Med school help?

Question

Hi. I want to be a neurologist, psychiatrist, or neuropsychiatrist. I'm not sure which field I will enter yet, but I'm worried that I won't be too good as a doctor. I'm sometimes a tad clumsy, and I don't always have good common sense. I don't mind working late hours or under pressure, but I don't know if I'll be good with the mechanical/surgical skills of doctors. Will I learn to be more comfortable during med school, or does one need an innate tendency to do well in these skills?

Answer 1

If your interests don't include surgical specialties, don't stress too hard. Matching into a surgical field in your third year of medical school isn't something you should worry anyway since you expressly state that you're inclined towards neurology, psychiatry, and neuropsychiatry. The critical element is just getting into medical school. Everything else happens secondary to clearing that major hurdle. And if dexterity issues still keep you up at night, take a few art courses like sculpture or ceramics. I know many surgeons who suggest this path if you need a little assistance. Not everyone is inherently rock-steady. Your diet can also play a small contributing role (if you need potassium, for example) as well as personal circumstances. Being self-aware is helpful if you know you can be a bit shaky under certain circumstances.

Answer 2

Before you think about a specialty, your biggest task is getting into medical school in the first place.  You will have sufficient time to determine your specialty after you have completed your first three years.