I'm a PGY 2 in a "ROAD" specialty, but having major second thoughts about my career choice. My doubts began during fourth year when I was applying for this specialty, but was somehow convinced those doubts would dissappear once I actually started residency. I'm now 2 months in, and honestly, I really cannot see myself doing this for a career. I'm miserable every day at work (and outside of work), and I'm realizing this misery has more to do with not liking or losing interest in this specialty. I did an internship in general surgery, and even if I was working longer hours, and was exhausted, I actually liked my intern year and enjoyed the chances I got to be in the OR and operate.

As such, I am now very confused about what direction I want to take with my medical career. I'm strongly considering quitting after this year and trying to switch 'back' into general surgery, or if not, do a preventive medicine residency. I have thought about approaching my PD about this, but I also don't want to risk losing my current spot in this residency prematurely i.e I don't want to give up this spot without the guarantee of a surgery or prev med spot, simply because I can't afford to not be employed.

I have become very depressed about this situation. I have spoken with a counsellor, but neither of the counsellors available to us are medical doctors, and thus it is difficult to convey my fears and dissappointment in realizing I made a wrong career choice and that I am at a point that I am not sure how to make to a switch.

So, I guess one question I have what is the best time to approach PD/faculty about my second thoughts and wanting to switch out of the specialty? Especially this early in my residency, would it be better/safer to wait? And would it be better to talk to people at the program or try and seek career advice from people outside the residency?



My thought would be to approach your PD soon, but lets see what aPD has to say or others.

QUOTE]I'm a PGY 2 in a "ROAD" specialty, but having major second thoughts about my career choice. My doubts began during fourth year when I was applying for this specialty, but was somehow convinced those doubts would dissappear once I actually started residency. I'm now 2 months in, and honestly, I really cannot see myself doing this for a career. I'm miserable every day at work (and outside of work), and I'm realizing this misery has more to do with not liking or losing interest in this specialty. I did an internship in general surgery, and even if I was working longer hours, and was exhausted, I actually liked my intern year and enjoyed the chances I got to be in the OR and operate.

As such, I am now very confused about what direction I want to take with my medical career. I'm strongly considering quitting after this year and trying to switch 'back' into general surgery, or if not, do a preventive medicine residency. I have thought about approaching my PD about this, but I also don't want to risk losing my current spot in this residency prematurely i.e I don't want to give up this spot without the guarantee of a surgery or prev med spot, simply because I can't afford to not be employed.

I have become very depressed about this situation. I have spoken with a counsellor, but neither of the counsellors available to us are medical doctors, and thus it is difficult to convey my fears and dissappointment in realizing I made a wrong career choice and that I am at a point that I am not sure how to make to a switch.

So, I guess one question I have what is the best time to approach PD/faculty about my second thoughts and wanting to switch out of the specialty? Especially this early in my residency, would it be better/safer to wait? And would it be better to talk to people at the program or try and seek career advice from people outside the residency?
/QUOTE]


My thought would be to approach your PD soon, but lets see what aPD has to say or others.

A question I would have is: Are you not happy with you specialty or not happy with medicine in general? I switched from an uber-hardworking resideny to a primary care specialty (that I completed). I'm frankly not satisfied with either. I went to med school to do primary care, gave it up for the allure of "wanting to see the results of my work" only to conclude that if primary care docs did a better job, we'd need less specialists. Problem is, now as a primary care doc, people like specialists, like to tell PCPs how to practice medicine/what tests to order, etc. PCPs, as a bloc, have been spineless in advocating for themselves at things seem to only be getting worse.

Keep in mind, also, that your intern year is bad (and PGY2 maybe worse). Lots of folks get the blues.

One question to ask is, keeping in mind that as an attending you won't be working like a dog intern: will you be happy to be doing the work of an attending in your specialty. If so, keep your eye on the prize. If not, and you are certified not-depressed, start looking for another specialty.

A question I would have is: Are you not happy with you specialty or not happy with medicine in general? I switched from an uber-hardworking resideny to a primary care specialty (that I completed). I'm frankly not satisfied with either. I went to med school to do primary care, gave it up for the allure of "wanting to see the results of my work" only to conclude that if primary care docs did a better job, we'd need less specialists. Problem is, now as a primary care doc, people like specialists, like to tell PCPs how to practice medicine/what tests to order, etc. PCPs, as a bloc, have been spineless in advocating for themselves at things seem to only be getting worse.

Keep in mind, also, that your intern year is bad (and PGY2 maybe worse). Lots of folks get the blues.

One question to ask is, keeping in mind that as an attending you won't be working like a dog intern: will you be happy to be doing the work of an attending in your specialty. If so, keep your eye on the prize. If not, and you are certified not-depressed, start looking for another specialty.

The thing that struck me about your post is your comment about enjoying being in the OR. Could you really love being a general surgeon ( which does involve a certain amount of people skills outside of the OR)

If you do then I think you have your answer. You need to decide that question, in my opinion.