Which medical specialty is the easiest and why?

Defining a specialty as ‘easy’ depends on plenty of factors, the most important of them being your knack and affinity with the field. But some areas of study are considered comparatively easier, even if only slightly.

It’s that time of your medical studies that you ought to choose a specialty you will be practicing in the future. While some students choose some of the most popular or the toughest specialties, there are certain students that are on the lookout for the easiest one to pursue.

However, defining a specialty as ‘easy’ depends on plenty of factors, the most important of them being your knack and affinity with the field. But some areas of study are considered comparatively easier, even if only slightly.

Podiatry: This is where you examine, medically diagnose and surgically treat the disorders of the lower extremities of the body including feet and ankles. What makes this specialty feature in this list is because it is easier to get into a podiatric school than a medical school. While both are similar in terms of course structure and credit hours, the schools are different. You can get into a podiatric school after you complete three years of bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.

The four-year course is almost identical to that of a medical school during the first two years. But, after the completion of this programme, you get to walk out as a fully licensed specialty surgeon. While advisable, you are not required to have additional residency which can come as a relief after all the strenuous studying.

This means that you get to start earning at a younger age than if you were to pursue a Doctorate of Medicine (MD). There are many podiatrists who establish their own clinics and do well. And not to mention, you won’t have to spend as much time in the OR as certain other specializations would require you to.

That being said, you should be aware that pursuing podiatry is not a cakewalk. You will have to prepare yourself for gruelling hours of study and surgical training.

Dermatology: Here you have to deal with diagnosing and treating skin diseases. By no means is this any easier than the other specialties, but it has a few perks that could work in your favour. Dermatology is such a vast practice that it increases the chances of you finding a sub-specialty that suits you. The field has really taken off in these past years with multiple areas still yet to have sufficient practitioners. Photobiology, dermatopathology and allergic disorders are just a few.

You could even go for aesthetic medicine which opens up a whole new avenue. One of the best things about it is that there are not as many cases of serious patient illness, or fatalities.

But again, dermatology requires no less effort. You will have to graduate from a medical school, do internships followed by three years of resident training and take various exams.

In the end, no medical training is ‘easy’. Whether you’re a pre-med or an undergraduate, as long as you have the energy and passion to pursue medicine, choosing a specialty shouldn’t be as hard as you think. Try to follow strict schedules, manage your time, and create your own method of studying that works for you. Because one day, it will all be worth it.