Studying for a medical qualification is a lengthy, involved process, involving several years, multiple pathways, developing a wide range of skills and making some choices that can affect your career and your life.

One of the most difficult of these choices for a medical student, however, is making the decision to settle one’s studies and selecting specialist educational programmes that will lock you into a certain type of medical career.

As with any major career, professional development or educational decision, it can be very difficult and weigh on your mind, but the best way to make it easier is by following a few of these steps and asking yourself some of these questions.

First of all, whilst doing your research into particular fields of interest, feel free to ask professionals and appropriate bodies about the course itself and the career that comes after it.

Often these prove to be enlightening, as there are so many factors that go into making a specialisation decision, and they can help to shake the common concern of specialising in a field that is fascinating but does not ultimately suit you or your career.

On a similar note, consider more than the course itself. Whilst specialisations start with involved and dedicated courses, it is important that the nature of the career that comes after it suits your ambitions, expectations and ability to commit.

Knowing what the job involves, and how much it aligns not only with your skills but also your work-life balance and values is essential for a long and fulfilling future.

Knowing how the speciality might change in the future, as well as whether your values and priorities might change is also key, and thus it is essential to think it over for a while, using taster sessions and potentially even a break to gain experience and an understanding not only of the subject but yourself.