Thank you so much Kimberly.
May I ask you why those are so popular?
Is it because no patient contact in case of Rads and still pretty good pay check?
I suppose some choose rads because they prefer not to have patient contact, but most I've met are pretty congenial. Every radiologist will have a different answer, but it does tend to attract those who like being the "doctor's doctor" (ie, working with other physicians), who like being a "diagnostician" and excellent pay. Those who like procedures can choose Interventional fellowships or do things like CT guided drainage or placement as a generalist and you can focus on different areas of the body rather than just doing general diagnostic rads. It is a very complex area of medicine with lots of reasons to attract people to it. Since it wasn't my choice, I suggest you look at the Radiology forum for the inside scoop from those who did.
Anastesiology, I think it pays well (almost like a surgeon, but less responsibility than a surgeon would have), and that is the only reason- right?
Ouch...you're going to get us in trouble with the Anesthesia group!
First, of all, despite my chosen field of practice, in most instances the anesthesiologist has just as much responsibility for the patient as the surgeon does, and in some - more. Well-practiced anesthesiology is an art as much as a science and very much appreciated by surgeons when its done right. Being in tune with the surgeon's and the patient's needs is very important and I can tell you how much better my surgery is when the patient is kept comfortable and relaxed (in cases using local with MAC). Many patients will tell you that choosing your anesthesiologist is just as, if not more important, as choosing your surgeon. Perhaps an overstatement, but recognition of the danger and discomfort bad anesthesia can supply.
Secondly, in many cases, anesthesiologists make more money than surgeons. Obviously this is a draw for the field. But there are many other reasons why someone would choose Anesthesiology - and again, I would direct you to that forum.
In short, anesthesiology is popular because of the good mix of medicine and procedures (besides intubations, there are central lines, epidural and other pain catheter placements, regional blocks,etc.), lots of critical care knowledge, the ability to choose from a variety of subspecialties (pain, peds, etc.) and a good lifestyle with good reimbursement.
