Early in your medical career, it can feel like everyone else has a plan, or at least sounds like they do. In reality, uncertainty is far more common than it appears. With over 60 recognised specialties, multiple training pathways and a wide range of practice settings, it is completely normal to still be working out what might suit you best.
Rather than rushing towards a decision, one of the most valuable things you can do in your early career is intentionally assess your options. The good news is that you are already gathering the most important information through your rotations, teams and day to day clinical work. The key is learning how to capture and reflect on those experiences in a way that meaningfully supports decision making.
Your rotations are data if you use them well
Each rotation gives you insight into the type of work you enjoy and the type you do not, how you respond to pressure, pace and responsibility, the kinds of teams and supervisors you work best with, and what drains you or gives you energy.
Without reflection, these insights can fade or blur together. With even a simple reflection habit, patterns start to emerge that can help clarify your thinking over time.
Keeping a career reflection diary
A reflection diary does not need to be long or polished. A few dot points at the end of a week or at the conclusion of a rotation is often enough. What matters most is consistency.
You might choose a notes app, a document or a dedicated notebook. The best option is whatever feels easy to access and sustainable alongside a busy clinical workload.
Suggested reflection prompts
What aspects of the work did I enjoy most?
What did I find most challenging or draining?
What kind of environment was this?
How did this rotation fit with my life outside work?
What surprised me?
Would I want more of this or less, and why?
Over time, these reflections become a valuable resource when you start comparing specialties, planning future rotations or preparing for training applications.
Look for patterns, not perfection
No single rotation perfectly represents a specialty. One challenging term does not automatically rule a pathway in or out.
Instead of asking whether you liked a rotation, it can be more helpful to ask what parts of the work you could see yourself doing long term, and what patterns are showing up across multiple rotations.
Career clarity usually develops through accumulated insight rather than one defining moment.
When reflection feels hard
Some doctors find reflection straightforward. Others find it vague, difficult or uncomfortable, particularly when there is pressure to have a clear answer about the future.
Structured reflection can help in these situations. Talking through your experiences with someone who understands medical training can assist you to identify what really matters to you, separate external expectations from personal preferences and turn scattered experiences into clearer insight.
AMA Victoria’s Choosing a Specialty Coaching Program is designed for doctors at this stage. It supports those who are early in their decision making, exploring options or feeling uncertain, and want clarity without pressure. The program offers a structured, confidential space to reflect, explore possibilities and begin forming a realistic specialty shortlist.
For now, start small. Choose one place to record reflections, write a few notes after your next shift or at the end of the week, and let curiosity guide you rather than urgency.
Your future career will benefit from the time you invest now.