Researching Your Options
Introduction
Once you’ve seriously considered what might
appeal to you, it’s time to start investigating the options
available in more detail.
In order to narrow down the career options
which are of interest, there are a number of research avenues to
consider. It’s helpful to use the most accessible of these first –
particularly if you have a number of areas to which you could be
suited.
Internet research
The web is a useful way to get a quick insight
into a number of specialties. It’s also a good place to get
contrasting views or the latest news stories in a given field. With
an almost inexhaustible source of information at your fingertips,
it’s best used for a broad overview as opposed to in-depth fact
finding.
A list of useful websites can be found in the
tools and resources section and the
Specialty pages.
Books and journals
Once you’ve honed down the specialties you
wish to consider further you can use your local medical library to
investigate them in more detail. You should be able to get books on
particular areas which include a clinical overview, as well as
journals and other published material. Journals and newsletters in
particular can be a useful way of finding the inside track. Try
scanning the letter pages to find out about the issues that are
currently generating most debate.
Click through to the booklist within the tools and resources section
for a list of books that you may find helpful.
Newspapers and research forums
Don’t limit yourself to publications aimed at
doctors choosing a specialty. Finding out the current medical
topics hitting the headlines, or tapping into a research community
forum can help you see a different side to what a particular area
has
to offer.
Careers Fairs
Visiting a medical careers fair is another
excellent way of exploring different career options.
Every October BMJ Careers organises a National careers
fair held in London.
See our guide about the benefits of
attending a careers fair.
We also have an up-to-date list of national careers fairs
and events you may be interested in
attending.