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Is it worth all the time and school to become a doctor?
Like is it worth it to go to medical school and become a doctor or surgeon
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Rita’s Answer
I've been wondering this myself. I am a family practice physician.
You may already know but this is a summary of education etc:
Schooling: high school 4 years, 4 years college, 4 years medical school, minimum 3 years internship/residency (surgery is longer-possibly 5 years)
Cost: depends public or private schools but you are probably looking at $250-300,000 for med school alone and you are young so the costs will only get worse.
My mom use to say perhaps invest that money for school into something else
Pros of being a doctor:
Respect (sometimes)
Job stability (unless nurse practitioners or PA take over) but as a surgeon, you will be fine
Perks: pharm dinners, sometimes you get free samples of medication
Cons:
Time
Cost
Long hours
Every friend and relative will be calling you for advice or medication when they are sick
I think your personal life will suffer. If you want to be a surgeon, when you get out of residency (let's assume it's 5 years), you will be 31 years old. You need to ask yourself the following questions: Do you want kids? How many? When will you have them? Who will take care of them? You may need to work overnight or on holidays. You will need to wake up in the middle of the night if a patient requires a surgery.
I've been working 20 years. Most insurances do not increase how much they pay us. Yes, the premiums increase for insurance but the insurance companies often keep the profits for themselves.
I really don't know the answer. Medicine has allowed me so many benefits but I've paid the price. I think you just need to love what you do. Don't do it for money. I made most of my money through investments. Medicine allowed me the opportunity to make money but it's what I did with the money that has helped me.
You may already know but this is a summary of education etc:
Schooling: high school 4 years, 4 years college, 4 years medical school, minimum 3 years internship/residency (surgery is longer-possibly 5 years)
Cost: depends public or private schools but you are probably looking at $250-300,000 for med school alone and you are young so the costs will only get worse.
My mom use to say perhaps invest that money for school into something else
Pros of being a doctor:
Respect (sometimes)
Job stability (unless nurse practitioners or PA take over) but as a surgeon, you will be fine
Perks: pharm dinners, sometimes you get free samples of medication
Cons:
Time
Cost
Long hours
Every friend and relative will be calling you for advice or medication when they are sick
I think your personal life will suffer. If you want to be a surgeon, when you get out of residency (let's assume it's 5 years), you will be 31 years old. You need to ask yourself the following questions: Do you want kids? How many? When will you have them? Who will take care of them? You may need to work overnight or on holidays. You will need to wake up in the middle of the night if a patient requires a surgery.
I've been working 20 years. Most insurances do not increase how much they pay us. Yes, the premiums increase for insurance but the insurance companies often keep the profits for themselves.
I really don't know the answer. Medicine has allowed me so many benefits but I've paid the price. I think you just need to love what you do. Don't do it for money. I made most of my money through investments. Medicine allowed me the opportunity to make money but it's what I did with the money that has helped me.
Judith-Ann Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at AndeersonCounselingTexas( ACT)
106
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Judith-Ann’s Answer
Juliana, you've received many wonderful responses of advice to your very important question. In the final analysis the answer to your question depends on you. What makes any career worth it to you? What make being a doctor or a surgeon worth it to you?
When you measure worth, there are many factors to consider: Financial, Emotional, Mental, Physical, Spiritual. Measuring worth depends on you and what is important to you. In your soul searching journey, it's important that you are honest with yourself about your values, your purpose, and your spiritual calling. I consider the helping profession a calling. I truly believe people who are happy in the helping profession are being true to their calling.
So the question to you is: what makes you happy? what makes you want to get up in the morning and face the world? Whatever it might be, follow your path with hope, love, honesty, compassion, excitement, intrigue, and truth. This will give you the answer to is it worth it?
When you measure worth, there are many factors to consider: Financial, Emotional, Mental, Physical, Spiritual. Measuring worth depends on you and what is important to you. In your soul searching journey, it's important that you are honest with yourself about your values, your purpose, and your spiritual calling. I consider the helping profession a calling. I truly believe people who are happy in the helping profession are being true to their calling.
So the question to you is: what makes you happy? what makes you want to get up in the morning and face the world? Whatever it might be, follow your path with hope, love, honesty, compassion, excitement, intrigue, and truth. This will give you the answer to is it worth it?
