How to learn about different specialties in M1 & M2

[HoboDeEsquiar]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm an M1 and I have some initial thoughts of what I am interested in, but I really haven't had much exposure to all of the various specialties. I was wondering how I should be exposing myself to them. I have yet to go to any specialty interest groups because they seem to me like a used car lot, trying to sell me something that I don't necessarily want. Do you think that these are worthwhile?

 

[Dwindlin]

I'm an M1 and I have some initial thoughts of what I am interested in, but I really haven't had much exposure to all of the various specialties. I was wondering how I should be exposing myself to them. I have yet to go to any specialty interest groups because they seem to me like a used car lot, trying to sell me something that I don't necessarily want. Do you think that these are worthwhile?

Depending on how they are ran the interest groups can be very worthwhile. Granted I'm a class rep for one so my opinion is biased however, our monthly events are open to all, and they are generally of two types. Lab types, were it really isn't specialty specific its just something fun to do to break up the monotony of studying. The other type of event we have is guest speakers/panels, and thus far they have been very truthful with the students who attend. Granted this can only give you a hint as to what a specialty is like.

The biggest thing I would recommend is to shadow.

 

[BigRedBeta]

I'm an M1 and I have some initial thoughts of what I am interested in, but I really haven't had much exposure to all of the various specialties. I was wondering how I should be exposing myself to them. I have yet to go to any specialty interest groups because they seem to me like a used car lot, trying to sell me something that I don't necessarily want. Do you think that these are worthwhile?

I don't get this. You're asking for help but aren't using the readily available resources around you. I'm not saying they're perfect, or that they necessarily are the best option, just that they're there, so why not use them.

You don't have to go to the interest groups you have zero interest in.

At my medical school there was actually a group of students who organized monthly lunches where various specialists would come in and talk about their field - what residency/fellowship was like, a typical day, what others in their field do, etc. I think it was just called the "residency interest forum" or something like that, but the lunches were well attended and I think that they got money from the school to defray costs. If you're motivated, you might consider starting such a group.

 

[mvenus929]

You can e-mail or call one of the physicians associated with the school and ask to shadow. There are usually opportunities for workshops in the area (we had a family medicine skills workshop a few months ago, and there was an anesthesiology workshop around the same time). Talk to the MDs who come and give lectures to the class. Network.

 

[namethatsmell]

Shadow