M4 here...have interviewed for both fields and need to decide what to go into. Residents and attendings who may have been in my position and now have the added benefit of hindsight - please help me!
Internal Medicine
Pros: Lots of good fellowships to choose from, more laid back than anesthesia in terms of being vigilant all the time, probably more interesting.
Cons: Likely less pay, annoying patients, paperwork, social work.
Anesthesiology
Pros: Not dealing with annoying patients, one patient at a time, ability to specialize in pain, better pay, not hassled outside of work hours, better lifestyle outside of work.
Cons: more intense (have to be vigilant all the time), earlier hours, taking orders from surgeons, higher risk, competition with CRNAs
Internal Medicine
Pros: Lots of good fellowships to choose from, more laid back than anesthesia in terms of being vigilant all the time, probably more interesting.
Cons: Likely less pay, annoying patients, paperwork, social work.
Anesthesiology
Pros: Not dealing with annoying patients, one patient at a time, ability to specialize in pain, better pay, not hassled outside of work hours, better lifestyle outside of work.
Cons: more intense (have to be vigilant all the time), earlier hours, taking orders from surgeons, higher risk, competition with CRNAs
