Professional Development > Careers & Education

Doc opens up about specialty regret: 'I chose surgery for some of the wrong reasons'

By MDLinx staff

Published April 16, 2025

Key Takeaways

Today’s doctors are leveraging their platforms to spark conversations, battle misinformation, and drive positive change in health and wellness. Their influential posts are making waves—don’t miss them!

Ears, nose, and throat surgeon Frances Mei Hardin, MD, is sparking a candid conversation about how societal pressures often shape physicians' specialty choices—sometimes in ways that don’t align with their true passions. Many physicians end up choosing a specialty based on external factors like prestige or what seems “cool,” rather than personal interest.

“I chose surgery for some of the wrong reasons, like the prestige, the ego, wanting to be cool, wanting to be badass,” she said. And if she had the chance to do it all over again? She wouldn’t have gone down that path.

Now, with a clearer understanding of what truly matters to her, Dr. Hardin’s perspective has shifted: “What I think is badass, what I really respect and value, doesn’t look the same as what it meant to me 10 years ago.”

Dr. Hardin’s reflection touches on an issue many physicians face: regret over their specialty choice. Research indicates that a significant number of physicians experience career regret. A 2018 study found that nearly 30% of physicians expressed dissatisfaction with their specialty choice. Many cited burnout, mismatched interests, and the intense demands of their field as key factors.^[]

For those who chose specialties based on prestige rather than passion, the regret can be especially poignant.

So, what happens if you regret your specialty? While switching specialties or shifting your career path within medicine is possible, it may require additional training, mentorship, or a redefined career path. Acknowledging the misalignment between one's career and personal interests is the first step toward a more fulfilling professional life.

Dr. Hardin’s story is a reminder that success in medicine doesn’t always look like prestige. Choosing a specialty should be about what aligns with your values and passions—not what others expect of you. Finding that balance could make all the difference in your long-term satisfaction.