6 answers
Kindall
Student
Coral Springs, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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How do you know where to start in becoming a doctor ? What effects does it put on someone’s mental health?
Health care, art, design, helping people
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6 answers
Michel Davis
Medical student
171
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Michel’s Answer
This is a good question that is a little hard to answer.
Different people will have different experiences that impact them differently. It is true that working in healthcare you need to have a pretty decently thick skin and also a mentality that is okay with things not always working out perfectly. It can be hard on the mental health, but if you are working with a team there are things like debriefs where you can discuss what happened and how you feel things went and how things can be improved. Healthcare is also in the process of making mental healthcare more accessible to staff which is a move in the right direction. So hopefully in the future it gets better because there is work that needs to be done still.
How do you know where to start is the second part of the question. It can be intimidating if you are going into college you can talk to pre med advisors. You can also join clubs that are pre med specific that can give you good leads for research, volunteering and shadowing physicians. I would start looking here and branch out from there and see if you like the work flow.
Different people will have different experiences that impact them differently. It is true that working in healthcare you need to have a pretty decently thick skin and also a mentality that is okay with things not always working out perfectly. It can be hard on the mental health, but if you are working with a team there are things like debriefs where you can discuss what happened and how you feel things went and how things can be improved. Healthcare is also in the process of making mental healthcare more accessible to staff which is a move in the right direction. So hopefully in the future it gets better because there is work that needs to be done still.
How do you know where to start is the second part of the question. It can be intimidating if you are going into college you can talk to pre med advisors. You can also join clubs that are pre med specific that can give you good leads for research, volunteering and shadowing physicians. I would start looking here and branch out from there and see if you like the work flow.
Judith-Ann Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at AndeersonCounselingTexas( ACT)
106
Answers
Grapevine, Texas
Updated
Judith-Ann’s Answer
Hello, Kindall. In addition to the answers you have already received, I would like to focus more on the mental health aspect since I am a licensed therapist. I appreciate that you are exploring what to do with your future and how it will affect your mental health. In exploring the area of becoming a doctor, consider answering these questions more specifically: What about being a doctor appeals to you? What area of specialized knowledge calls to you? What do you like to read? The answer to these questions will give you direction to follow your idea of being a doctor. In getting more clarity on the direction you wish to take with your career, you will of course be interested in how to maintain good mental health hygiene. All careers will have stress so it is important to eliminate unnecessary stresses which can really affect your energy, your love of life, and your productivity. In my practice, I have helped many people navigate through the stresses of their everyday life. These are some things that seem to add unnecessary stresses that I would like for you to consider: 1)excessive behaviors in just about any area such as socializing, imbibing in substances, overeating, spending, etc. 2)choosing a career that doesn't really fit your uniqueness in aptitude and desires 3) allowing influencers to define who you are 4) financial dependence on unhealthy relationships. If you can set yourself up to avoid these stresses, then you can handle the ordinary stresses of your career. Good luck to you, Kindall.
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
298
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
It's not clear what you mean in particular, but I'll try to answer anyway.
To become a doctor, one needs to get academic education in medical field and specialize in a particular branch of medicine. What relates to mental health, doctors can have a great influence on their patients' mental health, either positively or negatively. But generally speaking, mental health issues are the subject matter of psychiatrists who take care of their patients' psychiatric state and try to find good solutions for them.
To become a doctor, one needs to get academic education in medical field and specialize in a particular branch of medicine. What relates to mental health, doctors can have a great influence on their patients' mental health, either positively or negatively. But generally speaking, mental health issues are the subject matter of psychiatrists who take care of their patients' psychiatric state and try to find good solutions for them.
Scott Adler
Physician (recently retired)
30
Answers
Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Hi Kindall! I am an internist (a general medical doctor for adults). The process begins by going to college after which, if you remain interested in becoming a doctor, is then followed by going to medical school. I am a firm believer in getting a broad general education. You do not need to major in a science although you certainly can choose to do so. There are certain classes that are prerequisites for medical school and your college advisor can help you with those choices.
In terms of the mental aspects of becoming and being a doctor, medical school is a grind however, having been accepted you will know that you have the ability to make it through having already trodden the tough path of getting there. It certainly can be intense but you are going through it with other people some of whom will turn out to be lifelong friends. The emotional challenges of practicing medicine vary tremendously by what type of specialty you choose, but there is more support available than in the past as pointed out by Michelle. Good luck!
In terms of the mental aspects of becoming and being a doctor, medical school is a grind however, having been accepted you will know that you have the ability to make it through having already trodden the tough path of getting there. It certainly can be intense but you are going through it with other people some of whom will turn out to be lifelong friends. The emotional challenges of practicing medicine vary tremendously by what type of specialty you choose, but there is more support available than in the past as pointed out by Michelle. Good luck!
Godfrey Magawe
Clinical officer nephrology
82
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Godfrey’s Answer
Being a doctor basically starts by one having the minimum entry requirements to pursue medical doctor degree.
One also need to identify a medical training university that offers Medical Doctor degree.
The medical degree course can take at least 6years then 1 year internship then one can be registered by the medical doctors registration board according to the Country of origin.
Becoming a doctor can sometimes be mentally draining since you have to read and be exposed to cardeva dissection which requires a person who can withstand such traumatic situation
One also need to identify a medical training university that offers Medical Doctor degree.
The medical degree course can take at least 6years then 1 year internship then one can be registered by the medical doctors registration board according to the Country of origin.
Becoming a doctor can sometimes be mentally draining since you have to read and be exposed to cardeva dissection which requires a person who can withstand such traumatic situation
Mustafa Khan
Neurologist, Theoretical Physicist
36
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Mustafa’s Answer
Immersing yourself in the biographies of renowned doctors and surgeons is a fantastic way to gain insight into the medical profession. Their unyielding dedication to medicine as a career and lifestyle can ignite a similar passion within you, fueling your determination to endure the rigorous training required for medical school and beyond. You'll gain a glimpse into the profound fulfillment and happiness that comes from caring for individuals during their most challenging times.
You'll discover that the privilege of aiding sick fellow humans is an honor granted by them, not a favor bestowed by the doctor. The narratives of these distinguished physicians often highlight their humility in patient care. Another rich source of inspiration is the history of medicine, which can motivate you to become part of the almost sacred bond between a doctor and their patient.
As medicine becomes increasingly complex due to the rise in diseases, the growing number of affected individuals, and the escalating use of technology, it's crucial to prioritize mental wellbeing. Today, the mental health of doctors is given significant attention due to these factors. Measures are being implemented, and guidelines are established to prevent and address mental health issues from medical school onwards. This proactive approach ensures that those who dedicate their lives to healing others are taken cared.
You'll discover that the privilege of aiding sick fellow humans is an honor granted by them, not a favor bestowed by the doctor. The narratives of these distinguished physicians often highlight their humility in patient care. Another rich source of inspiration is the history of medicine, which can motivate you to become part of the almost sacred bond between a doctor and their patient.
As medicine becomes increasingly complex due to the rise in diseases, the growing number of affected individuals, and the escalating use of technology, it's crucial to prioritize mental wellbeing. Today, the mental health of doctors is given significant attention due to these factors. Measures are being implemented, and guidelines are established to prevent and address mental health issues from medical school onwards. This proactive approach ensures that those who dedicate their lives to healing others are taken cared.