Has anyone shadowed an ENT Dr?

[Nutmeg1621]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I was just going through specialties I was interested in and looking at their lifestyles. I got to ENT and I posted a question on their forum but it hasn't been answered yet (I hope that doesn't mean they are so busy they can't even go online!). I am interested in surgery but I am a single mom and most surgical specialties are the same hours even after residency. (eyes freak me out so don't mention optho)

I was just wondering how much they work after residency, how often they are on call, etc. I know the residency is hard and many hours and competitive, but to me all of that is worth it if there is light at the end of the tunnel. (Also, I am more interested in Academics and Hospital work rather than clinics and private practice.)


Thanks.

 

[nori!]

ENT's one of the "easier" surgical subspecialties, in terms of lifestyle. I'd be careful with the word "easier", however. Just because it's "easier" than gen surg doesn't mean it's a walk in the park (and I mean post-residency).

Buddy of mine is an ENT at Kaiser Permanente, he works 8-9 hour days, mostly clinic, operates 1-2 days out of the week. That's not bad at all. Another friend is starting a general ENT solo private practice in Los Angeles (he's nuts), and basically spends over 14 hours a day with work-related stuff, including weekends. For academics, it depends which institution you end up in - it's usually very very busy though. At a particular big-name California program I am familiar with, it's nuts for the junior attendings, and virtually all of the junior attendings I know from way back have bailed for greener pastures.

Other surgical specialties to consider are urology and orthopedics (especially sports medicine!).

A lot of people like the operating room, and being able to cut with a scalpal. However, the lifestyle is not for most people. Sacrifices from family and freetime are the norm for academic practice. You might get your fill during your third year surg rotation and decide it's enough for you. If not, then go for it!

 

[Nutmeg1621]

ENT's one of the "easier" surgical subspecialties, in terms of lifestyle. I'd be careful with the word "easier", however. Just because it's "easier" than gen surg doesn't mean it's a walk in the park (and I mean post-residency).

Buddy of mine is an ENT at Kaiser Permanente, he works 8-9 hour days, mostly clinic, operates 1-2 days out of the week. That's not bad at all. Another friend is starting a general ENT solo private practice in Los Angeles (he's nuts), and basically spends over 14 hours a day with work-related stuff, including weekends. For academics, it depends which institution you end up in - it's usually very very busy though. At a particular big-name California program I am familiar with, it's nuts for the junior attendings, and virtually all of the junior attendings I know from way back have bailed for greener pastures.

Other surgical specialties to consider are urology and orthopedics (especially sports medicine!).

A lot of people like the operating room, and being able to cut with a scalpal. However, the lifestyle is not for most people. Sacrifices from family and freetime are the norm for academic practice. You might get your fill during your third year surg rotation and decide it's enough for you. If not, then go for it!

Your first example sounds great. I don't mind hard work. I just want to be able to spend some time with my daughter.

I'll have to look into Orthopedics. It sounds so interesting but I am reallly tiny (5.2 and 100 lbs). Don't you need to be "stronger" to relocate joints.