Deciding on a Medical Specialty
For a few students, they know exactly what kind of medical specialty they want to pursue even before applying to med school. For others, their path becomes clear once they are in medical school and completing their clinical rounds. However, for some individuals, the decision on which specialty to choose is not a simple one. Consider asking yourself some of the following questions to help you narrow down your focus.
Factors to Consider
Most specialists have some contact with patients unless they are involved solely in research, and even then, they may interact with patients. Certain medical specialties involve more patient contact than others. For example, if you enjoy a lot of patient interaction, there are many specialties where you may thrive, such as psychiatry or family medicine. Conversely, if you consider yourself a more introverted person, you might excel in fields like radiology or pathology.
You probably enjoy school or you wouldn’t have become a doctor. However, after four years of college and four more years of med school, you might not want to commit to a long residency and fellowship. All med school graduates must complete a residency, but the length varies by specialty. For example, if you become a surgeon, plan on at least six years of residency.
Not all doctors have a specific population they want to treat. For others, there is a passion for working with children, the elderly, or patients with mental health issues. If you have a strong interest in caring for a specific group, it may guide you toward a particular specialty.
There is nothing wrong with wanting a life outside of your career. Doctors spend a lot of time working. Consider how this will impact your personal life and how much leisure time you need. Some medical specialties are more demanding than others. For instance, surgeons might have to work long, irregular hours, which may affect your work-life balance.
Personal Preferences and Stress Factors
Some people enjoy a lot of variety at work, while others prefer routine. If you enjoy unpredictability, you might consider a specialty like emergency medicine, where no two days are the same. On the other hand, if you prefer a structured workday, specialties like pediatrics or family practice might suit you better.
It is difficult to predict which specialty will be the most stressful. Various factors contribute to stress, such as running your own practice, long hours, or managing staff. Certain specialties involve treating life-threatening conditions, which can add pressure. If you perform well under stress, critical care or emergency medicine might be a good fit. If you prefer a less intense environment, consider specialties like ophthalmology or dermatology.
Consider what excites you about medicine. Are you fascinated by research or do you enjoy treating complex cases? Reflect on what you excel at and what you dislike. Sometimes, trusting your instincts about what specialty feels right is crucial.
Some doctors prefer working in large teaching hospitals, while others might want to start their own practice or work in an underserved community. The type of environment you are most comfortable in can influence your choice of specialty.
The responsibilities of a doctor can vary based on their specialty. Some specialties involve performing numerous procedures, while others focus more on diagnostics. For instance, surgeons and emergency room doctors perform various procedures, from surgeries to inserting chest tubes.
Not every doctor has a strong stomach. Although you may get used to some of the more graphic aspects of medicine during med school, you might still have limits. If you are easily squeamish, consider a specialty like psychiatry.
After considering these questions, it should be easier to narrow down your focus and determine what kind of specialist you want to be. If you are still unsure, consider taking a test as an additional tool to help you decide. Talk to residents and attending physicians about their specialties and shadow a doctor in the specialty you are considering. Choosing a specialty should be driven by your passion and interests rather than monetary gain or status.
