Skip to main content
10 answers
11
Asked 499 views

What made you choose your specialty?

Why did you choose your specialty? Were you simply drawn to it or was there something else to it?

How did you decide what school you went for what you desired and how many years did it take for you to complete it?

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

11

10 answers


1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Rae’s Answer

I have almost always been in the medical field in some capacity or the other, beginning as a phlebotomist, then moving to office work and then went to Practical Nursing school. It is important to know medical terminology and continue to learn as you progress through your career. I have also been capable of fast typing so when medical transcription was offered as an option, I jumped into it - and that led me to an extended and satisfactory career. After being an MT for several years, I decided to become certified. The test is given in 2 parts - I failed the first part the first time around - I was nervous and not prepared. I then passed the second time and did the typing test accompanying the test and got my certification. When most of the work was sent overseas, I was able to jump back into the practical nursing aspect and have continued to learn about medicine through that.
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Andrea’s Answer

Growing up I always wanted to be a doctor specifically a pediatrician. Although once I went to University I fell in love a started a family by accident. Both my partner and myself we first generation college students and didn't take advantages of all the scholarships or grants. We could have kept going to school but felt we could stop and raise children, work, and pay way through school somehow. We'll that didn't work out. After my second child we were in a position to where I wanted to stay home and go back to school. All I wanted was something easy that could get my foot into the healthcare field and see if it truly was what i wanted. I almost enrolled in an online medical assistant school but was still a little too much and didn't know if I was cut out for strictly online schooling. I called it off and came across an ad about a medical assisting program 30 minutes away. It was as a 24 week, 4 hours on Saturday, and hands on. I knew then that would be perfect. I apply, got accepted, and did the whole course including 80 hrs of externship. Passed my national test first try and with a high score. I work for a month after graduating in private practice. I was let go because I was too new despite them knowing I had just graduated. Shortly found out I was pregnant with 3rd baby and wanted until giving birth to apply for another job. I was able to get hired with my current company initially as a scribe for a doctor in the practice. That position was actually what I needed to strengthen my charting skills that I was not good at. Then few months a CMA position became available and I filled it. It has been a roller coaster ride as all jobs are but I love it. It's family practice so we see everything from new born to very geriatric patients. On top of that I work for an FQHC which is way better than private practice because we help close the Healthcare huddles many people with no insurance have for just basic care. For a while I was thinking of continuing down the nursing path but I still desire a provider career. For now while I can get into a good position to go back to school I don't regret becoming a CMA. I forgot to mention earlier but my program was only about $3500 and you had it paid by the time you graduated so you had no education debt. If you could find a program that is inexpensive and hands on the whole time it will give you a great way to get into the world of medicine to see if you really are cut out for it.
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Godfrey’s Answer

Having worked as a general PA for more than 10 years,I saw the need in non communicable diseases specialization more so as a renal specialist due to the many patients who need renal care which has few specialists so a to bridge the gap within the medical field.
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. Many students have similar question. Different colleges have strength on different subjects. The most important is to find out what careers you have interest. Then you can shortlist the colleges you can focus.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what you have interest, eg your hobbies, favourite subjects, etc and identify the related careers
Eg if you have interest in maths, would you like to be an accountant, engineer, banker, financial analyst, maths teacher, etc
If you like music, would you like to be a musician, singer, musical artist, music composer, music producer, etc
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue. The relevant subjects are the major and minor you can focus
5. Explore the college review I .these subjects and find out the entry criteria
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Laura’s Answer

I am a Speech Language Pathologist (also referred to as Speech Therapist). I knew I wanted to do something that helped people in some way. So my first year of college I researched all the jobs that involved helping people heal, the income from those jobs, the job stability and then the Majors for those careers. I took Intro courses for the ones I was most drawn to and after my Intro course for Communication Disorders, I fell in love.

I was lucky enough that in FL, if you are able to score a certain level on the SAT, you could get most or all of your tuition paid for with a scholarship if you went to a state school. So I applied to all of the state schools and was accepted at Florida State. For my field, I had to get a Master’s degree. I went straight from my Bachelor’s to my Master’s, so 6 years total.
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Malcolm’s Answer

Hello Mercedes!

