The Next Step: How to Choose the Right Path after Medical School

Image Source Choosing what path to take in a medical career can be daunting. There are many factors to consider. Many of these choices will have to be made prior to the third year of medical school in order to stay ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive edge. It is important to have a clear vision of your specialty choice so you have no regrets on Residency Match Day. Most importantly, self-reflection and self-understanding are key steps to choosing the right specialty and deciding what to do after medical school. It is never too early to begin this discernment process. Variety - What kind of variety is best for your personality and stamina? For someone who desires a lot of variety and quick decision making, a position in an Emergency Room might be a good fit. For someone who prefers less variety and more predictable situations and outcomes, employment in a specialty like ophthalmology might be more suitable. Stress Level - What kind of stress level is right for you? If being responsible for someone's life or death is too much pressure, a lower-key specialty like dermatology or radiology might be preferable. However, if saving lives is fulfilling and losing lives isn't too overwhelming, pursuing more high-risk specialties like critical care medicine or trauma surgery might be more appropriate options. Knowledge - In the medical field, you must be prepared to be a life-long learner. Most physicians who look back on their training feel that they learned more f...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news