Rad Onc vs derm vs others .. Help!

[soulcity]

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Would appreciate some advice on choosing a specialty...

I am a third year med student in US allopathic school. I have been dead-set on going into Rad Onc even before med school. I have a decent Step 1 score (~250) with multiple first author publications in Rad Onc field. I also have some pretty strong connections in this field.

In third year, I loved Surgery and hated IM. I loved the OR and the acute aspect of Surgery. It helped that my Surgery attendings were awesome and allowed me to do so much than I could have imagined. I pondered on surgical subspecialtie but I don't think I can pursue it at this point in my life as I am much older than my current classmates and I envision starting a family soon. Now I am starting to ponder whether Rad Onc is the right field for me, because I don't get the same "rush" of excitement about this field compared to when I am in the OR or doing procedures. To this end, I was wondering if a field like Derm could be a feasible option for me (fellowship in Mohs?) as it could be a perfect combination of my interest in cancer and surgery without the demanding life of a surgery resident/attending. I am worried, because my CV "screams" Rad Onc, and I have no Derm-related research/work experience.

I would appreciate any input/advice.

 

[arcus]

Would appreciate some advice on choosing a specialty...

I am a third year med student in US allopathic school. I have been dead-set on going into Rad Onc even before med school. I have a decent Step 1 score (~250) with multiple first author publications in Rad Onc field. I also have some pretty strong connections in this field.

In third year, I loved Surgery and hated IM. I loved the OR and the acute aspect of Surgery. It helped that my Surgery attendings were awesome and allowed me to do so much than I could have imagined. I pondered on surgical subspecialtie but I don't think I can pursue it at this point in my life as I am much older than my current classmates and I envision starting a family soon. Now I am starting to ponder whether Rad Onc is the right field for me, because I don't get the same "rush" of excitement about this field compared to when I am in the OR or doing procedures. To this end, I was wondering if a field like Derm could be a feasible option for me (fellowship in Mohs?) as it could be a perfect combination of my interest in cancer and surgery without the demanding life of a surgery resident/attending. I am worried, because my CV "screams" Rad Onc, and I have no Derm-related research/work experience.

I would appreciate any input/advice.

From my vantage point it is not a difficult situation particularly because you stated you are older, and you also want a family (according to your other thread on recent breakup with ex bf)

A girlfriend of mine says often: “There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart......pursue those.”

Family?
Surgery? (age might be an issue wrt performance depending on specialty)
Rad Onc ?

which area of medicine affords you a better quality of life for raising a family and accommodating a mature age?

Frankly, your strong connections in Rad Onc, love of Rad Onc, desire to have a family at a mature age scream Rad Onc. Training in surgery now would thwart your dream of having a family and would kick anyone in the butt at a mature age.

go for family. Priceless

$0.02