors.

In this video, Steven Podnos, MD, CFP, addresses a question that frequently surfaces in financial discussions: Do doctors make bad investors? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Instead, it involves understanding the behavioral tendencies, structural challenges, and strategic choices that shape how physicians approach investing—and how they can position themselves for better outcomes over time.