So I requested Peds clerkships yesterday through my military stuff. I was so sure. Then I was around an anesthesiologist more today and talked to her. Saw a little more of what they did. I am still intrigued. I'm not going to lie. Yes, it is different than Peds and neonatology. No, I'm not sure completely I'm COMPLETELY uninterested in it. I'm still interested in it. I want to work with my hands and you really don't do that until fellowship in Peds. I like procedures. I'm so frustrated. I feel like I'm never going to be sure I'm picking the right specialty.

Maybe I should switch my second away in the military to Anesthesia just in case I end up wanting to do it. What is wrong with me? I must have a psychiatric disorder.

Isn't this kinda thing typical in 3rd year, every rotation you complete is the one you think you want to do in residency?

You sound perfectly normal to me!

Either way, most residency committees completely understand if you switch into a specialty late. That being said, I personally like variety and having options, so I'd like having one of both. Again, happening to enjoy many different specialties puts you in a "can't lose" situation.

hey southern! i don't think it's frowned upon to apply in two specilaities, but i don't know military. so that is of course one option. is there a problem doing two aways? (disclosure: I'm a gather-all-the-information-just-to-make-myself-feel-more-confident-type :-) )
here's my thoughts on your note:
( you're normal)
happiness-in-training vs. happiness-in-career --
you noticed that you want hands on work and don't get until fellowship in peds. but could you manage those 3 years, knowing you'll get to neonatology? or would it really drag you down, during the years you'll have least control over your work schedule?
and would you mind in 4 years of anesthesia training that you'd only have months of peds, and lots of adults?

- sounds like you have done your lists upon lists already -- might it be time for a bath-time / relaxed time insight??

- i've written this before, but I really decided which of two (child psych or gen peds / peds-onc) when I started writing my personal statement for each. The child psych essay flowed easily and passionately for me.

Thanks ya'll!. I forget there are psychiatrists on the board sometimes! (Super convenient).

My entire family is telling me to choose anesthesia. I think they just want me to be happy, but I still don't know. I'm not going to let anyone direct this choice but my heart, my God and my husband (with input).

Well, I may consult Mommd a little more too.

one of each! keep your options open! (besides, anesthesia/sedation/procedures will help you no matter what you do)

When does the military expect you to narrow your decisions and make a choice?

FWIW, I'm battling with Anesthesia, Gen Surg, and OB/Gyn. Anesthesia is the specialty du jour that I love

I am trying to get my Anesthesia rotation scheduled now. I am leaving one Peds scheduled and scheduling also an Anesthesia. I will cancel Peds if I want Anesthesia and then schedule a rotation in August at my school to get a letter and then go to Anes. away and I will cancel Anesthesia and go to my Peds away if I decide on Peds.

I hadn't been really exposed to a lot of Anesthesia until Surgery and the time I got to talk to more. I had been assuming things and also really uninformed about a lot of their job, so I actually only THOUGHT I didn't like it. Turns out - I really do. Crap, right?

I hate to say it, bc I sound so indecisive: but if you asked me today what I wanted to do - I want to do Anesthesia, but I want to work in charities and support breastfeeding and neonatal care and prematurity care etc. Pediatric Anesthesia fellowship.

I'm here again. I freaking love Physio. Some of what they do is so neat, and I love working with my hands. I like procedures. Sigh.

Honestly, I"m hoping to decide soon. Right now I'm focused on trying to get my Anesthesia rotation scheduled.

+1

I am all for doing an anesthesia rotation. But for me, peds/picu and peds anesthesia feel like such different animals.

Choice between anesthesia, gen surg, and ob I kind of understand.

Anyways, if you choose anesthesia, I hope you are ok doing all adults for a year and mostly adult for 3 years following. Hope you find what you really like. Good luck.