WHAT TO DECIDE DURING RESIDENCY

Choosing between Internal Medicine and Dermatology for your residency is a significant
decision in your medical career. Both specialties have their unique characteristics and
offer different career paths. Here are some factors to consider when making your
decision:

Internal Medicine:

1. Broad Scope: Internal Medicine deals with the diagnosis and treatment of a wide
range of medical conditions in adults. It covers various organ systems, making it
one of the broadest medical specialties.
2. Longer Residency: An Internal Medicine residency typically lasts three years,
which is longer compared to some other specialties.
3. Patient Variety: You will encounter a diverse range of patients with complex
medical issues, and you will often serve as a primary care physician, managing
chronic diseases and providing preventive care.
4. Subspecialization: After Internal Medicine residency, you can choose to
specialize further in areas like Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Pulmonology, or
Infectious Diseases.
5. Intellectual Challenge: Internal Medicine can be intellectually rewarding due to
the complex cases and the need to stay up-to-date with the latest medical
advancements.

Dermatology:

1. Focused Specialty: Dermatology focuses exclusively on the skin, hair, nails, and
related conditions. It's a more narrowly focused field compared to Internal
Medicine.
2. Shorter Residency: Dermatology residencies are typically shorter, often lasting
three years or less.
3. Procedural Aspects: Dermatologists perform various procedures, such as skin
biopsies, excisions, laser treatments, and cosmetic procedures. If you enjoy
hands-on procedures, this may be appealing.
4. Lifestyle Considerations: Dermatology often offers a more predictable and
controllable work schedule compared to some other medical specialties. It may
provide a better work-life balance.
5. Patient Variety: While dermatologists primarily deal with skin-related issues,
they may also encounter patients with underlying medical conditions that
manifest on the skin, allowing for some diversity in patient care.
Ultimately, your choice should align with your interests, career goals, and the type of
patient population you wish to serve. It's crucial to shadow physicians in both
specialties, speak with mentors and current residents, and consider your own
preferences and strengths. Additionally, you can weigh factors like lifestyle, procedural
vs. non-procedural preferences, and the patient population you find most compelling.
Your decision should be well-informed and reflect your passion for the field you choose.