Hi everyone, I've been really lucky and thankful to discover this website as a med student, and thought I'd ask some questions about specialty choice. Specifically, what do you wish you would have considered when choosing a specialty?
These are some of the fields I've been considering, starting my 3rd year. I'd really appreciate any input or advice the readers have here. Thanks in advance!
Rad Onc
Pros: I really enjoy the field - the oncology, pathology, the technology, and the patient care. Very reasonable hours worked in residency and practice. High incomes currently, but may decrease substantially with oversupply of Rad Onc physicians
Cons: Significant concerns in the field about oversupply of job market. It may be very difficult to find an ideal location to live. Too many residency graduates means limited chances for partnerships (most are only offering employed positions), extremely high overhead costs if a partner. Limited diversity of practice means potential for big losses in income if/when CMS makes cuts.
PM&R
Pros: potential for great longitudinal patient care, broader patient base than just cancer patients, potential to do many procedures (esp. with 5th year pain management fellowship), great lifestyle
Cons: Definitely lower income than the other fields here.
Dermatology
Pros: lifestyle, income, interesting procedures, great potential for cash based / cosmetic income.
Cons: The only downside is it's very difficult to match (my step 1 score is within the range, but definitely on the low end). Is it worth trying for this specialty with the high risk of not matching?
These are some of the fields I've been considering, starting my 3rd year. I'd really appreciate any input or advice the readers have here. Thanks in advance!
Rad Onc
Pros: I really enjoy the field - the oncology, pathology, the technology, and the patient care. Very reasonable hours worked in residency and practice. High incomes currently, but may decrease substantially with oversupply of Rad Onc physicians
Cons: Significant concerns in the field about oversupply of job market. It may be very difficult to find an ideal location to live. Too many residency graduates means limited chances for partnerships (most are only offering employed positions), extremely high overhead costs if a partner. Limited diversity of practice means potential for big losses in income if/when CMS makes cuts.
PM&R
Pros: potential for great longitudinal patient care, broader patient base than just cancer patients, potential to do many procedures (esp. with 5th year pain management fellowship), great lifestyle
Cons: Definitely lower income than the other fields here.
Dermatology
Pros: lifestyle, income, interesting procedures, great potential for cash based / cosmetic income.
Cons: The only downside is it's very difficult to match (my step 1 score is within the range, but definitely on the low end). Is it worth trying for this specialty with the high risk of not matching?
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