3 answers
Savannah
Student
Chester, California
1
Question
Updated
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What should I know before getting into medicine/healthcare?
I recently started reading a book about medical language which has sparked my interest in medicine.
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3 answers
John Levesque
Clinical Quality Nurse
75
Answers
Waterville, Maine
Updated
John’s Answer
I'd like to emphasize that the healthcare sector is a vast field with a plethora of roles. While doctors and nurses are typically the first to come to mind, the industry is also home to EMS providers such as EMT's and Paramedics, respiratory therapists, radiology technicians, nuclear medicine technicians, laboratory technicians, dieticians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, social workers, and countless others who contribute to healthcare.
Take a moment to reflect on what truly brings you joy and satisfaction. The key is to choose a path that not only suits your interests but also ignites your passion. It's crucial that whatever path you choose, you approach it with a sense of enthusiasm and dedication, and a deep empathy for the patients you'll be serving.
Wishing you all the best on your journey.
Take a moment to reflect on what truly brings you joy and satisfaction. The key is to choose a path that not only suits your interests but also ignites your passion. It's crucial that whatever path you choose, you approach it with a sense of enthusiasm and dedication, and a deep empathy for the patients you'll be serving.
Wishing you all the best on your journey.
Anahi diaz
84
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Anahi’s Answer
Before pursuing a career in medicine or healthcare, it's important to be aware of some key aspects and considerations:
1. Rigorous Education and Training: Medicine and healthcare professions typically require a substantial commitment to education and training. Be prepared for several years of study, including undergraduate education, medical school, and often residency or specialized training.
2. Passion for Helping Others: Medicine and healthcare are centered around providing care, support, and treatment to individuals in need. Having a genuine passion for helping others and a strong sense of empathy is crucial for success in this field.
3. Lifelong Learning: Medicine and healthcare are constantly evolving fields. New research, technologies, and treatment modalities emerge regularly. Continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements is essential for providing high-quality care.
4. Long Hours and Demanding Workload: Many healthcare professions involve long hours, irregular shifts, and a high level of responsibility. Patient care often requires dedication, commitment, and the ability to handle stressful situations.
5. Emotional Resilience: Dealing with patients' pain, suffering, and challenging medical conditions can be emotionally demanding. Developing emotional resilience and effective coping strategies is important for maintaining personal well-being while providing care.
6. Ethical and Legal Responsibilities: Medicine and healthcare come with ethical and legal obligations. Being aware of and adhering to professional codes of conduct, patient privacy regulations, and ethical guidelines is essential.
7. Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Work: Healthcare is often a collaborative field, requiring effective teamwork and communication among various healthcare professionals. Being able to work well with colleagues from different disciplines is important for providing holistic patient care.
8. Flexibility and Adaptability: Healthcare settings can be dynamic and unpredictable. Being flexible, adaptable, and able to handle unexpected challenges is valuable in this field.
9. Commitment to Evidence-Based Practice: Medicine and healthcare rely on evidence-based practice, which involves applying the best available scientific research to guide decisions and treatments. Being committed to evidence-based practice ensures the provision of quality care.
10. Personal Well-being: Prioritize self-care and well-being to maintain your physical and mental health. Healthcare professionals often put the needs of others first, but it's important to take care of yourself to avoid burnout.
It's advisable to speak with professionals in the field, shadow or volunteer in healthcare settings, and gather firsthand experience to better understand the demands and rewards of a career in medicine or healthcare.
1. Rigorous Education and Training: Medicine and healthcare professions typically require a substantial commitment to education and training. Be prepared for several years of study, including undergraduate education, medical school, and often residency or specialized training.
2. Passion for Helping Others: Medicine and healthcare are centered around providing care, support, and treatment to individuals in need. Having a genuine passion for helping others and a strong sense of empathy is crucial for success in this field.
3. Lifelong Learning: Medicine and healthcare are constantly evolving fields. New research, technologies, and treatment modalities emerge regularly. Continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements is essential for providing high-quality care.
4. Long Hours and Demanding Workload: Many healthcare professions involve long hours, irregular shifts, and a high level of responsibility. Patient care often requires dedication, commitment, and the ability to handle stressful situations.
5. Emotional Resilience: Dealing with patients' pain, suffering, and challenging medical conditions can be emotionally demanding. Developing emotional resilience and effective coping strategies is important for maintaining personal well-being while providing care.
6. Ethical and Legal Responsibilities: Medicine and healthcare come with ethical and legal obligations. Being aware of and adhering to professional codes of conduct, patient privacy regulations, and ethical guidelines is essential.
7. Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Work: Healthcare is often a collaborative field, requiring effective teamwork and communication among various healthcare professionals. Being able to work well with colleagues from different disciplines is important for providing holistic patient care.
8. Flexibility and Adaptability: Healthcare settings can be dynamic and unpredictable. Being flexible, adaptable, and able to handle unexpected challenges is valuable in this field.
9. Commitment to Evidence-Based Practice: Medicine and healthcare rely on evidence-based practice, which involves applying the best available scientific research to guide decisions and treatments. Being committed to evidence-based practice ensures the provision of quality care.
10. Personal Well-being: Prioritize self-care and well-being to maintain your physical and mental health. Healthcare professionals often put the needs of others first, but it's important to take care of yourself to avoid burnout.
It's advisable to speak with professionals in the field, shadow or volunteer in healthcare settings, and gather firsthand experience to better understand the demands and rewards of a career in medicine or healthcare.
Kathleen Fane
1
Answer
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
I would say the that medicine is calling, a lifelong commitment and not just a job. It can be very challenging from getting the schooling you need all the way to caring for patients and balancing your life. However, it can be the most rewarding career imaginable and allows you to have such a profound impact on someone’s life.
I would say look into shadowing a nurse or a doctor to get a better idea of what to expect!
Kathleen recommends the following next steps: