can't decide what specialty to do!

[TacoGirl]

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It feels like everybody at school knows what specialty they are going into. I am torn between picking something I like and something I "sort of" like with a much better lifestyle. How important do you guys think lifestyle is or how much it should factor into your decision?

 

[ForbiddenComma]

Don't worry about it... I am changing my mind by the month.

Lifestyle is important, but still. Which would you rather be doing once your done with residency: 60 hours a week at a job you love, or 40 hours a week at a job you hate?

 

[DrThom]

I too am torn between many loves. If you can believe it my main problem is deciding between *gasp* medicine or surgery (I know, its blasphemy!). I love the diagnostic process in medicine but hate the overall impact, which is very little, whilst I love the OR, I love procedures, I love the impact of surgery. To top it all off, I don't think I would be happy doing GI, IR, or interventional cards so it really is one or the other...I'm a hot mess

 

[Top Gun]

I too am torn between many loves. If you can believe it my main problem is deciding between *gasp* medicine or surgery (I know, its blasphemy!). I love the diagnostic process in medicine but hate the overall impact, which is very little, whilst I love the OR, I love procedures, I love the impact of surgery. To top it all off, I don't think I would be happy doing GI, IR, or interventional cards so it really is one or the other...I'm a hot mess

It sounds like you're leaning more toward surgery. Surgery has a harsher lifestyle than medicine, undoubtedly. But if you love surgery, than go for it. On a side note, I read once in First Aid for the Match that ophthalmologists, who supposedly have a relatively cushy lifestyle, also have a low rate of job satisfaction. So, as a previous poster noted, it comes down to a choice between a job you love with a harsh lifestyle or a job you hate with a relatively easy lifestyle.

 

[domer621]

Choose what you enjoy doing the most, hands down.

 

[diosa428]

For me, it has to be a lifestyle specialty because I can't stand the specialties with long hours. I have been much happier on rotations such as ophtho and psych than medicine or surgery. I think that if lifestyle is going to need to be a serious consideration for you, then you will realize it during your rotations when something really interesting comes up and you're thinking "wow I would so rather be home right now". Luckily, I have found specialties with better hours that I also really love... I don't know what I'd do if I fell in love with surgery or whatever. I think my intense hatred of the long hours prevents me from falling in love with these fields. Can't wait for internship!

 

[DoctorFunk]

I think my intense hatred of the long hours prevents me from falling in love with these fields. Can't wait for internship!

Hatred of long hours...can't wait for internship...these items do not compute.

 

[TacoGirl]

unless he's referring to pathology of course. Their "intern year" is supposed to be lighter.

 

[Biscuit799]

Hatred of long hours...can't wait for internship...these items do not compute.

I'm sure he's being facetious.

 

[diosa428]

I'm sure he's being facetious.

I'm a girl, but you're right on the other count. Sarcasm, people.

 

[Biscuit799]

I'm a girl, but you're right on the other count. Sarcasm, people.

Sorry😳 I blame Tacogirl. She did it first and I went with it. Let's both scowl at her!😡