To be fully transparent, I found my current role out of necessity. I went to college with aspirations of getting into TV and Radio thus I worked to obtain a degree in Broadcast Journalism. However I didn't finish school and thus my passion had to be put on pause once I left school to enter the work force. Thankfully my gift of gab and professionalism has landed me roles with Penske, GM, and now Rocket Mortgage, but I still have plans of getting into the media/entertainment industry.

I chose my passion for the entertainment industry due to my love of music and movies. I also was infatuated with the lifestyle lived by entertainers which were different than the standard 9-5 role. I also watched the show Entourage a lot while growing up and thought everyday life was like that for everyone working in the entertainment industry. I ended up choosing my school based upon finances as my HBCU gave me an academic scholarship that afforded me the best opportunity at an education, so I would recommend choosing the school that financially offers the best flexibility. Unless you're going to a school specializing in the field you're trying to pursue your career within, I believe you can choose any school given the landscape in the workforce today. Most employers are looking for hands on experience and skills within the given field rather than someone whom has plenty of knowledge but has never applied it before. I would focus on internships while also working on certifications, bootcamps or licenses to further enhance your skillsets and use those opportunities to locate a better pathway to achieving your goals.
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

James Constantine’s Answer

Good Day Mercedes!

Choosing a Specialty in Medicine

Choosing a specialty in medicine is a multifaceted decision that often involves personal interests, experiences, and practical considerations. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the factors influencing this choice:

1. Personal Interest and Passion

Many medical professionals are drawn to their specialty due to a genuine interest in the field. This passion can stem from various sources:

Personal Experiences: Many doctors have had significant health experiences themselves or within their families that inspire them to pursue a particular area of medicine.
Exposure During Training: Medical school typically includes rotations in different specialties, allowing students to experience various fields firsthand. This exposure can ignite an interest in specific areas, such as surgery, pediatrics, or internal medicine.

2. Influence of Role Models

Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping career paths:

Mentors and Professors: Students often find inspiration from professors or mentors who demonstrate enthusiasm and expertise in their specialty. Their guidance can help students envision themselves in similar roles.
Professional Networks: Engaging with professionals already practicing in the field can provide insights into the day-to-day realities of the specialty.

3. Lifestyle Considerations

The lifestyle associated with different specialties can significantly influence decision-making:

Work-Life Balance: Some specialties may offer more predictable hours or less on-call time than others (e.g., dermatology vs. emergency medicine).
Job Market and Demand: The demand for certain specialties can affect job security and opportunities post-training, which is an important consideration for many students.

4. Educational Pathway

Deciding on a medical school and completing training involves several steps:

Medical School Selection: Factors influencing this choice include location, reputation, curriculum structure (such as problem-based learning), and available resources (like research opportunities).
Duration of Training: After completing medical school (typically 4 years), graduates enter residency programs that vary in length depending on the specialty chosen. For example:
Family Medicine: 3 years
Internal Medicine: 3 years
Surgery: 5 years
Subspecialties may require additional fellowship training (1-3 years).

In total, it can take anywhere from 7 to over 10 years after undergraduate education to complete medical training depending on the chosen path.

5. Decision-Making Process

Ultimately, choosing a specialty is often a culmination of self-reflection and exploration:

Self-assessment: Evaluating personal strengths, weaknesses, values, and long-term goals helps clarify which specialty aligns best with one’s aspirations.
Consultation with Peers: Discussing options with fellow students or professionals can provide diverse perspectives that aid in making an informed decision.

In conclusion, choosing a specialty is not merely about attraction; it encompasses personal interests, mentorship influences, lifestyle considerations, educational pathways, and thorough self-assessment.

Probability the answer is correct: 95%

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:

1. American Medical Association (AMA)
The AMA provides comprehensive resources regarding medical education pathways and insights into various specialties within medicine.

2. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
AAMC offers data-driven insights into medical school admissions processes and trends related to specialty choices among graduates.

