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 final 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
  Jung Typology Test

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 now so as to build a personal profile
for when the time comes for decision making at the end of Third Year.