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Is it worth it to become a doctor
I am a middle school student wondering.
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5 answers
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babitha’s Answer
It really depends on your personality. If you are the kind of person who truly enjoys caring for others, has compassion, and is willing to work very hard, then becoming a doctor might be a good choice for you.
Being a doctor is not just about earning money—there are many other careers that can pay well. It’s also not the only way to meet and work with people. What makes medicine different is that you are helping people during some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments in their lives.
It’s important to know that medicine isn’t always “clean” or glamorous like it looks on TV. You may see injuries, illnesses, and situations that are challenging or uncomfortable. But if you find meaning in helping others, even in tough circumstances, then being a doctor can be an incredibly rewarding path.
Being a doctor is not just about earning money—there are many other careers that can pay well. It’s also not the only way to meet and work with people. What makes medicine different is that you are helping people during some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments in their lives.
It’s important to know that medicine isn’t always “clean” or glamorous like it looks on TV. You may see injuries, illnesses, and situations that are challenging or uncomfortable. But if you find meaning in helping others, even in tough circumstances, then being a doctor can be an incredibly rewarding path.
Updated
James’s Answer
I am so glad I became a physician! It is a career of constant learning and evolving as science pulls us forward. It is a career of caring, nurturing, and bonding - both with patients, but also with a dedicated team of nurses, medical assistants, therapists, lab techs, radiology technologists, and colleagues.
Yes, the path to get that MD or DO degree is long and daunting, but there is much joy and revelation along that path to match the long hours and stress. The complexity of the human body and its interactions with the physical and social environment is fascinating, and working on solving diagnostic challenges and finding successful treatment plans is a joy.
Nothing truly rewarding comes of taking the easy way through life. You get out of life what you put into it, just as the gifts you share with others come back to you.
Yes, the path to get that MD or DO degree is long and daunting, but there is much joy and revelation along that path to match the long hours and stress. The complexity of the human body and its interactions with the physical and social environment is fascinating, and working on solving diagnostic challenges and finding successful treatment plans is a joy.
Nothing truly rewarding comes of taking the easy way through life. You get out of life what you put into it, just as the gifts you share with others come back to you.
Updated
Madison’s Answer
Absolutely it CAN be worth it if that is what YOU want to do. That being said, it is NOT for everyone. Only you can know if it is/will be worth it to you. It is a really really long and hard road. 4 years of college/undergrad, 4 years of medical school, 3-7 years (depending on specialty) of residency, and maybe even a few more years of fellowship depending on career choices. Not only is that a very long time but it is strenuous time wise. It can delay things like spending time with friends/family, traveling, moving, starting a family. It also is expensive to go to medical school so while it shouldn't be the only factor, you do want to at least consider/plan for the financial obligations/implications. Physicians don't always make as much money as you would assume and also takes many years to get to the point of earning substantial money. Residents get paid but not nearly what they should and are working very long/hard hours for years. In order to get through so many years/hours of work/a long career ahead/financial and social struggles/studying/stress of school and matching and moving etc., you have to not only really want it now, but you have to continuously want it and remember that every day for a long time. It's important to know that not EVERY day is amazing and there will be hard/long/bad days but if it overall is your dream then it will get you through those days!
Never do this or any other job for anyone but yourself. You are the one who has to make it through years of schooling and then a career forever. If this is what you desire absolutely go for it!
Never do this or any other job for anyone but yourself. You are the one who has to make it through years of schooling and then a career forever. If this is what you desire absolutely go for it!
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Brett’s Answer
Hi Marcos,
For me, it was worth it. But that's not the case for everyone. It's a long road - college, medical school, internship, and residency - and also expensive. When you do finally finish, chances are you will be working long hours, and dealing with lots of paperwork. But for the right person, it is incredibly rewarding and overall well compensated. There's also the issue of job security - for the foreseeable future, people are going to need healthcare - in fact with the population aging, society is going to need more healthcare providers.
My advice would be to find out and experience as much as you can. When you get to high school, make sure you volunteer at your local hospital (almost all hospitals have volunteer programs). This is a great way to see what healthcare professionals do every day at a young age. If that seems like something you want to do for a career, then go for it!
Hope that helps, and good luck!
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital
For me, it was worth it. But that's not the case for everyone. It's a long road - college, medical school, internship, and residency - and also expensive. When you do finally finish, chances are you will be working long hours, and dealing with lots of paperwork. But for the right person, it is incredibly rewarding and overall well compensated. There's also the issue of job security - for the foreseeable future, people are going to need healthcare - in fact with the population aging, society is going to need more healthcare providers.
My advice would be to find out and experience as much as you can. When you get to high school, make sure you volunteer at your local hospital (almost all hospitals have volunteer programs). This is a great way to see what healthcare professionals do every day at a young age. If that seems like something you want to do for a career, then go for it!
Hope that helps, and good luck!
Brett Schlifstein, M.D.
Anesthesia Director
ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital
Updated
Wendy’s Answer
Hi Marcos! YEEESSSS!!! Absolutely! Being a doctor is amazing! It is so rewarding! Once you learn the science and how the body works, you can learn about what happens when things don’t work! A lot of times it’s like detective work, you have to think about a lot of possible conditions in order to get tests that will help you reach a diagnosis. Lastly, I don’t know you or your background, but we need a lot of minorities in medicine! Check out MiMentor.org for more resources if you are interested in a health path. All the best to you!