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The Medical Specialty For You (According to Your Personality Type) – Part 1
Choosing which medical specialty to take is one of the most definitive moments in a doctor’s life. To all pre-med students aiming for that MD, this could be a make or break decision. A lot of factors can come into play when choosing your specialty. One of the most significant ones is whether or not it fits your personality.
Luckily, personality tests such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator are available to guide us into careers that are suited for our characteristics and dispositions. Various studies and research have also been made on which MBTI personalities gravitate towards which specialities. Below, we’ve compiled the top 5 medical specialties for each introverted personality type.
For extroverted types, figure out which medical specialty suits your personality best through here. To know which MBTI personality type you are, you can take the test here: https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test
ISTJ - The Logistician
ISTJs are innate organizers. They quickly respond to order and predictability. That is why they thrive in positions that follow strict step-by-step procedures. They also make good use of their reliability, objectivity, and sharp eyes. Identifying, reporting, and correcting issues are vital to them in performing their tasks. They work better on their own but if in teams, ISTJs prefer outlined responsibilities and processes to function properly.
Medical Specialties for ISTJs:
– Dermatology
– Obstetrics- Gynaecology
– Family Practice
– Orthopaedic Surgery
– Urology
ISTP - The Mechanic
ISTPs are the balance of logic and spontaneity. They can function in both controlled and diverse environments. Because of their practical nature, they love figuring out how things work mechanically. The ISTP types also want versatility, action, and maybe even a bit of adrenaline in their practice, never wishing to do things repetitively. ISTPs are flexible, independent, and adaptable while still being rational and analytical.
Medical Specialties for ISTPs:
– Otolaryngology
– Radiology
– Ophthalmology
– General Practice
– Paramedics
ISFJ - The Nurturer
Compassion defines ISFJs. They genuinely desire to be of service for others, be it their patients or co-workers. They are excellent at remembering details about others. Ever reliable, ISFJs strive to fulfill expectations and always following through. They are also incredibly observant and perceptive of other people’s needs and emotions.
Medical Specialties for ISFJs:
– Nursing
– Ophthalmology
– Family Practice
– Paediatrics
– Veterinary
ISFP - The Adventurer
ISFPs are inherently creative and original. They deeply appreciate beauty and aesthetics. Consequently, they feel restricted by unchanging environments. Their concrete plans almost always support their clear visions. Leading or controlling others does not seem to interest them. They are also more inclined to hands-on tasks on their own.
Medical Specialties for ISFPs:
– Urology
– Family Practice
– Thoracic Surgery
– General Practice
– Cosmetic Surgery
INTJ - The Scientist
Considered as the most independent type, INTJs are original, analytical, and determined. They have an exceptional ability to turn plans into immediate action. Complex problems attract and engage INTJs. They also value improvement and have high standards for their performance as well as others’. This quality consequently makes them perfect leaders.
Medical Specialties for INTJs:
– Psychiatry
– Pathology
– Neurology
– Internal Medicine
– Anaesthesiology
INTP - The Thinker
As the name suggests, INTP personalities are always thinking. Quiet and reserved, they are philosophers at heart. INTPs are exceptionally capable and driven to turn theories into clear understandings. This makes them very proficient in problem-solving. As natural solitary workers, they have no interest in leading or following others.
Medical Specialties for INTPs:
– Neurology
– Pathology
– Psychiatry
– Cardiology
– Thoracic Surgery
INFP - The Idealist
Quiet, reflective, and idealistic, INFPs are interested in understanding and helping others. They have well-developed value systems which they strive to live in accordance with above all. INFPs are adaptable, laid-back, and love seeing possibilities. They value other’s stories and experiences and can get very personal with their patients.
Medical Specialties for INFPs:
– Veterinary
– Dermatology
– Psychiatry
– Cardiology
– Obstetrics
– Gynaecology
INFJ - The Protector
As the rarest personality type, INFJs don’t look at the world the same way as most people. Their out-of-the-box ideas let them explore all the possible treatments for their patients’ conditions. They usually use their ability to read other people’s emotions and motivations to help and guide them. However, they tend to stay private, maintaining a strict professional relationship with patients.
Medical Specialties for INFJs:
– Physical Therapy
– Psychiatry
– Internal Medicine
– Pathology
– Family Practice
Sources
Assessment of Personality Type and Medical Specialty Choice Among Medical Students from Karachi Using Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Tool
Careers to Match Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type 1
Careers to Match Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type 2
Careers to Match Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type 3
High-Level Description of the Sixteen Personality Types
Careers to Match Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type 1
Careers to Match Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type 2
Careers to Match Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type 3
High-Level Description of the Sixteen Personality Types
