Go with what you would enjoy, regardless of the relative difference in pay. You will get a taste of the differences in specialties when you do your third year of med school. Even then, you may change your mind throughout your training. For example, I orginally wanted to be an ortho surgeon, then got interested in OB/GYN and even interviewed for residencies. But after doing an OB anesthesia rotation I realized that I reaally enjoyed anesthesia. An anesthesiologist I know was finishing his anesthesia residency but realized that he hated being in the O.R., so he did a pain fellowship. So there are lots of ways to go. You really need to see the various specialties for yourself to see what you like. Keep and open mind and realize it is possible to change it.

Let’s take these one at a time. As for pay, the pay is very good in any medical specialty, since there is a shortage of qualified technicians, nurses, researchers and other specialists who work alongside doctors. Doctor pay may not be what some people think, despite the fact their fees may seem high. They still have to pay school loans and other expenses, so they don’t make a clear profit. Also, much of their pay is determined by Medicare and private health insurance allowances.

As for a schedule, if you want to work from 9 to 5, I would suggest another line of work. Most people in the field of medicine work odd hours, nights, weekends and holidays. Doctors are on call for emergencies.

Lifestyle can be a series of interruptions if you choose to be a doctor. Otherwise, the pay will afford you certain luxuries you might not have otherwise.

There is a certain amount of prestige and respect awarded to all those in health-care professions, but what’s important is how you regard yourself.

The desirability would depend on what field of medicine most interests you. There are pros and cons in any profession.

The demand is the greatest in the medical profession, because as I stated before, there are shortages of staff, particularly in nursing and auxiliary employees.

What it all boils down to, is that you need to ask yourself these questions, and talk to others who are in the medical profession, decide what interests you the most, and what will be most fulfilling in the areas that you have mentioned. Good luck!

Orthepedic surgeons are listed as one of the better paid specialists. Any sort of surgeon, really.