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What were the most difficult challenges faced in your career of becoming a medical doctor, and what’s some advice could you give me for the future? #Spring25?

I’m currently an upcoming freshman at Penn State Harrisburg. I’ve always had a goal of being a medical doctor since my sophomore year of high school, specifically wanted to go on the track of being a psychiatrist. There are not many psychiatrists around me to be able to receive advice and guidance on how I should go about doing it and what path I should take to reach my goal.

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Albert’s Answer

I'm not a psychiatrist, but I'll try to give you some advice on how to become one. Do well in college and on the MCAT so you can get into medical school. After graduating medical school, apply for a psychiatry residency program. Once finished, pass whatever Board exams you will need along with passing your State medical licensing exam...you're on your way!

Lastly, don't be afraid of changing course in life's journey.
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James’s Answer

The road to becoming a psychiatrist or any other physician is challenging, but highly rewarding. The difficulties I faced are probably similar to those of most of my colleagues:
1) Financial - most medical students graduate with a very large debt. This makes many choose more lucrative specialties when they graduate, and not necessarily the ones they would otherwise choose. Or, it makes physicians choose practices that pay better rather than picking a practice in the location they would choose or which care for well-off patients more than those without good insurance.
2) Social - it is hard to get into medical school, and one often is lucky to get into any. In my case I moved far away from home and had to make new friends (and I had no Zoom or FaceTime to help me).
3) Self-care - one needs to be sure to get the sleep, nutrition, exercise, and fun time one needs while still keeping up with a challenging course load plus clinical rotations that include overnight shifts and long hours.
4) Academic - Medical school is generally even harder than college.
5) Burnout - a majority of physicians suffer burnout at some point along their career, including during medical school, residency, and fellowship. Be aware of the signs and symptoms, and get the help you may need without thinking it makes you weak to do so. And see #3, above to lower your risk. In the current era of our government challenging science and taking away funding for higher education and research, despair is happening amongst a lot of folks in healthcare and other science-based careers.

I do hope you enjoy your journey. There is a big need for people like you who want to help others with their mental health.
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