Most future physicians—no matter how long they’ve intended to pursue a medical degree—spend at least some time thinking about what their future careers might entail. It’s common to wonder, “What type of doctor should I be?” Because there is a multitude of medical specialties out there, it can be difficult to decide. For this reason, you might find it helpful to learn about which personal traits lend themselves toward particular specialties.
How to decide what kind of doctor to be: Exploring careers and characteristics
Aspiring physicians should consider not only how their inherent traits align with each of the roles below but also the day-to-day tasks each role involves. It’s also wise to consider attending virtual events that can provide further information on different specialties.
Types of doctors to consider
Now that you have a better idea of what type of doctor you should be, take some time to learn more about the ins and outs of the specialty. Check out our additional resources by clicking on one of the links below:
- Anesthesiologist
- Cardiologist
- Emergency physician
- Internist/family physician
- Neurologist
- OB/GYN
- Pathologist
- Pediatrician
- Psychiatrist
- Surgeon
Determine your MD future
Answering the question, “What medical specialty should I choose?” might be a bit less daunting now that you have some more information on a variety of careers. Perhaps you’re even interested in evaluating medical schools more critically. Learn more about how to compare programs by reading our article “How to Choose a Medical School: 9 Things to Evaluate Before Accepting.”
