Other programs I didn't hear about as much moved up more in my mind. They all were good, but I need to pick the one that is best for me. The practicing doctors who are dissatisfied with their chosen field don't take the time early to really think about what kind of medicine best fits their personality. I am different, I know, in that I decided as a first-year medical student that I wanted to go into orthopedics and surgery. I had exposure in college working as a nursing assistant.
Most students change their minds from their second to third year.
It is rare to keep a first choice. Dr. Iserson said the best source of information on a program is from doctors who went through it. This is not a good reason. Advisers try and steer students to their own specialty, and they sometimes disparage other specialties. It is important for students to talk with residents who are part of that program.