3 answers
Cadence
Student
Duncan, Oklahoma
1
Question
Updated
809 views
What advice do you have for an overwhelmed aspiring general surgeon??
I really want to become a general surgeon. What advise do you have for someone feeling overwhelmed by the amount of school it'll take to reach their career goals? Any tips on how I can reach my goal more quickly?
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3 answers
Katie Alsheimer
Physician
27
Answers
Elmira Heights, NY
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Cadence,
Good morning. Looking at the road ahead of you can feel overwhelming and like there’s no end; however, it’s a beautiful and remarkable journey. You should enjoy it every step of the way. It’s difficult and long requiring hard work but you have, what I believe to be, the most rewarding career ever after.
I overheard a conversation once. They were discussing how old the person would be after completing medical training and they said ‘it takes 5 years, I’m going to be 35 when I’m done!’ The mentor said ‘you’re going to be 35 in 5 years no matter what. Don’t you want to be doing what you love’
I love my career and on this journey I have met truly remarkable humans. I have seen astonishing things and have done things I never thought I would be capable of. It’s a long road but we do it for our patients. I hope this helps.
Good morning. Looking at the road ahead of you can feel overwhelming and like there’s no end; however, it’s a beautiful and remarkable journey. You should enjoy it every step of the way. It’s difficult and long requiring hard work but you have, what I believe to be, the most rewarding career ever after.
I overheard a conversation once. They were discussing how old the person would be after completing medical training and they said ‘it takes 5 years, I’m going to be 35 when I’m done!’ The mentor said ‘you’re going to be 35 in 5 years no matter what. Don’t you want to be doing what you love’
I love my career and on this journey I have met truly remarkable humans. I have seen astonishing things and have done things I never thought I would be capable of. It’s a long road but we do it for our patients. I hope this helps.
Hadia Aamir
Accounting
3
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Hadia’s Answer
Hello — although I’m no longer in the healthcare field, I pursued medicine for three years and wanted to share a bit of advice.
The university I attended offered a “Fast Track” to medical school, which helped cut down the time needed to complete both an undergraduate degree and a medical degree. I’d recommend checking if any schools you’re considering offer a similar program.
If not, you can still work hard to graduate from undergrad in three years and apply to medical schools that offer an accelerated 3-year MD program. It’s definitely a challenging path, but with planning and discipline, it’s possible.
The university I attended offered a “Fast Track” to medical school, which helped cut down the time needed to complete both an undergraduate degree and a medical degree. I’d recommend checking if any schools you’re considering offer a similar program.
If not, you can still work hard to graduate from undergrad in three years and apply to medical schools that offer an accelerated 3-year MD program. It’s definitely a challenging path, but with planning and discipline, it’s possible.
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
160
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
I think Katie's answer is spot on. Each step in the journey to becoming a surgeon can bring much joy. The wonder of the human body! Anatomy and its variants; physiology and pathophysiology; the rapidly evolving science; robotic surgery; pharmacology and new medications...
I would suggest not trying to rush through, but rather savor the experiences along the way and remember that ultimately the best surgeons have a breadth of knowledge and experience and they remember their mission and values - to help others live healthier, happier lives.
I would suggest not trying to rush through, but rather savor the experiences along the way and remember that ultimately the best surgeons have a breadth of knowledge and experience and they remember their mission and values - to help others live healthier, happier lives.