Selecting a medical specialty can be one of the most difficult decisions you’ll make, and making such an important choice warrants careful consideration and extensive research. Keep in mind that even if you enter medical school with a specialty in mind, it isn’t written in stone, so take the time to learn all you can before the end of your third year.

Here are a few pointers to consider as you go through the decision-making process.

Weigh pros and cons of specialties you are considering – Most medical students will leave school knowing that they have enormous student loans that need to be repaid, and this knowledge often steers their choice of career. Aiming for a specialty simply because it pays an admirable salary isn’t advisable, especially if you aren’t already passionate about the field. Making a wrong choice now could leave you miserable for years to come. Other medical students are drawn to specialties that don’t require long hours, such as anesthesiology, but these areas often require night and weekend shifts that can prove draining to your mind and family life.

Think about the future – Most medical students make career-determining decisions about their medical specialties while still in their mid- to late-20s, and, like it or not, they often lack insight on where their lives will take them over the next few decades. Remember that goals that matter to you now – landing a position in a competitive field, heroically saving people’s lives, or impressing acquaintances with your job title – might not matter so much to you in 10 years. By then, you might be more concerned with spending time with your family or avoiding the emotional strain that accompanies certain specialties.

Speak with people in the fields you’re considering – You can read up on specialties all you want, but nothing is better than a first-hand account of a career path. Although everyone has different dispositions and life goals, someone in the field can give you a more thorough picture of the specialty, complete with perks and drawbacks. If the specialty sounds like it might be a good fit for you, look into shadowing a medical professional for a more complete picture of what the position entails. Taking these extra steps could help solidify your choice of a particular field or steer you away from an incompatible choice.

Remember that the setting makes a difference – Although you’ll likely see a specialty practiced in an academic setting while you’re in school, it’s important to note that most professionals are involved in the community setting, which is a completely different animal. Keep the distinctions in mind as you make your choice.

Although following these tips can provide some much-needed assistance, they won’t mean much if you aren’t honest with yourself. When choosing your specialty, as with any other difficult life decision, you need to be able to ask yourself the tough questions and formulate truthful answers. Slowing down, keeping an open mind, and examining your priorities can make the difference between a terrible career choice and one that suits you to a T.

Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to healthcare employment.

Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to http://www.indeed.com/cmp/Laser-Spine-Institute healthcare employment.

Author Bio: Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to healthcare employment.

Category: Career
Keywords: health care employment, healthcare career, medical career, medical specialty