MD & DO MS3, Almost MS4, Completely Undecided About Specialty

[freakingthefout]

And stressing out about it. Almost considering taking a year off to do research or something. I have good stats and go to a good school.

I know what I don't want for various reasons - psych, neuro, OB, primary care, general surgery. Pretty much everything else is a possibility. I am just intimidated by the thought of picking what I am doing 30 years from now with such little information and such little direction one way or another. My indecisiveness has probably cost me the opportunity to apply to several specialties (ortho, derm, etc.) due to the need for research and aways.

Anybody else in the same boat?

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[Bobcat18]

Great Username first off- I was in the same boat as you a couple months ago... I feel your pain. I started to shadow different specialties since 3rd year mostly focuses on the 'core' rotations- none of which I was interested in pursuing. Try shadowing specialties that you haven't been exposed to and see if anything catches your interest. Do everything in your power not to have to take a year off - applying after already graduated can be a turnoff to some programs regardless of what your intentions were for taking that time off. Good luck!!

 

[grapefruit17]

Great Username first off- I was in the same boat as you a couple months ago... I feel your pain. I started to shadow different specialties since 3rd year mostly focuses on the 'core' rotations- none of which I was interested in pursuing. Try shadowing specialties that you haven't been exposed to and see if anything catches your interest. Do everything in your power not to have to take a year off - applying after already graduated can be a turnoff to some programs regardless of what your intentions were for taking that time off. Good luck!!

First, do you want to do procedures, don't want to do procedures, or indifferent? Areas with low amount of procedures are probably more like neuro and psych rads etc. How much does lifestyle matter for you? Psych has a really great lifestyle, probably usually better then neuro. The areas of medicine you listed are so different. It really depends on the things you value the most.

 

[freakingthefout]

First, do you want to do procedures, don't want to do procedures, or indifferent? Areas with low amount of procedures are probably more like neuro and psych rads etc. How much does lifestyle matter for you? Psych has a really great lifestyle, probably usually better then neuro. The areas of medicine you listed are so different. It really depends on the things you value the most.

Maybe you misunderstood? Those specialties are specialties I know I for sure do not want to do.

 

[shishka32]

delete

 

[grapefruit17]

Maybe you misunderstood? Those specialties are specialties I know I for sure do not want to do.

oh, i totally misread your post. i was sleepy, lol.

If you're not sure what you want, you could always just go for IM, and then do a fellowship if you decide to. So many different ways to go after IM.

 

[freakingthefout]

oh, i totally misread your post. i was sleepy, lol.

If you're not sure what you want, you could always just go for IM, and then do a fellowship if you decide to. So many different ways to go after IM.

No worries! Yea, I am thinking of doing the same but with peds. I would prefer peds over IM. Idk.

 

[freakingthefout]

Great Username first off- I was in the same boat as you a couple months ago... I feel your pain. I started to shadow different specialties since 3rd year mostly focuses on the 'core' rotations- none of which I was interested in pursuing. Try shadowing specialties that you haven't been exposed to and see if anything catches your interest. Do everything in your power not to have to take a year off - applying after already graduated can be a turnoff to some programs regardless of what your intentions were for taking that time off. Good luck!!

Thanks. This is really good advice. I have shadowed a ton (probably every major specialty) and have not found something that clicks or grabs me. I guess nothing will and I might need to accept that.

 

[iceclimb12]

I have no business here, but have you listened to the "Undifferentiated Medical Student" podcast? This guy is in same boat and is interviewing people from all specialties. Also he asks everyone questions on how they arrived at their decision and what advice they would give someone in your shoes. It might help? The Undifferentiated Medical Student


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[Tenk]

You are looking at this the wrong way. You are looking for some match made in heaven. This rarely actually happens and when you think it does, you find out the truth later on as an attending. I know I did!

What you need to look for is a job that you can tolerate/do that gives you the lifestyle outside the hospital you want. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Nights or no nights?
2. Shift work or a more regular schedule?
3. Inpatient or outpatient?
4. Call or no call?

These will have the biggest impact on your actual life. You know, that thing you don't have right now but want sometime after residency? Find the specialty you hate the least that gives you the best fit regarding those things and you will be happier than choosing a super awesome specialty that gives you a crappy lifestyle. Good luck.

 

[freakingthefout]

You are looking at this the wrong way. You are looking for some match made in heaven. This rarely actually happens and when you think it does, you find out the truth later on as an attending. I know I did!

What you need to look for is a job that you can tolerate/do that gives you the lifestyle outside the hospital you want. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Nights or no nights?
2. Shift work or a more regular schedule?
3. Inpatient or outpatient?
4. Call or no call?

These will have the biggest impact on your actual life. You know, that thing you don't have right now but want sometime after residency? Find the specialty you hate the least that gives you the best fit regarding those things and you will be happier than choosing a super awesome specialty that gives you a crappy lifestyle. Good luck.

Great advice. Thank you. I guess my answers would be

1. Would prefer no regular nights but the occasional one is no problem
2. More regular schedule
3. Inpatient
4. Either, would prefer no to little call if can be avoided but not huge on my list

 

[freakingthefout]

I have no business here, but have you listened to the "Undifferentiated Medical Student" podcast? This guy is in same boat and is interviewing people from all specialties. Also he asks everyone questions on how they arrived at their decision and what advice they would give someone in your shoes. It might help? The Undifferentiated Medical Student


Sent from my iPad using SDN mobile

Yes, great podcast! Perfect for someone like me. Unfortunately I think he will only be through around 40 specialties or so by the time I have to decide. Thank you.

 

[Frogger27]

What about PM&R?

 

[Tenk]

Great advice. Thank you. I guess my answers would be

1. Would prefer no regular nights but the occasional one is no problem
2. More regular schedule
3. Inpatient
4. Either, would prefer no to little call if can be avoided but not huge on my list

That screams subspecialty. ED and hospitalists do lots of nights. You'd need to be a subspecialist where most of your work is done during business hours while occasionally taking call for your group.

 

[mvenus929]

Any of the ICUs might be good for you. Peds Cards can mostly be inpatient depending on what you do. But it's really difficult to avoid call if you want to work inpatient.

Try doing an ICU rotation (pick your flavor), and decide if you like the pace and medicine. Subspecialties in Peds or IM would be the next good step. That will hopefully give you some clarity.