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Samantha H.
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Did you ever doubt your ability to become a doctor?
I've always dreamed of being a doctor, I have been working towards this goal for many years now. But, now that I am getting closer to the goal, it feels like it is slipping farther and farther away. So, I was just wondering, have there been similar doubts in the minds of current doctors? If so, any advice you would mind offering? doctor medicine physician confidence doubt
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Richard A.
physician
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Richard’s Answer
There will be times during 3rd and 4th year when you will be frustrated by your continued lack of skills and knowledge but just remember that there will be plenty of time to master your specialty during residency.
Mary Guirovich
Holistic Career Coach for Women
San Antonio, Texas
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Mary’s Answer
First, let me just say I'm not a doctor. But I have coached 100's of doctors and empower women to advance in their careers. I believe your question has more to do with if you can actually achieve this goal more than determining if you want to achieve this goal. We all face tough things in our life that we are unsure that we can accomplish. Things get scary and they get hard. It's part of life when you are on a pattern of personal growth which you are since you are training to become a doctor. Be kind to yourself as you take steps towards learning this new skill.
The formula I've used to overcome my self-doubt time and time again is.
1) Have a desire or spark of inspiration (this is when you decided you wanted to be a doctor)
2)Make a decision and believe it's possible (No plan B here)
3) Have a plan (In this case your course work)
4)Take massive action towards your plan (Celebrate the small wins along the way. Passing a test, a class, getting through a lab, etc...)
5)Prseserver no matter what (Stay focused on "Why" you want the goal)
Using this formula
-I went from thinking I wasn't smart enough for college to earning a bachelor's degree from Penn State.
-From not being a runner to running a full marathon with 4 months of training
-From thinking, I couldn't write to publishing a book
-From thinking, I couldn't read to reading over 100 books
-From thinking I wasn't capable of being an executive to becoming an executive and then business partner.
-From thinking, I wasn't a good (plus I was terrified) speaker to being on Podcast and stages
We all have self-doubt creep in and so often we fear what others will think of us if we fail so we protect ourselves by telling ourselves "no."
Although I'm not a doctor I know that nearly all of them at some point questioned if they could accomplish it and once they got the degree they questioned if they would be any good. You can do this! I believe in you and your dream! Every day just look at the next thing in front of you and do it.
Remember it's ok to ask for help, it's ok to have mentors and coaches, and it's ok to take longer than others.
If I'm wrong and you're unsure if you still want to be a doctor then I would do the "7 Why" exercise basically ask yourself "Why you want to be a doctor" and then ask "why" again to your answer 6 more times. By the end of it, you should know if you are becoming a doctor because you want to help people or make an impact in the world or something else like you want to make your mom and dad proud so they will be happy. The second reason will cause you serious issues long term because you're not passionate.
And it's also ok to walk away if this really isn't your dream.
The formula I've used to overcome my self-doubt time and time again is.
1) Have a desire or spark of inspiration (this is when you decided you wanted to be a doctor)
2)Make a decision and believe it's possible (No plan B here)
3) Have a plan (In this case your course work)
4)Take massive action towards your plan (Celebrate the small wins along the way. Passing a test, a class, getting through a lab, etc...)
5)Prseserver no matter what (Stay focused on "Why" you want the goal)
Using this formula
-I went from thinking I wasn't smart enough for college to earning a bachelor's degree from Penn State.
-From not being a runner to running a full marathon with 4 months of training
-From thinking, I couldn't write to publishing a book
-From thinking, I couldn't read to reading over 100 books
-From thinking I wasn't capable of being an executive to becoming an executive and then business partner.
-From thinking, I wasn't a good (plus I was terrified) speaker to being on Podcast and stages
We all have self-doubt creep in and so often we fear what others will think of us if we fail so we protect ourselves by telling ourselves "no."
Although I'm not a doctor I know that nearly all of them at some point questioned if they could accomplish it and once they got the degree they questioned if they would be any good. You can do this! I believe in you and your dream! Every day just look at the next thing in front of you and do it.
Remember it's ok to ask for help, it's ok to have mentors and coaches, and it's ok to take longer than others.
If I'm wrong and you're unsure if you still want to be a doctor then I would do the "7 Why" exercise basically ask yourself "Why you want to be a doctor" and then ask "why" again to your answer 6 more times. By the end of it, you should know if you are becoming a doctor because you want to help people or make an impact in the world or something else like you want to make your mom and dad proud so they will be happy. The second reason will cause you serious issues long term because you're not passionate.
And it's also ok to walk away if this really isn't your dream.
William Cox, M.D.
Medical Practice Professional
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William’s Answer
No. In the eighth grade I wanted to be either a priest or a physician. As time unfolded I favored becoming a physician.
I would suggest that you explore all of your options and interest, before making the final decision. Do not make your decision based on financial issues. You make your decision based on what it is you truly are interested in and want to do.
I hope I have been of help.
Bill Cox
