4 answers
Arianna
Student
Leavenworth, Kansas
1
Question
Updated
776 views
What is the hardest part of being in the medical field ?
How can you overcome those challenges?
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4 answers
Keith Peevy
Physician—neonatologist
17
Answers
Mobile, Alabama
Updated
Keith’s Answer
As in multiple professional areas, a healthy balance of work and family or personal time may be the hardest achievement in medicine.
The more intensive the care you deliver, the more likely the balancing will be difficult.
If you are drawn to those types of careers (high acuity care where predictable schedules are more difficult), then early on focus on seeking positions that have enough peer support that you all have protected time for family and (if academically oriented as I was) for research.
The best pay may not equal the best quality of life, so do not focus on income as a single priority. Focus on where you are willing to put down roots, where you and your family can enjoy time, and where the work/life balance allows rest sufficient to keep you fresh.
And when you are the person on the front line, you will have the energy to give the best care.
The more intensive the care you deliver, the more likely the balancing will be difficult.
If you are drawn to those types of careers (high acuity care where predictable schedules are more difficult), then early on focus on seeking positions that have enough peer support that you all have protected time for family and (if academically oriented as I was) for research.
The best pay may not equal the best quality of life, so do not focus on income as a single priority. Focus on where you are willing to put down roots, where you and your family can enjoy time, and where the work/life balance allows rest sufficient to keep you fresh.
And when you are the person on the front line, you will have the energy to give the best care.
Ashley Lowe
College Instructor/Clinical Coordinator
62
Answers
Minnesott Beach, NC
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
The hardest part of being in the medical field isn’t usually the science; it’s the emotional weight and responsibility of caring for people on some of the hardest days of their lives. You see pain, fear, trauma, and sometimes loss. You’re expected to stay calm, make safe decisions, and perform accurately even when things feel intense. There can also be long hours, high expectations, and pressure to move quickly while still being precise. That combination of emotional and mental demand is what makes healthcare challenging.
You overcome those challenges by building strong coping habits early. Set healthy boundaries between work and home so you don’t carry every case with you. Develop a support system, friends, family, coworkers, who understand the field. Take care of your physical health through sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Continue learning and building confidence in your skills, because competence reduces stress. Most importantly, always remember why you chose healthcare. When your purpose is clear, it helps you push through the hard days. The challenges are real, but so is the impact you get to make, and that’s what keeps many of us in the field for the long run.
You overcome those challenges by building strong coping habits early. Set healthy boundaries between work and home so you don’t carry every case with you. Develop a support system, friends, family, coworkers, who understand the field. Take care of your physical health through sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Continue learning and building confidence in your skills, because competence reduces stress. Most importantly, always remember why you chose healthcare. When your purpose is clear, it helps you push through the hard days. The challenges are real, but so is the impact you get to make, and that’s what keeps many of us in the field for the long run.
Kathleen Rezek
Laboratory and compliance
123
Answers
Stanwood, Michigan
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
Hello Arianna,
Your question is a good one, and very broad. The medical field encompasses many different careers and they all have their own set of challenges.
As you are concerned about this, narrow down your desired field, consider what experiences you will encounter and if you have any specific fears in those areas. For example, if you can't control your emotions when children are hurting, pediatric medicine might not be a good choice. If you faint at the sight of blood, avoid surgery and emergencies.
These are very general, but you know yourself, so take stock of your strengths and weaker area. When you're in the right field, you'll roll with the punches and do well.
Best to you!
Your question is a good one, and very broad. The medical field encompasses many different careers and they all have their own set of challenges.
As you are concerned about this, narrow down your desired field, consider what experiences you will encounter and if you have any specific fears in those areas. For example, if you can't control your emotions when children are hurting, pediatric medicine might not be a good choice. If you faint at the sight of blood, avoid surgery and emergencies.
These are very general, but you know yourself, so take stock of your strengths and weaker area. When you're in the right field, you'll roll with the punches and do well.
Best to you!
Dianna Soto
Non Sterile Pharmacy Technician
51
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Dianna’s Answer
There are a lot of things that apply to your question. Some may say paying back student loans, finding a position in their own area, or “I studied one thing, but now I’m interested in another”. Those are the recurring ones I have seen and heard a lot. There really isn’t a “one answer fits all” approach.
Some jobs offer to cover student loans for select fields, or jobs cover your whole education while working full/part time after working there for 6 months. Other times you have to balance out what you can do to payback your loans.
Finding an open position in what you studied sometimes can be difficult because there are select months of when all healthcare companies hire. You might be able to find a remote position, or force to look 50 to 100 miles outside of your city. I have a lot of coworkers that live far.
A lot of people decide to change fields during school and after working the fields for a while. It’s up to you how you want to handle it. If it makes you happy, go for it!
Some jobs offer to cover student loans for select fields, or jobs cover your whole education while working full/part time after working there for 6 months. Other times you have to balance out what you can do to payback your loans.
Finding an open position in what you studied sometimes can be difficult because there are select months of when all healthcare companies hire. You might be able to find a remote position, or force to look 50 to 100 miles outside of your city. I have a lot of coworkers that live far.
A lot of people decide to change fields during school and after working the fields for a while. It’s up to you how you want to handle it. If it makes you happy, go for it!