Second year MD student, Sarah Tod and Family Medicine Residency Program Director, Dr. Willa Henry
Becoming a doctor doesn’t begin and end with being admitted to medical school. Choosing an area to specialize in as a resident is a tough decision that many students face in the later years of their undergraduate studies. While some students know right away which medical field they want to pursue, many are undecided or unsure.
The UBC Faculty of Medicine Careers Night offers undergraduate medical students the opportunity to explore different specialty programs. Program directors and current residents are on hand to answer questions and offer insight into what life is like as a particular type of doctor.
For second year student, Sarah Todd, this is a great venue to learn more about what kind of medical field might be right for her.
“I haven’t made up my mind yet. I have focused in on some areas that I think I’m interested in, but since I’m still in second year, I haven’t really had much clinical exposure to different fields. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to talk with both the program directors and the residents to get some information that will help prepare me.”
Dr. Willa Henry, the Director of UBC’s Family Medicine residency program believes events like Careers Night are of great benefit to undergraduate students, who can chat with current residents about what their fields are like, how they have been successful and how best undergrads can position themselves. In particular, she believes choosing a field of specialty takes very careful consideration.
“I think it’s really important that they’ve worked in the area that they are considering. Believe it or not, you have to choose (your specialty by the) beginning of fourth year even though you may not have ever had experience (in that area).”
Dr. Henry also advises that undergrads reflect on what strengths they would bring to a particular specialty.
“Everyone brings strengths and weaknesses to the table. Discovering the best ‘fit’ is the key to a successful post graduate career choice.”
Although the choice is not yet obvious yet for Sarah, she is hoping that events like Careers Night, along the more clinical aspects of her studies, will make her decision easier.
“Because I know third year is coming, I’m enjoying that we’re really gearing up towards putting everything we’ve learned into practice.”