4 answers
Boshra
Student
Henrico, Virginia
4
Questions
Asked
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Is it worth being a doctor, or is it good to be a doctor?
I want to be a doctor, But It sounds like a long time journey. so many people are telling me don't become a doctor because it takes so much time. but being a doctor is my dream. #CV23
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4 answers
Michel Davis
Medical student
171
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Michel’s Answer
It is a long path, but if it is something that you are passionate about go for it. People don’t get to live your life and you always wanted to become a doctor and you become something less than that or don’t attempt it because of other people you will always think back to what could have been. I personally think it would be important to get an idea of what you are going to do in medicine. Work with a physician and follow them around and see if that is something you would be interested in. Volunteer then you can see other jobs that are in healthcare and you can make that decision for yourself. People can tell you the things all that they want, but that doesn’t mean it is going to make you happy. I had a sister you told me over and over that I was wasting time, and that I would never become a doctor and I am currently training to be one, and I am very happy. It is hard work to work towards becoming a doctor, but you if you are passionate about it shoot your shot. Your life your rules
Thank you, my sister is also the same.
Boshra
Midwest Heart Surgeon
Cardiac surgeon
56
Answers
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Updated
Midwest’s Answer
Great question! It is both worth it and good to be a doctor, but this as with any career is a deeply personal decision that only you will be able to answer! I can say though that being a doctor is a profession that you must do because you want to do it and you find it rewarding in ways completely separate from money. Some of the public has a misconception that doctors become doctors to make money - this would be an extremely inefficient and ineffective way to maximize your income.
As you said, it is absolutely a long time journey and you must know and embrace that from the outset of your journey. In addition, it does not matter how prepared or how successful or intelligent you are - it will be challenging! This may be academically or socially or with time management or any number of ways. However, the reward of impacting patients' lives is profound and provides the fuel for many of us to keep pushing and keep going!
Of course the challenge is figuring this out before you become a doctor. The key to this is EXPOSURE. There are many ways to gain exposure to healthcare and specifically to being a doctor and this is the most direct action you can take to figure out what their daily lives are like and whether you can see yourself in those shoes. The second action to talk is to talk with as many different types of doctors as you can and dive into their experience, why they chose to become a doctor, and the pros and cons of doing so. As with any aspect of life, any one individual's opinion or experience must be taken within the full context of all responses you receive and with a grain of salt. Never trust any one individual's perspective but listen to it and add it to your overall impressions.
In my opinion, one of the best parts about being a doctor is that the primary mission and calling of being a physician to help people is intrinsically fulfilling and beneficial to society. Yes there are financial decisions and politics involved within medicine, but at the end of the day, if you get disillusioned by any of these external factors, there is still the core principles of being a physician that you can rely upon to provide purpose to your daily effort! Is this is your dream, then do it!
Seek out an attractive healthcare role to gain exposure to through shadowing or volunteering at a hospital. These opportunities can be one off through personal connections or are often available on hospital websites
Create a 5, 10, and 15 year plan with basic steps in what will be required to fulfill this dream
As you said, it is absolutely a long time journey and you must know and embrace that from the outset of your journey. In addition, it does not matter how prepared or how successful or intelligent you are - it will be challenging! This may be academically or socially or with time management or any number of ways. However, the reward of impacting patients' lives is profound and provides the fuel for many of us to keep pushing and keep going!
Of course the challenge is figuring this out before you become a doctor. The key to this is EXPOSURE. There are many ways to gain exposure to healthcare and specifically to being a doctor and this is the most direct action you can take to figure out what their daily lives are like and whether you can see yourself in those shoes. The second action to talk is to talk with as many different types of doctors as you can and dive into their experience, why they chose to become a doctor, and the pros and cons of doing so. As with any aspect of life, any one individual's opinion or experience must be taken within the full context of all responses you receive and with a grain of salt. Never trust any one individual's perspective but listen to it and add it to your overall impressions.
In my opinion, one of the best parts about being a doctor is that the primary mission and calling of being a physician to help people is intrinsically fulfilling and beneficial to society. Yes there are financial decisions and politics involved within medicine, but at the end of the day, if you get disillusioned by any of these external factors, there is still the core principles of being a physician that you can rely upon to provide purpose to your daily effort! Is this is your dream, then do it!
Midwest recommends the following next steps:
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
389
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
This is a decision you have to make for yourself. Yes, it takes a long time to become a doctor (high school, college, med school, residency, possible fellowship...). But if it is truly your dream, it's worth it.
I would hate being a doctor. I love being a software engineer. You may feel the exact opposite. We are both right.
You need to consider many things. Time, cost, rewards, work-life balance, etc. Rewards does not just mean salary. The feeling you get from doing a job is a part of it. The people you will work with. Then environment...All these things need to be considered and weighed by YOU, so that YOU can decide if it is worth it.
I would hate being a doctor. I love being a software engineer. You may feel the exact opposite. We are both right.
You need to consider many things. Time, cost, rewards, work-life balance, etc. Rewards does not just mean salary. The feeling you get from doing a job is a part of it. The people you will work with. Then environment...All these things need to be considered and weighed by YOU, so that YOU can decide if it is worth it.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Boshra
Elisha Reddick
unit secretary
4
Answers
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Updated
Elisha’s Answer
It can be a long journey, but If becoming a doctor is something you are passionate in, go for it. I am currently on the journey of getting ready to apply to medical school myself and trust me it can be a lot, but you have to push through and go for it. Do not let others discourage you from following your dreams because it takes too much time. Becoming a doctor is very rewarding. You got this!