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So this thread has been made a couple years back.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/gi-vs-pulm-critical-care-specialists.922001/
Like the OP, I hesitate between the two fields. No one from GI pitched in in that thread so I thought I'd bump it up and ask for your opinions.
Here's my take down:
PULM
Pros:
- Simple history&physical. 4 questions to ask :
- The imagery is at the core of your differential. I like that.
- Lung function testing. Managing a lab seems fun.
- Vents/CPAP/BiPAP. Applied physiology is awesome
- Polysomnography and sleep medicine.
- Bronchoscopy
Cons
- Bread and butter of COPD isn't very exciting. Seems like it is the kind of disease other specialities neglect in their notes.
- Not many therapeutic options. It is basically pumps, steroids, antibiotics and anticoagulation (if you mange pulmonary embolism at your shop)
- Not much instant gratification. Bugs me the most I think.
GI
Pros
- Very varied. You have a lot of different organs to take care of.
- Instant gratification via endoscopy. Get rid of that polyp. Stop that ulcer from bleeding.
Cons
- IBS. Seriously, don't know if I could endure it.
- Alcoholics. Having to come in on a saturday afternoon to take care of your pancreatitis is NOT cool.
- General surgeons. Many GI problems end up needing surgical treatment. That annoys me.
Cheers.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/gi-vs-pulm-critical-care-specialists.922001/
Like the OP, I hesitate between the two fields. No one from GI pitched in in that thread so I thought I'd bump it up and ask for your opinions.
Here's my take down:
PULM
Pros:
- Simple history&physical. 4 questions to ask :
- The imagery is at the core of your differential. I like that.
- Lung function testing. Managing a lab seems fun.
- Vents/CPAP/BiPAP. Applied physiology is awesome
- Polysomnography and sleep medicine.
- Bronchoscopy
Cons
- Bread and butter of COPD isn't very exciting. Seems like it is the kind of disease other specialities neglect in their notes.
- Not many therapeutic options. It is basically pumps, steroids, antibiotics and anticoagulation (if you mange pulmonary embolism at your shop)
- Not much instant gratification. Bugs me the most I think.
GI
Pros
- Very varied. You have a lot of different organs to take care of.
- Instant gratification via endoscopy. Get rid of that polyp. Stop that ulcer from bleeding.
Cons
- IBS. Seriously, don't know if I could endure it.
- Alcoholics. Having to come in on a saturday afternoon to take care of your pancreatitis is NOT cool.
- General surgeons. Many GI problems end up needing surgical treatment. That annoys me.
Cheers.
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