of work. Happiness outside of work is largely a function

of the lifestyle of the specialty. This encompasses factors like the number of hours spent in

the hospital, the amount of money one makes, and how predictable or unpredictable the work

hours are. Specialties with favorable lifestyles tend to score higher in terms of happiness

outside of work. The top five happiest specialties outside

of work are rheumatology, otolaryngology, endocrinology, pediatrics, and general surgery.

Happiness at work is largely dependent on factors like the amount of time spent with

patients, the patient population, the immediacy of patient improvement, and the level of stress

at work. The top five happiest specialties at work

are dermatology, ophthalmology, allergy and immunology, followed by a three-way tie between

orthopedic surgery, psychiatry, and pulmonary medicine.

This data may be helpful; however, don't let it sway you completely. Rather than looking

at data about others' happiness levels, examine your own. Going into a specialty that you

actually enjoy is more important to your long-term happiness than just pursuing whatever has

the best lifestyle, procedures, or compensation.