The healthcare profession is widely considered one of the noblest in the world. It brings with it the deep satisfaction of saving lives and serving humanity. For doctors, there’s also the added prestige of the title and, often, considerable financial success. But this raises an interesting question: how much power do doctors really wield? And more intriguingly, who is the most powerful doctor in the world? Today, we explore the answer to that question—along with why, oddly enough, some people (and even Google) refer to Bill Gates as a doctor. But first, here’s a look at ten of the most powerful doctors across the globe.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Position: Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO)
When discussing the most powerful doctor in the world, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is undoubtedly a leading contender. As the head of the World Health Organization, his role places him at the epicentre of global health decisions. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic elevated his public profile significantly, making him not only a prominent figure in healthcare but also in international politics. His position, combined with the networks he has built at WHO, gives him considerable influence—thankfully used in service to humanity.

Dr Anthony Fauci

Position: Former Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), USA
Dr Anthony Fauci has been a cornerstone of American public health for decades, advising several presidents on issues ranging from the AIDS epidemic to the COVID-19 crisis. Post-pandemic, he has become a household name and one of the most recognisable figures in global healthcare. While he has faced criticism, particularly in the US, he remains highly respected in the medical community, where his influence is profound and far-reaching.

Dr Francis Collins

Position: Former Director, National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA
Best known for leading the Human Genome Project, Dr Francis Collins has had a lasting impact on biomedical research. Although he no longer holds his directorial position at the NIH, his leadership led to groundbreaking advancements in medicine, including the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines. His achievements have granted him substantial clout in scientific and policy-making circles.

Dr Paul Farmer (Deceased)

Position: Co-founder, Partners In Health
Though he passed away in 2022, Dr Paul Farmer’s influence continues to resonate in global health. He dedicated his life to providing quality healthcare for underserved populations and inspired a generation of health professionals to focus on equity and justice in medicine. His legacy lives on through the institutions he helped build and the minds he helped shape.

Dr Devi Shetty

Position: Founder, Narayana Health, India
One of India’s most celebrated cardiac surgeons, Dr Devi Shetty has revolutionised healthcare accessibility in the country. His hospital network, Narayana Health, delivers world-class services at remarkably affordable prices. In a nation of over a billion people, being one of the most trusted names in medicine brings enormous influence—and he uses that influence to improve lives on a massive scale.

Dr Atul Gawande

Position: Surgeon, Author, and Public Health Leader
Dr Atul Gawande is a rare combination of hands-on surgeon, policy thinker, and celebrated author. Known for his books like The Checklist Manifesto, Gawande has had a profound impact on patient safety protocols and public health thinking. His thought leadership has shaped how medical professionals worldwide approach healthcare systems, making his influence both practical and ideological.

Dr Harald zur Hausen

Position: Nobel Laureate in Medicine (2008)
A Nobel Prize is a sure sign of immense influence, and Dr Harald zur Hausen earned his for identifying that the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. His work led to the development of the HPV vaccine, potentially saving millions of lives. The sheer scale of this achievement ensures his place in medical history and continues to influence global health initiatives.

Dr Tom Frieden

Position: Former Director, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA
Dr Tom Frieden played a key leadership role at the CDC during significant public health emergencies, including the H1N1 flu and the Ebola outbreak. Today, he heads the global health initiative Resolve to Save Lives, focusing on epidemic prevention and cardiovascular disease. His impact on global health systems and crisis management policies cannot be overstated.

Dr Robert Califf

Position: Commissioner, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
As Commissioner of the FDA, Dr Robert Califf oversees the regulation of medications, medical devices, and vaccines—not just for the US but effectively for much of the world. The FDA’s decisions impact billions of people, and Dr Califf’s position places him among the most powerful figures in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

Dr Patrick Soon-Shiong

Position: Surgeon, Scientist, and Entrepreneur
Dr Patrick Soon-Shiong gained global recognition for developing the cancer drug Abraxane, but his influence extends beyond medicine into biotechnology, AI, and health systems innovation. He is also one of the wealthiest medical professionals in the world. His wealth, combined with his ventures and research contributions, places him firmly on the list of the most powerful doctors.

So, Why is Bill Gates Called a Doctor?

This question often arises, especially when a Google search misleadingly labels him as “Dr Bill Gates.” While Gates is not a medical doctor, he has received numerous honorary doctorates and has become one of the most influential figures in global health through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation’s work in funding vaccine research, malaria eradication, and pandemic preparedness has been game-changing. While not a doctor by training, his influence in the health sector is undeniable—which might explain the occasional confusion.

Final Thoughts

Power in the medical world comes in many forms—policy influence, research breakthroughs, healthcare accessibility, and even thought leadership. From Dr Tedros to Dr Soon-Shiong, these individuals wield their influence to shape healthcare at a global scale. Whether through leadership, innovation, or sheer reach, each has a unique claim to being the most powerful doctor in the world. And while Bill Gates may not hold a medical degree, his substantial impact on public health policy and funding proves that you don’t need to wear a white coat to shape the future of medicine.