Choosing a medical specialty is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make. We can help.
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1. Understand Yourself
Self-exploration is essential to a satisfying specialty choice
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2. Explore Options
Knowing about all career options that exist ensures well-informed decisions
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3. Choose Your Specialty
Making a career choice that makes you happy is harder than you think
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4. Prepare for Residency
Much is involved in a the transition from applying to arriving at residency
![Man thinking and touching forehead](/https/careersinmedicine.aamc.org/sites/default/files/styles/simple_image_above_820x456/public/How%20medical%20students%20choose%20specialties-%20663276802.jpg?itok=PqcOQVyW)
How medical students choose their specialty
Physician specialty choice is a complex decision that includes many influencing factors.
![Woman thinking](/https/careersinmedicine.aamc.org/sites/default/files/styles/simple_image_above_820x456/public/Why%20explore%20specialties%20early%20in%20med%20school%20-%20666071970.jpg?itok=8iizmX2p)
Why explore specialties early in medical school?
I’m only a first year and still in my basic sciences coursework, but I feel pressure to start thinking about specialties. Why do I need to start now?