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Deciding whether it's worth the time and effort to become a doctor or surgeon is a deeply personal decision that depends on your individual goals, interests, and values. Here are some factors to consider when making this important choice:
1. **Passion for Medicine**: Becoming a doctor or surgeon is a long and challenging journey. It's crucial to have a genuine passion for medicine and a desire to make a positive impact on patients' lives. If you find fulfillment in helping others and the field of healthcare, this career path can be highly rewarding.
2. **Years of Education**: Medical education is extensive and can take many years. You'll typically need a bachelor's degree, followed by four years of medical school, and then several years of residency training. This means a significant time commitment.
3. **Financial Investment**: Medical education can be expensive. It's important to consider the financial aspects, including tuition costs, living expenses, and potential student loan debt. However, many doctors eventually earn competitive salaries.
4. **Emotional Resilience**: Medical professionals often encounter challenging and emotionally taxing situations. Being able to handle stress, make critical decisions, and maintain empathy is essential.
5. **Variety of Specialties**: Medicine offers a wide range of specialties, from surgery to primary care, research, and public health. Explore different areas to find the one that aligns with your interests and lifestyle goals.
6. **Work-Life Balance**: The demands of a medical career can impact work-life balance. Surgeons, for instance, may have irregular hours and high-pressure situations. Consider how this aligns with your personal life goals.
7. **Patient Impact**: Medicine provides a unique opportunity to directly impact patients' health and well-being. Many doctors find immense satisfaction in knowing they've made a positive difference in someone's life.
8. **Continuous Learning**: Medicine is a dynamic field that requires ongoing learning and staying up-to-date with advancements. Are you committed to lifelong learning?
9. **Job Security**: The healthcare industry typically offers strong job security, but it's essential to consider the potential impact of factors like healthcare policy changes and regional demand for specific specialties.
10. **Personal Fulfillment**: Ultimately, consider what brings you the most personal fulfillment and satisfaction. Some individuals find their life's purpose in medicine, while others may discover it in different fields.
Before committing to the path of becoming a doctor or surgeon, take time for self-reflection, research, and possibly shadowing or speaking with professionals in the field. It can also be helpful to consult with mentors, career advisors, or current medical students or doctors to gain insights into the realities of this career.
Remember that there are many other rewarding healthcare careers besides being a doctor or surgeon, such as nursing, physician assistant, or pharmacist, which may have different education and lifestyle requirements. Ultimately, the decision should align with your personal goals and values to ensure it's a fulfilling and meaningful path for you.
1. **Passion for Medicine**: Becoming a doctor or surgeon is a long and challenging journey. It's crucial to have a genuine passion for medicine and a desire to make a positive impact on patients' lives. If you find fulfillment in helping others and the field of healthcare, this career path can be highly rewarding.
2. **Years of Education**: Medical education is extensive and can take many years. You'll typically need a bachelor's degree, followed by four years of medical school, and then several years of residency training. This means a significant time commitment.
3. **Financial Investment**: Medical education can be expensive. It's important to consider the financial aspects, including tuition costs, living expenses, and potential student loan debt. However, many doctors eventually earn competitive salaries.
4. **Emotional Resilience**: Medical professionals often encounter challenging and emotionally taxing situations. Being able to handle stress, make critical decisions, and maintain empathy is essential.
5. **Variety of Specialties**: Medicine offers a wide range of specialties, from surgery to primary care, research, and public health. Explore different areas to find the one that aligns with your interests and lifestyle goals.
6. **Work-Life Balance**: The demands of a medical career can impact work-life balance. Surgeons, for instance, may have irregular hours and high-pressure situations. Consider how this aligns with your personal life goals.
7. **Patient Impact**: Medicine provides a unique opportunity to directly impact patients' health and well-being. Many doctors find immense satisfaction in knowing they've made a positive difference in someone's life.
8. **Continuous Learning**: Medicine is a dynamic field that requires ongoing learning and staying up-to-date with advancements. Are you committed to lifelong learning?
9. **Job Security**: The healthcare industry typically offers strong job security, but it's essential to consider the potential impact of factors like healthcare policy changes and regional demand for specific specialties.
10. **Personal Fulfillment**: Ultimately, consider what brings you the most personal fulfillment and satisfaction. Some individuals find their life's purpose in medicine, while others may discover it in different fields.
Before committing to the path of becoming a doctor or surgeon, take time for self-reflection, research, and possibly shadowing or speaking with professionals in the field. It can also be helpful to consult with mentors, career advisors, or current medical students or doctors to gain insights into the realities of this career.