3. National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)
NRMP publishes reports on residency match statistics which reflect trends in specialty choices among new physicians entering practice each year.

✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!===========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|==================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN===================|
|===============Programming For Your Nutrition Education=====================|
|==========================~ Since 1972!================================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

James Constantine’s Answer

Good Day Mercedes!

MY TAKE ON YOUR QUESTION:-

My father wanted us to move to Sydney so he could set as up another liqueur factory.
There I did form 3 and 4 at Mosman High. There the kids were from rich families,
but their behavior was cruel and rough as guts. New South Wales students also had
less mathematical and scientific acumen, so I found that not much effort generated
academic awards for me in science. I had proved to my parents that I had academic
acumen, and had the potential to excel at science.

My parents had bought me telescopes as presents. Impressionable me then wanted to
be an astronomer. My obsessive-compulsive nature ensured that I often observed the
heavens with my telescopes. I formed a friendship with school associates with their
own telescopes. It was not long before I got to forming an astronomy club at the
tough school Mosman High.

After two years our family moved back to Queensland, because my father had finished
setting up the liqueur factory. My parents decided to enroll me at Saint Peter's
Lutheran College, because they had a Physics class. The future looked sewn up for me.
I had started building larger telescopes, which were quite expensive. I was restricted
with available funds, and had to grind the larger curved telescope mirrors by hand.

I used to visit a retired Dutch policeman who taught me how to grind big mirrors
accurate to one-millionth of an inch. Soon my uncle had a heart attack that killed
him at just 38 years of age. That surely made waves with me because I did not know
what to do! God has the power to intervene in lives, and God had taken Michael,
my uncle! What was I to expect? That dad would be next ... because uncle Michael
was his brother. They were both Greek, and had familial hypercholesterolemia,
leading to early deaths from heart attacks.

God did not stop there! In 1960 my uncle had worked with Professor Colin Masters, a
biochemist and a researcher at Queensland University. Colin turned up at our new
Brisbane university lecturing in biochemistry. I liked his style of teaching,
and left the STEM subjects for someone else. I majored under Professor Masters.
As I had expected, my dad died next. I had enough of early bereavement by that
time and I kept studying nutrition. Then I became a dietitian.

I was fortunate enough to get instructed in computer programming in 1972, grade 11
Physics class. In 1994, I was consulting patients at an outback hospital in Miles,
Queensland. A client got angry. Not at me, but at other dietitians who had given
her a one-day sample menu. Her situation had not changed because she still did not
know what to eat for most of the time!

I told the lady thank you for her feedback! It was then that I commenced writing
nutrition education software as a dietitian in the Australian outback. I would see
clients by day and program computers by night. I wrote DIET WIZARD and started using
the software in my nutritional practice. I would take the nutrition education software
which I had created the night before to work with me on the health department laptop.

The Australian Aboriginal clients really liked being given actual food menus, instead
of one-day sample menus which had left them in the dark! The computer printed food
shopping lists for the personalized food menus. The software was not just for obese
patients, but also diabetics, because it had carbohydrate-apportioned meals. I added
more to the software to cater for other different medical problems in clients. For
instance the software could scan the Australian nutrient database NUTTAB 95 for foods
low in a certain substance. For instance in Chinchilla I consulted a renal failure
patient who wanted a list of low phosphate foods to eat.

It was not long before the health department executives wanted a free copy of my software.
The Chinchilla Hospital nursing manager wanted a free copy. She got nothing! Not content
in sitting still I have started a YouTube Studio page with 1,400 movie shorts, mostly of
the Diet Wizard software in action.

https://www.youtube.com/user/yimi90125/videos

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE'S TAKE ON YOUR QUERY:-

Choosing a Specialty in Medicine

Choosing a specialty in medicine is a multifaceted decision that often involves personal interests, experiences, and practical considerations. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the factors influencing this choice:

1. Personal Interest and Passion

Many medical professionals are drawn to their specialty due to a genuine interest in the field. This passion can stem from various sources:

Personal Experiences: Many doctors have had significant health experiences themselves or within their families that inspire them to pursue a particular area of medicine.
Exposure During Training: Medical school typically includes rotations in different specialties, allowing students to experience various fields firsthand. This exposure can ignite an interest in specific areas, such as surgery, pediatrics, or internal medicine.

