At Avalon University School of Medicine, we guide students through their medical education and provide them with the necessary tools and guidance for choosing a specialty. It can be difficult to know where to start because there are many specialties. Choosing a medical specialty is a big decision; it’s important to consider your interests, skills, and career goals when deciding. It is also worth noting that most preferred specialties can be very competitive.

Here is a list of some top specialties selected by medical students based on popularity, competitiveness, salary, and work-life balance:

Dermatology or Ophthalmology
Dermatology is the study and treatment of skin conditions and Ophthalmology is the study and treatment of the eye. These are popular specialties because they offer a good work-life balance and a high earning potential.

Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery is the surgical treatment of disorders of the brain, spine, and nervous system. It is the most competitive medical specialty, but offers the highest earning potential. These doctors typically enjoy a high level of respect for their skills and expertise.

Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is the surgical treatment of deformities and defects of the body. It is a competitive specialty, and it offers a high earning potential along with a rewarding career.

Radiation Oncology
Radiation oncology is the use of radiation to treat cancer. It is a popular specialty with a good work-life balance and a high earning potential.

Emergency Medicine
Emergency medicine involves the diagnosis and treatment of acute illness and injuries. It is a fast-paced and exciting specialty that is in high demand. Emergency medicine physicians typically work long hours and must be able to work well under pressure.

Internal Medicine
Internal medicine is the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the internal organs. It is a broad specialty that includes a wide range of subspecialties, such as cardiology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology.

Pediatrics
Pediatrics is the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of children. It is a rewarding specialty that allows physicians to build long-term relationships with patients and their families.

Family Medicine
Family medicine is the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of patients of all ages. It is a broad specialty that allows physicians to provide comprehensive care to their patients and their families.

Psychiatry
Psychiatry is a specialty of medicine that focuses on researching, understanding, diagnosing, and treating diseases of the brain and disorders of the mind and behavior. It is a rewarding specialty that allows physicians to help patients improve their mental health and overall well-being.

When choosing a medical specialty, there is no right or wrong answer, and the best specialty for you is the one that you are most passionate about.

• Talk to physicians in different specialties. Get their insights on what it is like to work in their field and the challenges and rewards of their job.
• Complete elective clinical rotations in a variety of specialties during your clinical sciences years in medical school.
• Shadow physicians in different specialties. This will give you a firsthand look at what it is like to work in a particular specialty.
• Research different specialties online and in medical journals. Learn about the different conditions that physicians in each specialty treat and the procedures they perform.
• Consider your interests, skills, and career goals. What are you passionate about? What are you good at? Where do you want to see yourself in the future?

Click HERE to see the specialties that Avalon’s recent graduates are pursuing.