The ROAD to Success In America today, one major industry is always in need of new workers: the medical field. The demand for doctors has increased steadily over the past few decades. Logically, this makes sense considering that the population of the United States has increased by nearly 70 million people over a 30-year span (“Population”). Patients are limited to doctors who work at a convenient distance; with a limited number of doctors on duty each year (around 25,000), hospitals provide more with less (Cauchon). With 131 accredited medical schools in the United States alone (“Medical Schools”), why is there still a shortage of doctors? The number of retired doctors is proportional to the number of new doctors, but the percentage of college students continuing their studies to earn a medical degree is low. Many people fear patient interaction; some fear the thought of handling another's life. Some people simply don't want to stay in school for another ten years. These are quite general, but for the keen student there is a career choice for everyone. Students should be willing to explore all possibilities and also understand that the journey is long. There are many different medical careers with many distinct qualities. Future physicians should consider these distinct qualities. A key quality, dichotomized by radiology and dermatology, is interaction with the patient, whether direct or indirect. Most students entering medical school may hear an acronym on their path to achievement: ROAD: Radiology, Ophthalmology, Anesthesiology and Dermatology. Typically, standard doctors work up to or even more than sixty hours per week (professional). The ROA......middle of the document......oolhell.com/2007/03/16/what-exactly-are-the-road-specialties/>."Medical Schools." Association of American Medical Colleges. AAMC, 2009. Web. October 19, 2009. Occupational Outlook Handbook. 2008-2009 ed. Washington DC: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Bureau of Employment Statistics and Employment Projections, 2008. U.S. Department of Labor. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Network. 21 October 2009. "Population". Graphic. Google public data. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division, October 15, 2009. Web. October 19, 2009. “Radiologists.” Exploring healthcare careers. 3rd ed. vol. 2. New York: Ferguson, 2006. 800-06. Print.Toro, Victor E. Personal interview. March 11th 2009.