3 answers
Makayla
Student
Sparks, Nevada
1
Question
Updated
482 views
how did entering the medical field positively impact your life?
I am currently a high school senior set to graduate and attend The University of Nevada Reno. I'm having doubts about being cut out for the medical field, so I was just curious as to how Being in the medical field has impacted your life and the way you live. #spring25
Login to comment
3 answers
Ashley Lowe
College Instructor/Clinical Coordinator
62
Answers
Minnesott Beach, NC
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Entering the medical field has positively impacted my life in ways that go far beyond a career title. It has given me purpose. Knowing that the work I do contributes to patient care and supports people on some of their most vulnerable days changes how I see my role in the world. It has also strengthened my discipline, confidence, and ability to stay calm under pressure, skills that carry over into everyday life. Healthcare teaches you to communicate clearly, think critically, and value human life more deeply. You gain perspective quickly; small inconveniences don’t feel as big when you’ve seen what others are facing.
It’s also important to say that having doubts is completely normal. Almost everyone entering healthcare wonders at some point if they’re “cut out” for it. Growth in this field happens through challenge. If you are willing to work hard, stay humble, and keep learning, you can develop into the role. The medical field doesn’t require perfection; it requires commitment, compassion, and resilience. If you have a genuine desire to help people and you’re open to being stretched, it can shape you into a stronger, more grounded version of yourself, both professionally and personally.
It’s also important to say that having doubts is completely normal. Almost everyone entering healthcare wonders at some point if they’re “cut out” for it. Growth in this field happens through challenge. If you are willing to work hard, stay humble, and keep learning, you can develop into the role. The medical field doesn’t require perfection; it requires commitment, compassion, and resilience. If you have a genuine desire to help people and you’re open to being stretched, it can shape you into a stronger, more grounded version of yourself, both professionally and personally.
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
160
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
You will want to get answers from others, especially those who are younger than me. I am a recently-retired pediatric intensive care physician. I am very happy with my career choice, and proud of my accomplishments. Healthcare has many, many different career possibilities for you to explore: medicine, osteopathy, nursing, physician assistant, pharmacist (and pharmacy tech), physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, paramedic, healthcare administrator, advance practice nurse, clinical lab scientist...
For me, as an intensivist, I had to work crazy hours, with a lot of nights, weekends, and holidays - but that meant I also got to have many weekdays off, so I could go to my kids' school events, coach sports, and enjoy hobbies. I was involved in the most emotional parts of families' lives, and cared for the sickest and most injured children. So, if living life to the fullest means having these times of stress, passion, exhilaration, and sorrow, I got to do that. Most jobs do not give you that roller-coaster ride. Many who do succeed in getting into and through medical school realize that they are not drawn to that sort of life, so find specialties that are a bit more level (although it is hard to avoid some intrusion after hours).
Surprisingly, most of my colleagues have had stable marriages and happy family lives despite the strange and taxing hours at work.
Do your best to talk to many, following them as they work if and when possible. Hopefully your heart will guide you towards what best fits you as an individual.
For me, as an intensivist, I had to work crazy hours, with a lot of nights, weekends, and holidays - but that meant I also got to have many weekdays off, so I could go to my kids' school events, coach sports, and enjoy hobbies. I was involved in the most emotional parts of families' lives, and cared for the sickest and most injured children. So, if living life to the fullest means having these times of stress, passion, exhilaration, and sorrow, I got to do that. Most jobs do not give you that roller-coaster ride. Many who do succeed in getting into and through medical school realize that they are not drawn to that sort of life, so find specialties that are a bit more level (although it is hard to avoid some intrusion after hours).
Surprisingly, most of my colleagues have had stable marriages and happy family lives despite the strange and taxing hours at work.
Do your best to talk to many, following them as they work if and when possible. Hopefully your heart will guide you towards what best fits you as an individual.
Kathleen Rezek
Laboratory and compliance
109
Answers
Stanwood, Michigan
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
First of all, there are many options within the medical field. Explore them with your talents and interests in mind to find a good fit. It's not just doctor or nurse and every position is vital. I worked as a clinical laboratory scientist for over 40 years. That was a great fit for me and offered many opportunities within the field and I never lacked for a job after moving or feeling the need for a challenge. I learned much that helped me monitor my own health and help family and friends. When my husband was going thru chemo my understanding of the process, his lab values and symptoms was incredibly helpful. We were able to go thru that with a sense of calm that many don't have.
Take an inventory of sorts of your talents and interests...what do you enjoy doing? Do you want to be front and center or do you prefer being behind the scenes?
Do you like to detect or solve technical problems or would you rather interact with people?
What sort of work-life balance is important? Do you prefer a fast- paced environment or something more sedate? These are questions you can examine to find your fit. And once you make a choice, it's always possible that some other area will grab you and you can make a change! Best to you!
Kathie
Take an inventory of sorts of your talents and interests...what do you enjoy doing? Do you want to be front and center or do you prefer being behind the scenes?
Do you like to detect or solve technical problems or would you rather interact with people?
What sort of work-life balance is important? Do you prefer a fast- paced environment or something more sedate? These are questions you can examine to find your fit. And once you make a choice, it's always possible that some other area will grab you and you can make a change! Best to you!
Kathie
Thank you for answering my question, I will definitely be taking your advice and asking myself the questions you suggested in the future!
Makayla