I have thought for a long time that I would do EM (which I do love still after rotating as an MS3) and little else has truly excited me in the way of clerkships, other than Orthopedic surgery (which totally shocks me). I have yet to experience clinical Allergy or Neonatology (which i think are my other interests) but my biggest concern is whether a family life is likely in those other fields. I don't want to be a SAHM, or even really work part time, I am happy with 40+ (occasionally 60) hours per week.

does anyone here have much experience with Ortho surgery? Is it as demanding timewise as general surgery? as far as residencies go, I know they all are pretty miserable. My main concern is post residency. Is it possible to be involved with your kids as an orthopedic surgeon?

There are many Women in Surgery groups popping up throughout the country, as the reality hits surgical programs that 50% of med school students are female and only 20-30% apply to surgical residencies. There are some changes taking place, but it is very program specific.

Good luck with your choice!

Are you kidding? ortho surgery is MORE demanding than Gen Surgery both while in residency and once done. They work their assess off and even when done UNLESS you go PT you still have to make the bacon aka tons of hip/knee/joint replacements on the old-old. Unless there is nothing ELSE you can see yourself doing I would not suggest doing ortho with a family....just my 0.2 cents.

My dad is an orthopedic surgeon and works Monday-Thursday. He has a very good income. Also, if you're not into hips or knees, there are plenty of other joints to specialize in (hands, feet, spine, etc....). I think there is a fair amount of flexibility once you are out of residency fellowship (probably a good idea to do at least a year fellowship, though).

I'm not sure about post-residency, but I agree with efex that unless that's the ONLY thing you see yourself doing, I wouldn't recommend it. EM has lots of ortho (albeit not surgical) and that might be a good middle ground. Family-friendly too!

The other thing about ortho is that it's insanely competitive as you know. I think you're in DO school but I might be wrong. I also don't know anything about DO-only ortho programs. But my understanding is that trying to match as a DO into an MD ortho residency would be near impossible. Even with stellar scores, top-of-class rank, and publication galore. Sorry to be such a downer...

Good luck with your decisions!

efex said exactly what I was thinking.

If you want decent hours, go with allergy or EM.

I've never met a person in surgery - be it orthopedic or general - who weren't absolutely 100% devoted to it. However, I have met countless people to pursued surgery and switched specialties mid-residency or even after their first year. Think long and hard about it.

I do not think it is possible to become a good surgeon in a "family friendly" residency (not sure if they even exist for surgery). Any specialty you choose will afford you the opportunity to work more than 40 hours per week, trust me!

thanks for your input. I am fortunate enough to have grades/scores not a limiting factor in what I want to do, and I have every intention on staying in the DO realm.

I have thought long and hard about the surgery option, and I guess I think I just really liked the preceptors and their practice, rather than the subject itself. My heart is still in EM

thanks again!