First, decide on whether you want to be surgical or medical. This is the largest divide that

you need to narrow down first.

Second, list out the aspects of medicine that interest you the most. Is it a certain organ

system? Maybe intellectual stimulation? Working with your hands to cure ailments? Spending

time and getting to know your patients? From this, make a list of the specialties that

seem to fit those priorities.

Third, consider the patient population and the types of outcomes you prefer. Dealing

with kids is different than adults, as is dealing with patients who are terminal versus

those who just need a routine physical.

Fourth, how important is your work-life balance? Do you want to have more time for things outside

of medicine, or are you comfortable dedicating most of your life to your profession?

And fifth, watch our So You Want to Be episode on your specialties of interest, as that will

explain what they're really about and dispel any common misconceptions.