It All Begins With Self-Understanding

Most students believe that nothing is more important than studying while in Medical
School.

And it is...

But along the way you must also reach a decision about which specialty you will
ultimately choose for your life's work.

The process that allows you to come to a decision about  a specialty is grounded in who you are,
what your view of the world is, and who you wish to become.

In order to make a good decision you must come to a clear sense of your self - your interests, strengths, and values.

This takes time, and although it is difficult to find time for introspection when you are a busy medical student,
devoting time to do some form of self-assessment from the start will pay dividends when it comes time to make your
final choice and begin to apply for a position.

There are a variety of self assessment activities that can help prepare you to make one of
the most exciting decisions of your life.

They include:

  Personal Review (interests, skills, educational experiences)
  Myers Briggs Type Indicator
  Medical Specialty Preference Inventory (MSPI)
  Physician Values in Practice Scale
  Environmental Factors and Practice Needs Assessment

These self-assessment instrument can be found on the CAREERS IN MEDICINE web  page.

It is recommended that you begin to explore some of these activities so as to build a personal profile
for when the time comes for decision making at the end of Third Year.