Give yourself time to decide

For residents · Getting started

Some residents walk in on day one knowing they want oncology. That’s great. Many don’t, and that’s fine too. Spend time on the wards, in clinic and on consults before you commit.

It’s okay to change direction. People are often between two specialties, and switching after a few rotations is normal.

What is not okay is choosing oncology just to do a fellowship.

If you don’t truly love this work, the hours, the conversations about prognosis and the constant reading will wear you down fast. Before you apply, make sure you know what the day actually looks like and that you want it.

Questions to ask yourself

Do I enjoy long relationships with patients, including through the end of life?
Am I drawn to clinic, the hospital, the lab or clinical trials? Hem/onc has room for all of them, but you should know your leaning.
Do I like heme, onc or both? Some careers end up almost entirely one side.
Have I talked honestly with at least two or three attendings and fellows about their real lives?