How to Choose a Medical Specialty

Abstract

Increased competition for residency and clinical practice positions has created anxiety in medical students. There is perceived pressure to choose the "right" specialty while in one's training and to develop strategy early in medical school to obtain an appropriate residency. Many trainees are concerned that they may make the incorrect choice. Traditionally, medical schools have not done well in career counseling, although this situation is slowly changing. Anita D. Taylor's book is a welcome addition to a medical educator's resources. She has attempted to give focus to a medical student's thinking in planning one's career. Her viewpoint is that students should choose careers based on interest and personality traits, and she attempts to provide information that would allow students to assess their potential career choices in terms of those variables. In an era when physician reimbursement and practice structure are liable to undergo great alterations, such career reflection is invaluable.