2. Influence of Role Models

Mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping career paths:

Mentors and Professors: Students often find inspiration from professors or mentors who demonstrate enthusiasm and expertise in their specialty. Their guidance can help students envision themselves in similar roles.
Professional Networks: Engaging with professionals already practicing in the field can provide insights into the day-to-day realities of the specialty.

3. Lifestyle Considerations

The lifestyle associated with different specialties can significantly influence decision-making:

Work-Life Balance: Some specialties may offer more predictable hours or less on-call time than others (e.g., dermatology vs. emergency medicine).
Job Market and Demand: The demand for certain specialties can affect job security and opportunities post-training, which is an important consideration for many students.

4. Educational Pathway

Deciding on a medical school and completing training involves several steps:

Medical School Selection: Factors influencing this choice include location, reputation, curriculum structure (such as problem-based learning), and available resources (like research opportunities).
Duration of Training: After completing medical school (typically 4 years), graduates enter residency programs that vary in length depending on the specialty chosen. For example:
Family Medicine: 3 years
Internal Medicine: 3 years
Surgery: 5 years
Subspecialties may require additional fellowship training (1-3 years).

In total, it can take anywhere from 7 to over 10 years after undergraduate education to complete medical training depending on the chosen path.

5. Decision-Making Process

Ultimately, choosing a specialty is often a culmination of self-reflection and exploration:

Self-assessment: Evaluating personal strengths, weaknesses, values, and long-term goals helps clarify which specialty aligns best with one’s aspirations.
Consultation with Peers: Discussing options with fellow students or professionals can provide diverse perspectives that aid in making an informed decision.

In conclusion, choosing a specialty is not merely about attraction; it encompasses personal interests, mentorship influences, lifestyle considerations, educational pathways, and thorough self-assessment.

Probability the answer is correct: 95%

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:

1. American Medical Association (AMA)
The AMA provides comprehensive resources regarding medical education pathways and insights into various specialties within medicine.

2. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
AAMC offers data-driven insights into medical school admissions processes and trends related to specialty choices among graduates.

3. National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)
NRMP publishes reports on residency match statistics which reflect trends in specialty choices among new physicians entering practice each year.

✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|=========================God Bless You, Richly!===========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|==================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN===================|
|===============Programming For Your Nutrition Education=====================|
|==========================~ Since 1972!================================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Mariana’s Answer

I am a physician resident in pediatrics and am about half way through my resideny training. I think everyone's journey to medicine and desired specialty is unique and here is a bit of my story and advice I'd give.
I first became interested in studying medicine about half way through my undergraduate studies, where I studied microbiology pre-medicine. From the time I was in high school I was always more interested in science and hence I decided to major in Biology then switched to microbiology because I wanted something a little bit more specific. During my undergraduate studies I had the opportunity to volunteer with children through various organizations including the Boys and Girls Club which I really enjoyed and it became clear to me early on that I wanted to work with this population in my career. I had the opportunity of shadowing an adult endocrinologist my sophomore year, which was okay but did not really capture my attention. Then, my senior year I shadowed a pediatrician at an outpatient clinic and absolutely loved it, for me I really felt connected to both the patients (children) and their parents, and I felt that during my interactions watching the pediatrician (Dr. A) with the families I could really picture myself in his position. I remember he was kind, patient and open minded and was very positive and approachable and you could tell his patients were really comfortable around him.
So for me, the specialty of pediatrics specifically motivated me to want to pursue medicine, I really could not picture myself doing anything else. During medical school, I really did still try to keep an open mind, but anytime I saw a pediatric patient it would draw me closer and closer. I was also closely involved with Pediatrics Society and volunteered with children which only grew my passion for pediatrics further. When I rotated through the other specialties in medical school including internal medicine, and surgery I just was not as interested in the content and the day to day routine and schedule.

