Doctor Headshots: A Practical Guide for Physicians Who Need a Solid Photo (But Don't Have Time for a Photoshoot)
If you’re a doctor, chances are your photo is floating around online somewhere—on your clinic’s website, a hospital directory, or sites like Healthgrades and RateMyMD.
People are Googling you before they ever meet you. Whether they’re patients, future employers, or even other physicians, they’re forming an impression based on that one pic.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting a professional doctor headshot—fast, easy, and without spending $500+ or losing a day to a photoshoot.
This guide covers everything you need to know about doctor headshots getting a professional doctor headshot—fast, easy, and without spending $500+ or losing a day to a photoshoot.
TL;DR: What You Actually Need to Do
- Pick an outfit that fits your specialty (scrubs, coat, button-up, etc.)
- Take or find 10 casual photos of yourself with good lighting
- Upload to Bettershot
- Download your professional headshots a few hours later
- Use them everywhere—from LinkedIn to your hospital directory
So, Why Even Bother With a Headshot?
You’re probably thinking, “I already have a degree on the wall. Why does a photo matter?”
Well, here’s why
- Patients judge doctors based on their photo. (Seriously)
- If your photo looks outdated, unapproachable, or pixelated, people notice. And sometimes, they click away.
- Plus, if you're applying for new roles, joining panels, building a brand, or just want to show up well online—it’s worth updating.
Where to Use Your New Headshot
- Your hospital or clinic profile
- Medical association directories
- Speaking engagements
- Publications or podcasts
- Internal org charts
What Should You Wear?
Quick answer: it depends on your specialty and where the photo will live.
Here’s a general rule of thumb worth bookmarking:
If you’re a…
Family doc or specialists
Wear …
Business casual (white or blue button down)
Example
If you’re a…
ER, surgeon, anesthesiology
Wear...
Scrubs or coat depending on setting
Example
If you're a...
Medical director, chief medical officer
Wear...
Business formal (no coat, blazer okay)
Example
If you're a...
Pediatrics, community health, etc.
Wear...
Something friendly, casual, approachable
Example
Pro tips: Avoid loud prints, neon colors, and branded T-shirts unless that’s part of your clinic’s culture.
Cost Breakdown
Need a quick reference to compare headshot costs in the U.S., and Canada? Bookmark these two infographics!
Is it Worth Hiring a Professional Photographer?
If you want to hire a professional photographer, go for it!
A good photographer will help you with lighting, posing, and editing. But a lot of doctors don’t have the time or desire to spend hours prepping for a shoot.
Bettershot’s AI headshot tool can turn 10 casual photos (taken on your phone, in natural light) into 70+ professional-looking headshots in under 24 hours. That includes:
- White coat, scrubs, and blazer options
- Custom background options
- Friendly and neutral expressions
- Royalty-free use anywhere
