Doctors spend a lifetime trying to differentiate themselves. Even before doctors go through medical school, they accept the notion that a career in medicine will distinguish them from their college peers and will make them the crown jewel of their families. Outside observers have the same perspective: doctors devote the best years of their lives to the study of endless amounts of information in order to take on the privileged role as a doctor, a career shared by so few others. However once in medical school and residency, doctors are only disappointed finding out that thousands of other students and doctors are on the same road in life. Whether it is in family practice or general surgery or radiology, or in ambulatory care versus hospital care, or in pediatric patients versus elderly patients, every possible nook and cranny within medicine is already filled with dozens of other doctors. Their thirst for distinguishing themselves not met, doctors will spend even more years training in a sub-sub-specialty. You will often hear doctors speak of their hyper-specialized qualifications: "As a pediatric neuroradiologist, I think that this young patient is suffering from . . ." To get on this doctor's good side, be sure to follow up statements such as this in later conversations by asking them about their residency and fellowship training. When they describe the details of their life journey in medicine and their research publications, simply nod politely. It is also recommended that you remark that there is probably no other sub-sub-specialty like theirs in the world and that they are definitely the leading expert in their field. When they smile proudly and agree with your appraisal, you are certain to have just earned their trust and favor for the future.
Some doctors say that their medical training is not in a sub-sub-specialty, but claim rather that they are in general practice. Do not challenge them on this! Doctors are very sensitive regarding their choice of specialty; calling into question a doctors' specialization is akin to telling them that you think cognitive work is overrated. You should also know that these "general practice" physicians are very humble, and are not quick to admit that their career as a suburban-adult ambulatory general practice internal medicine physician really is a sub-sub-specialty. Be sure to validate their career choice by saying, "I always wanted to be in general practice just like you, but the pressures to pursue a sub-sub-specialty were just too overwhelming for me." They will feel better because of the uniqueness of their life path and the hardships they overcame to get where they are today, and their humility as a "general practitioner" will be preserved.
(Image from Digital Shotgun via Flickr)
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