Here are a few general areas to consider when deciding on a specialty:
- Do I want to work in a clinic or a hospital?
- Am I interested in more procedures and/or surgeries?
- Do I want to practice more general medicine or is there one organ system I'd be interested in more than anything
- Do I want to work with only adults, elderly, children or all ages?
- Does the length of training matter to you?

It's also important to remember that there are so many roles within healthcare including occupational therapy, physical therapy, nutrition, speech and language therapy, social work, and the list goes in....in which you can work patients in the hospital or clinic setting
Physician assistants and nurse practitioners also can have the same roles as physicians but the training is quite a bit shorter, so that is also something to consider

Here is the breakdown of the length of my training to become a pediatrician:
Undergrad: 4 years
Medical school: 4 years
Residency: 3 years
11 years total

For some people the total number of years can be longer if they took gap years or it can be shorter if they completed their undergrad in 3 years or if the go into medical school directly out of high school (my little sister did a 6 year medical program in Ireland right after high school), so there are many paths you can take.
I personally chose to do medical school abroad, in Ireland, because I did not want to take any gap years, and it is less competitive to get into medical school there, but you get a very good training, it is the same language and it a unique experience.
I am currently doing my pediatrics residency in Massachusetts and am loving it!!
Hope this helps :)
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Richard’s Answer

I imaging that choosing something to specialize in occurs for for a variety of reasons. Personally, I was interested in electronics & technology and never imagined a career outside of that often isolating field. However, a very touching human interest story helped me recognize that I had a capacity for caring as well as the desire to help those in need. In this case, it was a person with a slow progressive lung disease. I began to research the disease, treatment options, and outcomes which led me to learn about a variety of healthcare disciplines that were involved in the management of people with such a condition. With my interest in electronics & technology, I gravitated towards respiratory therapy as I learned that respiratory therapist use various advanced medical devices and equipment to assess, monitor, and treat patients with respiratory conditions. I've been a respiratory therapist for over three (3) decades now and am so happy for the opportunities I've had to care for so many people.

Regarding technology, here are some ways respiratory therapists (RTs) integrate technology into patient care:

Mechanical Ventilators: RTs manage ventilators for patients who cannot breathe on their own, often in critical care settings. They adjust settings based on the patient’s condition, monitor their response, and ensure proper ventilation.

Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV): Devices like CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) and BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) are used by RTs to help patients with sleep apnea, COPD, or other conditions requiring breathing support without the need for intubation.

Diagnostic Equipment: RTs conduct tests like pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis using sophisticated machines to evaluate lung capacity, gas exchange, and blood oxygen levels. These tests help guide treatment decisions.

Oxygen Therapy Devices: RTs set up and manage oxygen delivery systems, from simple nasal cannulas to high-flow oxygen systems, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate amount of oxygen based on their needs.

Aerosol Therapy: Using nebulizers and metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), RTs deliver medications directly to the lungs, often to treat conditions like asthma or COPD. The devices ensure precise dosing and effective delivery.

Airway Clearance Devices: RTs use technologies such as chest percussion vests or mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (cough assist) devices to help patients with difficulty clearing mucus, improving lung function.

Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring: Some RTs work with telemedicine tools, allowing for remote monitoring of patients with chronic respiratory conditions. This can include devices that track oxygen levels, breathing patterns, or ventilator data, which are transmitted to healthcare providers for ongoing care adjustments.

Sleep Monitoring Devices: In sleep labs, RTs utilize polysomnography (sleep studies) and related equipment to diagnose and treat sleep-related breathing disorders like obstructive sleep apnea.

By using these technologies, RTs can provide precise, effective, and often life-saving care while ensuring that treatments are tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

As far as schools go, I looked for the most affordable and quickest programs to complete in my geographic area. Affordability and locality were important, but if I were looking for a program nowadays I would be far less interested in the time to completion when compared to the quality of the education and clinical experiences provided by such a program.

Best of luck to you as well as everyone else looking for the thing you're most passionate about!

Richard recommends the following next steps:

Identify your values and strengths
Research potential career paths that align with your values and strengths
Develop a clear set of goals
Seek opportunities for growth
Network with people in fields that interest you
0