Peds GI vs. Cards vs. PICU?

[Blitz2006]

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Hey all,

my partner is interested in the 3 fellowships, but is having difficulty deciding which to apply to. So I'm asking on behalf her.

Obviously, the main thing is to do what you "enjoy", but can anyone comment on more objective variables?

1) Compensation
2) Lifestyle
3) Job Market

And a general outlook on the future of the sub-specialty?

Thanks!

 

[MEN2C]

Pediatric Cardiology job market is not great. Especially if you have any geographic restrictions and want to remain on the coasts. PICU job market is not as bad as Cardiology but not great. I think Pedi GI job market is pretty good.

All three are three of the top five higher paying pediatric subspecialties.

PICU/Cards is something people decide between all the time (many combine them), but peds GI is different. I think it will probably become clear once your SO does all three of the rotations.

 

[BigRedBeta]

The most elucidating question I can ask for your SO is this:
Does she want to specialize in only one organ, or does she prefer to think more generally. If she wants to be the expert at one organ, that rules out PICU.
Also, if she doesn't like being in clinic - then that favors PICU a lot.

In the way that most people think about lifestyle, GI has the best, PICU the worst - however, as a PICU attending, when I leave the hospital, I don't have to go back in ever. I usually leave the hospital at 4 and take phone calls on my patients until 6, after that they are taken care of by someone else. I love the certainty of my hours. I think I would hate the 'being on call' uncertainty where some nights may have zero calls, and others where there are nonstop calls.