Remember that there are many other rewarding healthcare careers besides being a doctor or surgeon, such as nursing, physician assistant, or pharmacist, which may have different education and lifestyle requirements. Ultimately, the decision should align with your personal goals and values to ensure it's a fulfilling and meaningful path for you.
Updated
Yaz’s Answer
It depends on you. I was considering going into the medical field to possibly be a nurse practitioner or plastic surgeon, however, after learning more about pros and cons and what I really wanted my future to look like, I decided this wasn't for me. Its a lot of hours, dedication, and sometimes it can be a tough work life balance both in the educational and real-life aspect. However, my friend is a General Surgeon, and she is beyond happy she chose this career. It might be tough at times, but she feels rewarded in knowing she can help people improve their lives and potentially even save some people. Personally, I am happy in my career, which isn't in Medicine. You should choose a career that can make you happy and interests you.
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hello there,
I’m almost finished with my PhD so I can not speak to the side of MD. I can say that for a long time surgeon was largely a technical deviation between other medical doctors. There was a jab are doctors in their community that, “if you don’t do surgery you’re not a real MD.” I can’t speak to all that it’s just what I’ve seen. For the PhD to MD comparison, you’re a scientist and the MD is a practitioner. The scientist is tasked with experimenting new ways to ask the same hypothesis while the practitioner is practicing medicine the same way. It’s the routine versus the dynamic here. The pay is largely different (better) for the MD and worse for the PhD. The schooling and respect are different but largely the doctor is esteemed more towards MD generally in society but academically the PhD. Now you asked surgeon specifically well there’s many kinds of surgeons and even non-surgeon doctors do minor surgeries like pulmonologists do throat and lung surgeries. It just depends on what your idea of surgery is. Is it worth it depends on what an investment means to you?
I’m almost finished with my PhD so I can not speak to the side of MD. I can say that for a long time surgeon was largely a technical deviation between other medical doctors. There was a jab are doctors in their community that, “if you don’t do surgery you’re not a real MD.” I can’t speak to all that it’s just what I’ve seen. For the PhD to MD comparison, you’re a scientist and the MD is a practitioner. The scientist is tasked with experimenting new ways to ask the same hypothesis while the practitioner is practicing medicine the same way. It’s the routine versus the dynamic here. The pay is largely different (better) for the MD and worse for the PhD. The schooling and respect are different but largely the doctor is esteemed more towards MD generally in society but academically the PhD. Now you asked surgeon specifically well there’s many kinds of surgeons and even non-surgeon doctors do minor surgeries like pulmonologists do throat and lung surgeries. It just depends on what your idea of surgery is. Is it worth it depends on what an investment means to you?
Updated
Paul’s Answer
A profession in the medical field is very fulfilling both professionally and financially. At the same time it is very effort demanding and even exhausting both during the education period and the professional period. A physician profession education can take as long as 11+ years while a registered nurse can be as short as 2 1/2 years. Both of them are very engaging educationally. However, in the end both are professionally and financially very satisfying. I know a new registered nursing graduate that completed a community college associates program of 2 1/2 years. School was very tough with many upset times, but in the end she successfully succeeded. She got a job offer into the high 80s at a very reputable New Jersey hospital even before getting the RN license. The work schedule is very flexible she is planning to complete her bachelors program while working full time and she is having the option for her job to pay for the education. She is enjoying the job very much.
Good luck with your career decision and keep up with the good work.
Good luck with your career decision and keep up with the good work.
Updated
Shelia’s Answer
Becoming a doctor or a surgeon is an exciting journey you might want to embark on, especially if you have a deep love for the sciences. Ever thought about volunteering at a hospital? It's an excellent opportunity to experience first-hand what being a doctor involves and to discover what kind of doctor you might want to be.
But choosing a career is a significant decision, and it's crucial to find something you're truly passionate about. Understand your motivations and ensure your choice aligns with them. Never opt for a career solely based on others' expectations unless it genuinely excites you. Remember, you're the one who will be investing time and effort into acquiring the necessary skills or degree. And the path to medical school is not easy.
A smart move might be to choose a college that offers a biomedical sciences program. This major will expose you to most of the diverse subjects you'll need to tackle in medical school. You'll need to shine in your studies, take up leadership roles and clock in hours at a hospital, clinic or doctor's office. My daughter, for example, worked as a medical scribe during her undergrad degree. You'll need to study for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and aim to score 510 or higher. Applying to multiple medical schools is a good idea. The application process involves writing a stellar personal statement, getting letters of recommendations, completing both a primary and secondary application and nailing the interview. Hopefully, you will receive multiple interviews where you'll have the opportunity to impress and stand out from the other applicants.
