EM v.s. Pulm/Crit

3rd year medical student trying to decide between pursing EM or Pulm/Crit. Was hoping to get some help in making a decision. Ultimately, it's most important to me to have a good work/life balance in a job that I can enjoy for a long career. Unfortunately, I have not rotated through either specialities during 3rd year. I'm in the process of setting up aways for EM and ICU rotations early 4th year.

Pulm/Crit PROS:

- Variability in practice setting (ICU/outpatient pulm, close/open ICUs, private/academic)

- Flexibility in working more or less

- Enjoy outpatient clinics/transitioning to more outpatient as I get older

- Pulm pathology is interesting. Like the idea of working with lung cancers

- Enjoyed IM rotation and thinking about complex medical cases

- Job market appears much better than EM. Would want to live in a mid-size to large city.

- Don't hate the idea of having end of life discussions with patients

- IM offers a lot of options if I decide against pulm/crit

Pulm/Crit CONS:

- 6 years of residency/fellowship seems brutal

- Seems like pulm/crit guys work a lot

- Might not be as fast paced as EM

- Not a huge fan of research (like the idea, but haven't found a research passion)

EM Pros:

- Enjoyed the chaos of the ED (this was before med school)

- Fast paced

- Undifferentiated patients are exciting

- 3 year residency

-Would probably match at my top 3 on rank list

- I probably fit in better with ED physicians--I'm a little more laid back and not academically (i.e. research) focused

EM CONS:

- Future job market in major cities finding a good contract

- Circadian rhythm disruption (major con for me)

- EM seems like a mess (CMGs, mid-levels, etc.)

- Worried I wouldn't find EM exciting after a few years and would just burn out

I want to enjoy medicine, but I don't want it to be my life. I'm more happy having time to pursue hobbies and family/friends.