[*Dreamer*]

Hi guys,

So I've been thinking about specialties, and I'm seriously considering surgery, perhaps pediatric surgery? (I love working with kids)...I know its early to make a decision (I just finished first year of med school), and that surgery is incredibly competitive and challenging, however after doing some research around the career, I think its something that I am really drawn to.

I'd love advice from anyone who is currently pursuing a career in surgery as to the sort of thing that I could be doing now that would really help me in the future

Thanks

[theatrical]

(Original post by *Dreamer*)
Hi guys,

So I've been thinking about specialties, and I'm seriously considering surgery, perhaps pediatric surgery? (I love working with kids)...I know its early to make a decision (I just finished first year of med school), and that surgery is incredibly competitive and challenging, however after doing some research around the career, I think its something that I am really drawn to.

I'd love advice from anyone who is currently pursuing a career in surgery as to the sort of thing that I could be doing now that would really help me in the future

Thanks

The best thing you could do is to join your medical school's surgical society, or even better, set one up (if there isn't one already). I don't think there would be enough interest to set-up a society devoted solely to paeds surgery.

That's really the most you can do in preclinical. In clinicals you can choose SSCs related to the field you're interested in; get involved with audits and research, and try to get these presented nationally or published; do your elective in your chosen field. When it comes to applying for foundation jobs, you can try to get a job which includes a rotation in whatever you're interested in.

Remember though, you're only in first year - you're interests and aspirations will probably change significantly once you start clinicals and have some actual exposure to specific specialties.