How interesting is cardiac physiology/pathology?

[Basookashlon]

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Among the things that Ive studied so far in medical school cardiac physiology and pathology and also to some extent pulmonary have been the most interesting topics for me.

Is this a common interest among medical students or does this indicate that I might have found a potential area in which to specialize?

 

[SB100]

I think learning it and doing it are quite different, so you may want to wait until the wards to make a more definite decision. It helps to at least know of something you like.

 

[turkeyjerky]

it's a common thing--planning to specialize in a specific field b/c you enjoyed the subject 2nd year is a recipe for disaster

 

[Rollo]

it's a common thing--planning to specialize in a specific field b/c you enjoyed the subject 2nd year is a recipe for disaster

Interesting statement. Care to elaborate?

I do think cardiac physio/path is a common interest among med students.

I, on the other hand, find it boring.

 

[2012mdc]

Interesting statement. Care to elaborate?

I do think cardiac physio/path is a common interest among med students.

I, on the other hand, find it boring.

Enjoying learning about cardiac physio does not tell you much about if you will enjoy taking care of patients with CHF, MI, etc. The bulk of 2nd yr is so far removed from actual practice that it's unwise to base decisions off of it. For example I did not particularly enjoy learning about skin 2nd year but I've found out in clinical practice it's pretty interesting

 

[werd]

personally, i really didn't like cardiac physiology.

for now, keep it in mind for a specialty but i wouldn't read too much into it. you're bound to like lots of other stuff, and may or may not like actual cardiology when you rotate.

 

[rahulb]

i love cardiac electrophysiology and did an awesome clerkship where i got to put in 10-12 pacers a week and saw a bunch of caths/ablations. it's also important to be a pro at ekgs for a lot of other specialities.

things i don't like about cardio: consult work for non-cardiac issues, tilt table/stress tests, and reading echos. also the hours can get demanding.