Choosing a Specialty

It is interesting that even when lumped into relatively general groups, no single specialty dominates the field of medicine. There are many different types of medical specialties, as demonstrated by the American Medical Association’s dizzying list of national medical specialty society websites. The AMA also has a list of the most frequently entered specialties. If you are a medical student or a resident without a specific career path, there are many factors to consider when choosing a specialty.

Some of the first questions usually asked about a specialty concern earning power. The Association of American Medical Colleges has various specialty pages with salary ranges, as well as training, residency, workforce information, and links to the official academies, boards, and associations of each specialty. While money is important, there are other issues to consider.

The September 2004 issue of Academic Psychiatry did a study comparing burnout rates among residents in different specialties. Though it is a relatively small sample size, the results are interesting. Another study was done on the influence of malpractice risk on specialty choice.

If you want to speak with and learn more from representatives from primary care and specialty organizations, the American Medical Student Association has a Residency Fair & Specialty Showcase scheduled for March 2007 in Arlington, VA. This great resource, which offers an impressive lineup of events that span five days, gives you the opportunity to ask specific questions and get more of a feel for each specialty.

Aside from the statistics and opinions that you read or hear, never forget to factor in your level of interest in a specialty. Enjoying your career in medicine is just as important as salary and job outlook.