Once accepted into medical school, you'll spend two years of learning everything there is to knowl about the human body and how to diagnose patients (actors). Next, you spend the next 2 years on clinical rotations. You'lll have to pass Step 1 to start third year and pass Step 2 for your fourth year. Passing the medical boards is key to kickstart your residency. A general surgeon residency is 5 years. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
But choosing a career is a significant decision, and it's crucial to find something you're truly passionate about. Understand your motivations and ensure your choice aligns with them. Never opt for a career solely based on others' expectations unless it genuinely excites you. Remember, you're the one who will be investing time and effort into acquiring the necessary skills or degree. And the path to medical school is not easy.
A smart move might be to choose a college that offers a biomedical sciences program. This major will expose you to most of the diverse subjects you'll need to tackle in medical school. You'll need to shine in your studies, take up leadership roles and clock in hours at a hospital, clinic or doctor's office. My daughter, for example, worked as a medical scribe during her undergrad degree. You'll need to study for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and aim to score 510 or higher. Applying to multiple medical schools is a good idea. The application process involves writing a stellar personal statement, getting letters of recommendations, completing both a primary and secondary application and nailing the interview. Hopefully, you will receive multiple interviews where you'll have the opportunity to impress and stand out from the other applicants.
Once accepted into medical school, you'll spend two years of learning everything there is to knowl about the human body and how to diagnose patients (actors). Next, you spend the next 2 years on clinical rotations. You'lll have to pass Step 1 to start third year and pass Step 2 for your fourth year. Passing the medical boards is key to kickstart your residency. A general surgeon residency is 5 years. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
4244
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Juliana,
A MUST-READ FOR YOUR FUTURE!
Contemplating a Career in Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide
When pondering over the idea of embarking on a medical career, there are several elements to consider. These include the duration of commitment, financial implications, personal satisfaction, and long-term career stability.
To begin with, the time dedication required for a medical career is substantial. Medical school usually spans four years, followed by a residency program that could last from three to seven years, depending on the specialization. Furthermore, many doctors opt for a fellowship, adding another one to three years. This implies that a medical career demands at least 11 years of education and training post-high school.
Next, the financial commitment to become a doctor is hefty. Annual tuition fees for medical school can vary from $30,000 to $60,000, excluding additional costs like accommodation, textbooks, and supplies. Residency programs can also be costly, with some necessitating the resident to pay a stipend. Plus, repaying student loans can be a significant burden, particularly if one opts for a specialty with lower income potential.
However, the personal gratification and fulfillment that many doctors derive from their careers can make the time and financial commitments worthwhile. Medicine is a gratifying profession that empowers doctors to positively impact their patients' lives. The ability to diagnose and treat diseases, conduct life-saving surgeries, and provide support and guidance during challenging times can bring immense satisfaction and purpose to a doctor's life.
Long-term career prospects for doctors are generally promising. With an aging population and growing demand for healthcare services, the need for proficient medical professionals is anticipated to stay high. Moreover, many doctors enjoy job security, as their skills are consistently in demand and challenging to replace with technology or automation.
In conclusion, the decision to invest time and resources to become a doctor depends on an individual's personal values, objectives, and priorities. For those passionate about aiding others and ready to commit the necessary time and money for medical education, a career in medicine can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Suggested Reference Titles:
1. "The Cost of Medical School: A Comprehensive Overview" - American Association of Medical Colleges: This report provides an in-depth overview of the costs related to attending medical school, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other related expenses.
2. "Physician Supply and Demand: Projections from 2017 to 2032" - Association of American Medical Colleges: This study forecasts the demand for physicians in the United States from 2017 to 2032, considering factors like population growth, aging, and changes in healthcare policy.
3. "The Joy and Meaning in Medicine: A Study of Physician Satisfaction and Sources of Meaning in Medical Practice" - American Medical Association: This article investigates the factors contributing to physician satisfaction and meaning in their medical practice, including patient interactions, professional challenges, and personal fulfillment.
Do check out my autobiography in the 'About James Constantine' section. It discusses foods rich in specific nutrients essential for brain functions like thinking, remembering, and studying. My doctor is 43 years old. He was just being born when I taught second-year medical students. There is something wrong with my brain? He will not listen to me!
