3 answers
Testimony
Student
Ibadan, Nigeria
4
Questions
Asked
2186 views
How do you know if you want to be a surgeon or an internists ?
I love thinking about why's a lot and I think that is good for an internist but they have to keep on reading more every day right and I don't think I want that, but a surgeon don't have to right. And I have always wanted to be a surgeon right from childhood but I bet I don't know a thing then. Now I want to take in a profession I know I will be happy doing . I need your help guys
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3 answers
Rami Emad
Dentist and public health care
1
Answer
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Updated
Rami’s Answer
"That's such a beautiful and important question—one that shows you're thinking deeply about your future, not just chasing a title. Let me tell you something: wanting to understand the ‘why’ behind things is a gift. It means you’re curious, analytical, and thoughtful—traits that are incredibly valuable whether you're an internist or a surgeon.
Yes, internists do tend to read a lot and stay constantly updated because they deal with a broad range of complex conditions. But that doesn’t mean surgeons stop learning. Surgery isn’t just cutting and stitching; it’s decision-making, strategy, precision, and compassion. Surgeons also have to keep learning, but in a different way—more hands-on, procedural, and team-based.
What matters most isn’t whether you’ll have to read every day, or which job has a more defined lifestyle. What matters is whether you’ll feel fulfilled waking up every morning doing it. Think about where your energy flows: Do you light up when you talk about anatomy, procedures, and the OR? Or does solving clinical puzzles and diving into medical reasoning excite you more?
And don’t forget—you’re allowed to change. Medicine isn’t a single path, it's a journey. You can explore, evolve, and choose again if needed. Whatever you pick, make sure it's something that aligns with who you are—not who you thought you had to be. Your happiness in your profession will come from knowing that you're using your strengths to help others in a way that feels right to you.
Trust your instincts, give yourself permission to grow, and don't be afraid to choose what makes you feel alive. We're here to support you no matter what path you take."
Yes, internists do tend to read a lot and stay constantly updated because they deal with a broad range of complex conditions. But that doesn’t mean surgeons stop learning. Surgery isn’t just cutting and stitching; it’s decision-making, strategy, precision, and compassion. Surgeons also have to keep learning, but in a different way—more hands-on, procedural, and team-based.
What matters most isn’t whether you’ll have to read every day, or which job has a more defined lifestyle. What matters is whether you’ll feel fulfilled waking up every morning doing it. Think about where your energy flows: Do you light up when you talk about anatomy, procedures, and the OR? Or does solving clinical puzzles and diving into medical reasoning excite you more?
And don’t forget—you’re allowed to change. Medicine isn’t a single path, it's a journey. You can explore, evolve, and choose again if needed. Whatever you pick, make sure it's something that aligns with who you are—not who you thought you had to be. Your happiness in your profession will come from knowing that you're using your strengths to help others in a way that feels right to you.
Trust your instincts, give yourself permission to grow, and don't be afraid to choose what makes you feel alive. We're here to support you no matter what path you take."
Dedan Yatesa
2
Answers
Winterset, Iowa
Updated
Dedan’s Answer
Shadow both: Spend time with an internist and a surgeon. Observe how their days flow. Feel the difference.
Do clinical rotations with purpose: During med school, take notes of how you feel after days in surgery vs. internal medicine.
Listen to your gut: Not what people expect of you, but where your natural energy and curiosity go.
Try procedural internal medicine subspecialties too: Like cardiology (catheterization), gastroenterology (endoscopy), or interventional radiology—they combine thinking and hands-on work.
Don’t feel like you need to decide it all now. You’re doing exactly what a future great doctor does—thinking deeply before acting. That mindset alone means you’re going to thrive wherever you land.
Do clinical rotations with purpose: During med school, take notes of how you feel after days in surgery vs. internal medicine.
Listen to your gut: Not what people expect of you, but where your natural energy and curiosity go.
Try procedural internal medicine subspecialties too: Like cardiology (catheterization), gastroenterology (endoscopy), or interventional radiology—they combine thinking and hands-on work.
Dedan recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Testimony
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Absolutely love how you're thinking this through so openly, Testimony, seriously, you’re miles ahead just by asking the question.
Rami and Dedan already dropped such gems as understanding your why, shadowing both specialties, and tuning into your energy during rotations, that's great. Now, I used to think passion meant fireworks. But, it's more like gravity. It pulls you toward what feels right, even when you don’t have all the answers. You’re clearly drawn to the “why,” and that curiosity is a lifelong gift, but don’t box it into one job description.
You can be a surgeon and still ask “why.” You can be an internist and still be hands-on. Look at procedural subspecialties like GI or cardiology, mind and hands working together like a power duo. And yes, learning never stops for either path. But guess what? That’s how you stay alive in medicine. Static = boring.
Also, don’t underestimate joy. I mean the deep, "this fits me" kind of joy. Follow what gives you energy even after a hard day. That’s your compass. Remember, you're not picking a prison sentence; you’re choosing your first mountain to climb. You can always pivot, grow, and redefine success as you evolve.
Final tip? When you're unsure, start with what feels more like you. Not what sounds cool, or noble, or impressive, but what makes you feel present, awake, and needed. That’s medicine’s real magic.
You got this. Keep asking, keep exploring, you’re already becoming the doctor you’re meant to be Testimony! And remember, you can evolve. You can switch. You can fall in love with something unexpected.
You don’t need to be sure today, you just need to be curious enough to keep going.
Spend a few days with an internist and a surgeon. Watch how they move, how they solve problems, how they interact with patients. Notice: Do you feel bored or buzzing after watching them work? Do you love the surgical rhythm or the diagnostic dance? Because, experience reveals what fantasy hides.
Try Hybrid Paths (There Are In-Betweens!) Explore procedural internal medicine fields
Close your eyes (or open your notes app, whichever) and imagine: You at 35, in the OR. How does that feel? You at 45, diagnosing rare syndromes. Fulfilled or fried? You’re not picking a label—you’re building a life. Visualize the life you want, not just the title. So, choose what kind of hard feels worth it in the long run.
Rami and Dedan already dropped such gems as understanding your why, shadowing both specialties, and tuning into your energy during rotations, that's great. Now, I used to think passion meant fireworks. But, it's more like gravity. It pulls you toward what feels right, even when you don’t have all the answers. You’re clearly drawn to the “why,” and that curiosity is a lifelong gift, but don’t box it into one job description.
You can be a surgeon and still ask “why.” You can be an internist and still be hands-on. Look at procedural subspecialties like GI or cardiology, mind and hands working together like a power duo. And yes, learning never stops for either path. But guess what? That’s how you stay alive in medicine. Static = boring.
Also, don’t underestimate joy. I mean the deep, "this fits me" kind of joy. Follow what gives you energy even after a hard day. That’s your compass. Remember, you're not picking a prison sentence; you’re choosing your first mountain to climb. You can always pivot, grow, and redefine success as you evolve.
Final tip? When you're unsure, start with what feels more like you. Not what sounds cool, or noble, or impressive, but what makes you feel present, awake, and needed. That’s medicine’s real magic.
You got this. Keep asking, keep exploring, you’re already becoming the doctor you’re meant to be Testimony! And remember, you can evolve. You can switch. You can fall in love with something unexpected.
You don’t need to be sure today, you just need to be curious enough to keep going.
Dr recommends the following next steps: