Choosing your medical specialty is easily one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever make after committing to medical school. It is a life-defining moment. My suggested approach is borrowed from the Japanese philosophy of Ikigai. Ikigai is interpreted as finding your reason for being. Here are some simple steps.
1. What Do You Love?
Start with your passion. What aspects of medicine genuinely excite you? Do you enjoy hands-on procedures, long-term patient relationships, or problem-solving? Pay attention to the rotations that make you lose track of time.
2. Who Are Your People?
Where do you feel you belong? Think about the departments or placements where you felt most at ease. This is where you found mentors, teammates, and peers you clicked with. Your kindred spirits often point you toward the right direction.
3. Who Do You Aspire to Be?
Look at the leaders in the field. Do you admire the registrars or consultants in that specialty? Could you see yourself in their shoes a few years from now? Browse their profiles on LinkedIn or read their work; does this resonate with you?
4. What Are You Good At?
Reflect honestly on your strengths. Are you skills better at or come easy to you? Feedback from peers and supervisors can help you spot patterns. You will thrive doing something you are already good at.
5. Will It Support You Financially?
Luckily, medicine is still one of those careers where you don’t need to think too much about money. No matter what you choose, you will be financially stable and able to afford a decent lifestyle for you and your family in the future.
6. Will the World Still Need You in 10–20 Years?
Medicine is evolving. Choose a specialty that aligns with the future of healthcare. Choose one that offers relevance and sustainability. While AI isn’t going to replace doctors tomorrow, it is still important to think about whether your role will still be needed? How will it grow with the times?