The document discusses factors to consider when planning a medical specialty, such as enjoying lifelong commitment, being good at certain areas, and having realistic expectations about lifestyle factors like hours, weekends, calls, and vacations. It recommends thinking broadly about choices initially, then planning for the next 5-10 years considering one's life, specialty, and environment. Several medical specialty areas and resources for learning more are listed.

1. Medical Specialties
To plan or not to plan
Dr. Tareef Alaama FACP FRCPC

3. To plan or not to plan ?

4. What do you enjoy?
• Life-long commitment.
• Easier to eliminate than
include.
• What are you good at?

5. What are the choices?
• Have realistic expectations.
• Think in broad categories.
• Keep choices open.

8. Life Style
• Working hours
• Weekends
• Calls
• Vacations
• Family

9. Three Life Phases
• Resident.
• Fellow.
• Consultant.
• Here vs. abroad

14. Confusion is not so bad

15. Must Not Forget

16. Competition is getting harder

17. Must Not Forget
• Plan for 5-10 years from now.
• Plan for your life.
• Plan for your environment.

20. • Medical management.
• Preventive Medicine.
• Physical Medicine and Rehab.
• Palliative care.

21. Good Resources
• http://careermed.org/
• http://com.ksau-
hs.edu.sa/eng/images/stories/30112010/pub
personality_type.pdf
• http://doctorgrasshopper.wordpress.com

22. • Always ask
• Ask everybody