Oh BTW read up on orthomolecular medicine. Lady Doctor Phyllis Cilento urged me to study this in 1981. Apparently it is big in the Netherlands ...
With God's pharmacopeia you will be pretty well-equipped!
GOD BLESS YOU,
James.
A MUST-READ FOR YOUR FUTURE!
Contemplating a Career in Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide
When pondering over the idea of embarking on a medical career, there are several elements to consider. These include the duration of commitment, financial implications, personal satisfaction, and long-term career stability.
To begin with, the time dedication required for a medical career is substantial. Medical school usually spans four years, followed by a residency program that could last from three to seven years, depending on the specialization. Furthermore, many doctors opt for a fellowship, adding another one to three years. This implies that a medical career demands at least 11 years of education and training post-high school.
Next, the financial commitment to become a doctor is hefty. Annual tuition fees for medical school can vary from $30,000 to $60,000, excluding additional costs like accommodation, textbooks, and supplies. Residency programs can also be costly, with some necessitating the resident to pay a stipend. Plus, repaying student loans can be a significant burden, particularly if one opts for a specialty with lower income potential.
However, the personal gratification and fulfillment that many doctors derive from their careers can make the time and financial commitments worthwhile. Medicine is a gratifying profession that empowers doctors to positively impact their patients' lives. The ability to diagnose and treat diseases, conduct life-saving surgeries, and provide support and guidance during challenging times can bring immense satisfaction and purpose to a doctor's life.
Long-term career prospects for doctors are generally promising. With an aging population and growing demand for healthcare services, the need for proficient medical professionals is anticipated to stay high. Moreover, many doctors enjoy job security, as their skills are consistently in demand and challenging to replace with technology or automation.
In conclusion, the decision to invest time and resources to become a doctor depends on an individual's personal values, objectives, and priorities. For those passionate about aiding others and ready to commit the necessary time and money for medical education, a career in medicine can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Suggested Reference Titles:
1. "The Cost of Medical School: A Comprehensive Overview" - American Association of Medical Colleges: This report provides an in-depth overview of the costs related to attending medical school, including tuition fees, living expenses, and other related expenses.
2. "Physician Supply and Demand: Projections from 2017 to 2032" - Association of American Medical Colleges: This study forecasts the demand for physicians in the United States from 2017 to 2032, considering factors like population growth, aging, and changes in healthcare policy.
3. "The Joy and Meaning in Medicine: A Study of Physician Satisfaction and Sources of Meaning in Medical Practice" - American Medical Association: This article investigates the factors contributing to physician satisfaction and meaning in their medical practice, including patient interactions, professional challenges, and personal fulfillment.
Do check out my autobiography in the 'About James Constantine' section. It discusses foods rich in specific nutrients essential for brain functions like thinking, remembering, and studying. My doctor is 43 years old. He was just being born when I taught second-year medical students. There is something wrong with my brain? He will not listen to me!
Oh BTW read up on orthomolecular medicine. Lady Doctor Phyllis Cilento urged me to study this in 1981. Apparently it is big in the Netherlands ...
With God's pharmacopeia you will be pretty well-equipped!
GOD BLESS YOU,
James.
Updated
Alon’s Answer
For me it was worth the time and money to become a doctor. It is my passion understanding how the body works and helping people to feel better. I paid a lot for this knowledge both in money, time, and relationships. I don't regret my decisions to go into medicine but I could definitely pass on the healthcare industry.
Main thing to clarify for yourself is what do you mean by " worth it". If you would spend years trying to get this information just to satisfy your own curiosity or what you will be able to do with the skills then the learning is worth it. If you are focusing on the financial side it is definitely not worth it. The upfront cost time/money/ energy invested can earn you much more money with much lower stress and work.
Many people become Doctors to help people, they want to care for people. That is exactly what causes a great deal of stress for current doctors. Medical schools teach an ideal. You are trained to focus on caring for your patient. In our current healthcare industry people are no longer the focus. The focus has shifted to money, mostly, and your analytical skills are not encouraged since you do not have the time.
I used to tell prospective students and residents to follow your passion for medicine and caring for patients and you will succeed. I have since adjusted my recommendation to be:
If you are passionate about learning medicine and becoming a doctor you should do it only if you have an intense interest in the actual science and art of medicine.
