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What is the process for retraining in a different specialty, or transitioning to a non-clinical career?
I am a year 10 high school student, hoping to pursue a career in medicine. I am interested in becoming a paediatrician, but am curious how I would be able to specialise or transition to different areas within working clinically and non-clinical fields. For my year 11 subjects I. am doing, chemistry, biology, psychology, math methods and energy systems. I will continue on tp do these subjects in year 12 as well.
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James’s Answer
Many physicians (at least in the USA) ultimately decide to pursue non-clinical fields such as hospital administration, research, insurance, biomedical device development, pharmaceutical development and marketing...
Some physicians do change their specialization as well, although most find the added years of more residency training is too big a hurdle.
Once you have completed medical school, you complete a residency in whatever specialty you choose (such as pediatrics). Then you decide if you want to go into practice, or wish to do a fellowship to become a sub specialist. If one decides during or after residency or fellowship that they wish they pursued a different specialty, they simply apply to do that specialty's residency and possibly fellowships. The second specialty usually allows that physician to skip one year of the training.
You have many years to go through these stages on your personal journey. Please try to enjoy that expedition through the amazing field of medicine. There is so much to learn, and so many experiences to relish. One cannot take "the wrong path" as long as you stay true to your core values and blend what will help others while you care for yourself.
Some physicians do change their specialization as well, although most find the added years of more residency training is too big a hurdle.
Once you have completed medical school, you complete a residency in whatever specialty you choose (such as pediatrics). Then you decide if you want to go into practice, or wish to do a fellowship to become a sub specialist. If one decides during or after residency or fellowship that they wish they pursued a different specialty, they simply apply to do that specialty's residency and possibly fellowships. The second specialty usually allows that physician to skip one year of the training.
You have many years to go through these stages on your personal journey. Please try to enjoy that expedition through the amazing field of medicine. There is so much to learn, and so many experiences to relish. One cannot take "the wrong path" as long as you stay true to your core values and blend what will help others while you care for yourself.
Thank you so much!
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DeSha’s Answer
If you're interested in a career in the medical field, it's a good idea to start with a degree in Biology or a related subject to learn the basics. After that, you'll need to attend medical school and complete a residency in your chosen specialty. If you're unsure about which path to take, consider volunteering at a local hospital. This experience can help you understand different areas in the medical field and find the one that suits you best. Good luck on your journey!