Several thoughts...just the opinions of one 3rd year who's looked into this alot (and I have friends who are residents in all three).
Where do you want to settle? East or West? Rural/urban/suburbs? Private practice or academics? Specialty? All have different profiles.
What about med-peds? You treat adults and kids, like FP, but there's no OB (not my favorite, either). Practices tend to be younger because they attract families with small children who are usually not elderly adults. Downside is a four year residency with heavy inpatient responsibility. Very few programs in the West (in GENERAL, med peds practitioners tend to be valued more in the east, while FPs are valued more in the west. There are also a growing number of practices with both an FP and a Med-Peds doc.). There are an increasing number of fellowships specifically for med-peds trained docs in things like cardiology and pulmonology, to follow kids with pediatric diseases that are now living into adulthood (CF for one).
Not all FPs do OB, and both OB and surgery requirements vary greatly by program-some with less emphasis than others. Difficulty of program also varies, and with the new work hours rules it's tough to compare with Peds. There aren't many fellowships post FP, and fewer options in academics than other specialties. FPs are worshipped in rural areas where they can provide excellent comprehensive care to communities without other practices.
Most parents in peds aren't angry, and many are wonderful to work with and are so thankful that you helped their child. The pediatricians I have known (and it's a big sample size) are in general a nice bunch. Lots of fellowship opportunities (see thread in Pediatrics forum). Personally I think private practice peds would be a little boring (Otitis, otitis, otitis, -look a GI bug!
), but then again I probably should be on ritalin so I'm not one to talk!
When are you applying? Can you apply to both programs to check them out?
Good luck!