Wanting to help people is a plus but in reality the most hurt/burned out doctors are the ones that care the most. These doctors cannot care for their patients as they believe they should because the industry literally will stop you. You swear an oath when you become a doctor to do no harm. Unfortunately you are often forced to watch the organizations you work for do the opposite.
Ask yourself what sparked your interest in medicine?
Is your interest in becoming a doctor more about what they do or the trappings around the title/position?
Find a way to see this for yourself. Shadow an internal medicine doctor and a surgeon
Look for paid positions as scribe or EMT and spend time doing this work daily for long periods of time
Look at all of the types of healthcare professionals. Different roles have different levels of training which may work better for you
Main thing to clarify for yourself is what do you mean by " worth it". If you would spend years trying to get this information just to satisfy your own curiosity or what you will be able to do with the skills then the learning is worth it. If you are focusing on the financial side it is definitely not worth it. The upfront cost time/money/ energy invested can earn you much more money with much lower stress and work.
Many people become Doctors to help people, they want to care for people. That is exactly what causes a great deal of stress for current doctors. Medical schools teach an ideal. You are trained to focus on caring for your patient. In our current healthcare industry people are no longer the focus. The focus has shifted to money, mostly, and your analytical skills are not encouraged since you do not have the time.
I used to tell prospective students and residents to follow your passion for medicine and caring for patients and you will succeed. I have since adjusted my recommendation to be:
If you are passionate about learning medicine and becoming a doctor you should do it only if you have an intense interest in the actual science and art of medicine.
Wanting to help people is a plus but in reality the most hurt/burned out doctors are the ones that care the most. These doctors cannot care for their patients as they believe they should because the industry literally will stop you. You swear an oath when you become a doctor to do no harm. Unfortunately you are often forced to watch the organizations you work for do the opposite.
Alon recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Abhishek’s Answer
The perspective you adopt and the primary objective you're pursuing in this career can greatly influence your view. Yes, medical school does demand a significant amount of time compared to other professional education paths. However, the unparalleled satisfaction derived from saving lives surpasses everything else. Being a medical professional earns you immense respect, but it's important to remember that it also comes with challenges like irregular work hours and a less balanced work-life ratio. If you consider the financial benefits, this profession stands out as one of the most rewarding.
Another crucial factor to consider is job security. In the medical field, you'll always have a role to play. This profession is immune to economic downturns. The demand for doctors far outstrips the supply worldwide.
Therefore, it's essential to reflect on what you truly aspire to achieve. If your heart is set on aiding others and contributing to the betterment of the world, this profession is an excellent choice.
Another crucial factor to consider is job security. In the medical field, you'll always have a role to play. This profession is immune to economic downturns. The demand for doctors far outstrips the supply worldwide.
Therefore, it's essential to reflect on what you truly aspire to achieve. If your heart is set on aiding others and contributing to the betterment of the world, this profession is an excellent choice.
Updated
Michele’s Answer
That's a fantastic question! You're right, the path to medical school and the journey through it is indeed a big commitment and requires a lot of hard work. Interestingly, both my kids are currently navigating their way through medical school, and they haven't regretted a single second of this challenging adventure. Yes, they had to trade in a good chunk of their leisure time, but they absolutely love what they're doing. It's tough and mentally demanding, but they feel honored to be there and are genuinely happy. If medicine is where your heart is, every sacrifice you make will be worth it in the end. However, remember there are other fascinating and rewarding paths within the medical field. So, do explore these alternatives to get a comprehensive view.
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Juliana, the world today needs more doctors, more surgeons, and more health care providers. We are an aging population and the need for medical professionals is at an all-time high. As you mentioned, there is a lot of schooling to become specialized in any medical field. Which field you go into is your personal preference. Classes are designed to educate you in the field you decide to specialize in. It is hard work, but if your passion is to help people, there is no better profession.
As you begin your studies, you may find there are other healthcare careers besides being a doctor or surgeon. You may find a specific interest in nursing, in being a pharmacist, a veterinarian, a psychologist, or many other opportunities in the medical field. Whatever your choice becomes, the experience of helping other people is very rewarding. Good luck in your pursuit
As you begin your studies, you may find there are other healthcare careers besides being a doctor or surgeon. You may find a specific interest in nursing, in being a pharmacist, a veterinarian, a psychologist, or many other opportunities in the medical field. Whatever your choice becomes, the experience of helping other people is very rewarding. Good luck in your pursuit