Simple Question about Specializing

[mjg713]

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If I complete Med School and then do a 3 year residency in family medicine and practice for a number of years is it still possible to go back and specialize in something else? or is this something that has to be done straight out of med school? thanks

 

[ManBroDude]

Yes, you can.

You'd be surprised at the number of people who do family practice who go back for dermatology.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

i think it is possible just not commonly done (except as above). Graduating with $200k debt and looking at a $150-$200k path or a $45k/more school path it would be very hard to go back.

 

[donkeykong1]

FM docs can go back and do fellowships (or osteopathic derm at some places which requires 3 years of FM). medicare does not subsidize a second residency.

fellowships include: adolescent medicine, geriatric medicine, sports medicine, sleep medicine, and hospice and palliative medicine

 

[chiddler]

"adolescent medicine" eh?

👍 👍

 

[donkeykong1]

"adolescent medicine" eh?

👍 👍

yup

https://www.theabfm.org/caq/adolescent.aspx

 

[cabinbuilder]

I have one friend who did a family practice residency because he couldn't get into general surgery. Finished, moonlighted and saved saved saved. Then went back and did general surgery without pay for the other 3 years to train and now does quite well.

I have another friend who only wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon. Did not match into orthopedics and just did an intern year, finished step III and got his license. He worked in urgent care for 3 years while applying for orthopedics before he was finally awarded an residency. He just couldn't see himeself doing anything else.

Goes back to HOW BAD TO YOU WANT IT?

 

[donkeykong1]

I have one friend who did a family practice residency because he couldn't get into general surgery. Finished, moonlighted and saved saved saved. Then went back and did general surgery without pay for the other 3 years to train and now does quite well.

I have another friend who only wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon. Did not match into orthopedics and just did an intern year, finished step III and got his license. He worked in urgent care for 3 years while applying for orthopedics before he was finally awarded an residency. He just couldn't see himeself doing anything else.

Goes back to HOW BAD TO YOU WANT IT?

wow. those 2 must be motivated like heck. good stuff.