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Is it worth going through the long years of medical school and residency along with the expenses to become a pediatrician?

I have heard that once you graduate out of medical school and finish your residency, you are in debt and it is often hard to find a job opening. Is this true? #pediatrics #pediatrician #medical-school #medical-education #student-loans #debt

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Richard’s Answer

Yes! It is absolutely worth it. There are a lot of long hours studying in the library followed by long hours in the hospital, but it is a fulfilling career. There are so many opportunities after medical school... different specialties appeal to different individuals. Or you can follow a nonclinical route in research or even hospital administration.

It will not be difficult to find a job in medicine. You may not be able to get the perfect job in the perfect city, but you will find work!

If you can keep your expenses down (live with parents, attend community college which can be free in some cities, complete your degree at an inexpensive public institution etc) debt doesn't have to be out of control. However the typical student does not do everything they can to decrease expenses then has to be stressed during their first years of practice.

Another unfortunate consequence of debt is limiting the student's choices after graduation. If a student has a passion for pediatrics, but crippling debt, they may be forced to apply to residencies with higher future earning potential.

A typical experience would be to complete residency and become an employee of a group. You aren't able to pay down your debt much because you are saving to become a partner. You buy into the group and then start making partnership money. That's when you are able to really tackle that debt.

But typically you are looking at 10-15 years to pay back your student debt.

On a side note, watch this video which compares a UPS driver to a physician. It makes a lot of assumptions about debt and saving/investment, but concludes that the average primary care physician doesn't become financially better off than a driver until age 53.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2503XQU1feE\
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Rachel’s Answer

Practicing medicine requires many hours of study and sacrifice. It is competitive to get into medical school and there are many prerequisites (1 year biology, 1 year inorganic chemistry, 1 year organic chemistry + labs, physics, calculus, and biochemistry). GPA should probably be 3.5 or better. You will also have to score well on the MCAT. However, it can be incredibly fulfilling and worth the effort.

I would not choose any other career.
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Ana’s Answer

There are many issues that lead people to pursue a career in medicine. It is true that debt can be huge. However, there is a physician shortage, projected to get worse, so no need to worry about finding a job. HOwever, if this is the concern you have, I would certainly look at other careers as well.
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Estelle’s Answer

Yes. You are correct. Becoming a physician is a long and expensive road, but the job opportunities and interesting work are well worth the investments of time and money. I have been practicing gynecology for 30 years. It's a fantastic job that allows me to care for others, educate, comfort, and often provide answers and cures when I'm lucky. Every day is interesting and full of activity....never boring. The road to becoming a doctor is long and requires lots of work and dedication, but the rewards are definitely worth it. Lots of jobs are available.
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