Here's how to decide which doctor specialty is the best fit for you in 5 steps.
First, decide on whether you want to be surgical or medical. This is the largest divide that
you need to narrow down first.
Second, list out the aspects of medicine that interest you the most. Is it a certain organ
system? Maybe intellectual stimulation? Working with your hands to cure ailments? Spending
time and getting to know your patients? From this, make a list of the specialties that
seem to fit those priorities.
Third, consider the patient population and the types of outcomes you prefer. Dealing
with kids is different than adults, as is dealing with patients who are terminal versus
those who just need a routine physical.
Fourth, how important is your work-life balance? Do you want to have more time for things outside
of medicine, or are you comfortable dedicating most of your life to your profession?
And fifth, watch our So You Want to Be episode on your specialties of interest, as that will
explain what they're really about and dispel any common misconceptions.