Best type of doctor for me? Best college and major for that?

Question

I want to become a type of doctor, I'm thinking about pediatrics or orthopedics, but I want a job where I have time for myself, and a good pay, at least $100 thousand a year. So I'm wondering what type of doctor should I go after, and what college and major I should go to. I like sports, so maybe a good sport college too. Thanks!

Answer 1

You don't specialize until you are out of medical school -- so you don't have to even think about that now.

To get into medical school, you should go to the best college that you can get into.

BTW -- if you aren't willing to work hard, I suggest another field.  That being said, pediatrics and orthopedics require you to be available 24/7.  A field like Dermatology allows you to work when you want, with no calls when you are out of the office.

A salary of $100K per year is low for any doctor.

Answer 2

Biology is a good major for college. When you get into medical school, there were be a semester (or a year) in which you will rotate through many different medical specialities. Don't try to make up your mind which you think you might like until you have a chance to experience several. Sports medicine is a specialized field, and very interesting for folks who are sports orientated. You sound somewhat self-centered on your own goals, however, the way you express your question, i.e., time off and good pay. Maybe some of your other goals are to help people as they face medical crises in their lives, or further medical research in some baffling, challenging diseases.

Answer 3

If you choose to be a doctor, especially what you are looking into, you will be on-call constantly. You would need to carry a pager with you  24/7.

If you were to be a dermatologist (like someone suggested), you would only work during office hours and with appointments. Their schedules are extremely flexible.

You shouldn't even worry about that now. Just focus on getting into a decent college with a good science program and a good med-school. You worry about speciality after graduation from medical school, years from now. You'll probably change your mind dozens of times.

As far as salary, that's pretty low. That's usually the amount of debt you'll be in after graduation. That's probably just above starting salary for a doctor. You'll make much more than that.