strange

[jaunx]

---

Members don't see this ad.

According to many posts on this forum
radiology, anesthesiology, pm&r, and pathology are becoming more and more competitive.

It wasn't too long ago when no one wanted a rads spot and now it seems as if everyone does. And, I can see how it wouldn't take much for pm&r and pathology to become more competitive considering there aren't a lot of spots around to begin with.

My question is...
With all these specialties becoming increasingly popular, which specialty out there is the biggest loser? With all of the above becoming more popular, there has be a few becoming less so.
Or, is this all just a bunch of hype and nonsense???

 

[Lactic Folly]

The trend here is toward specialization.. family medicine is comparatively less popular.

 

[doc05]

with reimbursements down, students want to at least have a good lifestyle post-residency. that explains why certain specialties are up (such as the ones you mentioned), and others, e.g. surgery, are down.

these changes are fairly cyclical and you shouldn't put too much stock into any of this nonsense. you'll be practicing for the next 40 years or so, just choose what you like.

 

[Pureride]

Simply put but, in my opinion you have hit the nail on the head. There is too much emphasis on quatlity of life and other issues which are all speculative. Not enough emphasis on what the student resident really likes!

The trite question "WHATS A GOOD FIELD TO GO INTO THESE DAYS"?

"WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO FOR THE NEXT 40 YEARS!!!"



WHAT TO YOU WANT TO DO?

 

[lucas]

In the words of Physician/Author William Carlos Williams (whose work should be mandatory reading for all med students) "I have never had a money practice...Its the day in and day out, everyday work that is the real satisfaction of the practice if medicine". Lets not forget, he was working during the Great Depression, when there was real concern over thriving in medicine or starving to death!

And in the words of the American philosophers/Ice Cream makers' Ben and Jerry:
"Do the job that brings you the most joy"

Peace!

 

[jaunx]

Hmmm, what do I want to do?
That's a good question...

IM: very fascinating...but I would definitely have to do a fellowship. I like taking care of REALLY sick people. Sore throats, the sniffles, and simple UTI's...no thanks...

I'm thinking ICU.

1) I want to be an expert at something.

2) I want to feel like I'm making a difference. Some people feel like they're accomplishing this by practicing preventative medicine as PCP's. I used to think that was my career path. But...no. It's funny how things change during medical school. You really learn about yourself. During my med school interviews I was Peds all the way! HAHAHA!...now after my third year, I know I don't enjoy peds too much. Well, general peds that is. I wonder if I'd like a subspecialty of peds...I might...don't know.

3) I had completely (and probably stupidly) ruled out surgery before even entering medical school. All the horror stories of high divorce rates...etc. It was like I had to make a choice between family and career. Maybe I'm being a little too melodramatic? Unfortunately for me, the OR is friggin AWESOME. DAMN. 12 hrs in there feels like 4 hrs.

4) I had that happen to me before in IM; but I gotta do some procedures and I like complex problems. CLINIC TIME w/simple problems = eternal pain and much gnashing of teeth. I once thought of ending it all by jamming a pencil in my right temple...otitis media, otitis media, otitis media...frick.

I've gotten some good advice here.
Moral of the story: Time flies when you're having fun.

I'm sorry to ramble. NEED COFFEE!!!
It's late and I gotta end my study break.
Thanks for all the replies!!!

 

[Foxxy Cleopatra]

hi guys-

I know this link has been posted a few times in the past, but I really enjoyed it. It's a test from the U. of Virginia that matches your responses to those of physicians in various fields. It's free, takes about 15 minutes, and it's fun to see with what specialty you match best.

the link is:

http://www.med-ed.virginia.edu/specialties/

have fun

 

[jaunx]

Thanks for the link.
It took me 5 minutes to do, but the results are quite confusing.
4 tied for 1st place:
1. thoracic surgery, radiology, plastic surgery, and pathology.

How is that possible? They seem to be very different.

Bottom 4:
FP, EM, Psych, Peds

I can see that.