4 answers
Alex
Student
Canton, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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How do i become a good doctor for future?
I want to know how to become a good doctor because i want to help people and make alot of money while doing stuff i enjoy doing.
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4 answers
Rita Chuang
Physician
112
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
I want to you to think very hard about this. When I applied to medical school, I did not know what I was getting myself into. Over 20 some years of practice, my mind is a little clearer.
I came into medical school wanting to help people. I also wanted to be financially stable but mostly, I believe I went into medicine because my parents wanted me to be a physician. Do I regret it? Yes and no. I am also not the best doctor but I'm not the worse. It is not my passion but honestly, I don't know what is my passion. Like any job, there are good and bad.
Medicine has helped me to be very financially stable but it's not the money I made as a physician that made me financially stable. I made my money from investing the money that medicine provided me. I purchased stocks and houses which increased in value much more than the salary I earned as a physician. There is a study that shows you need $75,000 per year to be happy. Making more does not make you any happier.
I am in the primary care field. It is not easy. Previously, I opened my own practice but sold it about 1.5 years ago. Now I'm an employee. There are pros and cons in both working for someone and owning your own practice but that's a different post. Now, I get 15 minutes for each patient. That means I need to refill all their medications, answer their questions about new problems, and if I have time, discussed maintenance issues (mammograms, colonoscopies, vaccinations). Honestly, this is not enough time. Your schedule with patients is full and during the day, you deal with people calling all the time, documents that need to be reviewed from the specialist, prior authorizations for medications that the insurance will not pay and you need to answer questions as to why you want this expensive drug.
Most of my friends are looking at retirement (as am I). They are looking at retiring at 58 years old because their company will provide them insurance at that time. This is very early. You will be working long hours. Most doctors burn out. It is a hard balance between your work life and your personal life.
I recommend every person interested in medicine work as a scribe. You get paid but most importantly, you are in the room with the doctors and see what they do. If you cannot do this job for 3 months, you cannot do this for the rest of your life.
I came into medical school wanting to help people. I also wanted to be financially stable but mostly, I believe I went into medicine because my parents wanted me to be a physician. Do I regret it? Yes and no. I am also not the best doctor but I'm not the worse. It is not my passion but honestly, I don't know what is my passion. Like any job, there are good and bad.
Medicine has helped me to be very financially stable but it's not the money I made as a physician that made me financially stable. I made my money from investing the money that medicine provided me. I purchased stocks and houses which increased in value much more than the salary I earned as a physician. There is a study that shows you need $75,000 per year to be happy. Making more does not make you any happier.
I am in the primary care field. It is not easy. Previously, I opened my own practice but sold it about 1.5 years ago. Now I'm an employee. There are pros and cons in both working for someone and owning your own practice but that's a different post. Now, I get 15 minutes for each patient. That means I need to refill all their medications, answer their questions about new problems, and if I have time, discussed maintenance issues (mammograms, colonoscopies, vaccinations). Honestly, this is not enough time. Your schedule with patients is full and during the day, you deal with people calling all the time, documents that need to be reviewed from the specialist, prior authorizations for medications that the insurance will not pay and you need to answer questions as to why you want this expensive drug.
Most of my friends are looking at retirement (as am I). They are looking at retiring at 58 years old because their company will provide them insurance at that time. This is very early. You will be working long hours. Most doctors burn out. It is a hard balance between your work life and your personal life.
I recommend every person interested in medicine work as a scribe. You get paid but most importantly, you are in the room with the doctors and see what they do. If you cannot do this job for 3 months, you cannot do this for the rest of your life.
While it may not have been their passion they are clearly stating the reality. Everything they are saying is pretty accurate and important to understand. The recommendation to scribe is the best opportunity you can get to really see the daily struggles as well as some of the incredible moments of connection to people that you are trying to help.
Alon Kol
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
523
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Becoming a good doctor is a noble and rewarding pursuit, but it requires dedication, hard work, and a genuine commitment to patient care. Here's a roadmap to help you on your journey to becoming a successful and compassionate doctor:
1. **Educational Foundation:**
- Start by completing a Bachelor's degree, preferably in a science-related field like biology, chemistry, or pre-med. Maintain a strong academic record during your undergraduate studies.
2. **Preparation for Medical School:**
- Take the necessary pre-medical courses, including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Achieve a competitive score on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
3. **Apply to Medical School:**
- Research and apply to accredited medical schools. Admissions are highly competitive, so ensure your application showcases your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities that make you a strong candidate.
4. **Medical School:**
- Successfully complete four years of medical school, which includes both classroom instruction and clinical rotations. Focus on building a deep understanding of medical sciences and developing clinical skills.
5. **Residency Program:**
- After medical school, you'll enter a residency program in your chosen specialty. This typically takes three to seven years, depending on the specialty. Dedicate yourself to learning and hands-on patient care during this period.
6. **Continuing Medical Education (CME):**
- Throughout your career, engage in ongoing CME to stay updated with medical advancements and best practices. Medicine is a constantly evolving field, and lifelong learning is essential.
7. **Develop Strong Communication Skills:**
- Effective communication with patients is vital. Develop empathy, active listening, and clear communication skills to establish trust and rapport with your patients.
8. **Ethical Conduct:**
- Maintain high ethical standards and adhere to the principles of medical ethics, including patient confidentiality and informed consent.
9. **Patient-Centered Care:**
- Focus on providing patient-centered care. Tailor treatment plans to meet individual patient needs and preferences.
10. **Empathy and Compassion:**
- Cultivate empathy and compassion. Understand the emotional aspects of illness and be there to support your patients and their families.
11. **Professionalism:**
- Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions, whether with patients, colleagues, or staff. This includes punctuality, respect, and integrity.
12. **Board Certification:**
- Depending on your specialty, pursue board certification through a recognized medical board. It demonstrates your expertise in your chosen field.
13. **Build a Strong Network:**
- Network with colleagues and healthcare professionals. Collaboration can lead to better patient care and opportunities for research or specialization.
14. **Balancing Work and Life:**
- Medicine can be demanding, so strive for a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and maintain your well-being.
15. **Stay Informed About Healthcare Systems:**
- Understand the healthcare system in your country, including insurance, regulations, and patient rights. This knowledge can help you navigate the system effectively for your patients.
16. **Financial Planning:**
- While doctors can earn well, manage your finances responsibly, and plan for your future. Consider seeking advice from financial professionals to secure your financial well-being.
17. **Giving Back:**
- Consider participating in medical mission trips, volunteering, or mentoring aspiring healthcare professionals to give back to your community and beyond.
Becoming a good doctor goes beyond financial rewards; it's about making a positive impact on people's lives through compassionate and competent healthcare. Focus on continuous improvement, patient-centered care, and ethical practice, and you'll be on your way to becoming a respected and effective healthcare professional.
1. **Educational Foundation:**
- Start by completing a Bachelor's degree, preferably in a science-related field like biology, chemistry, or pre-med. Maintain a strong academic record during your undergraduate studies.
2. **Preparation for Medical School:**
- Take the necessary pre-medical courses, including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Achieve a competitive score on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
3. **Apply to Medical School:**
- Research and apply to accredited medical schools. Admissions are highly competitive, so ensure your application showcases your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities that make you a strong candidate.
4. **Medical School:**
- Successfully complete four years of medical school, which includes both classroom instruction and clinical rotations. Focus on building a deep understanding of medical sciences and developing clinical skills.
5. **Residency Program:**
- After medical school, you'll enter a residency program in your chosen specialty. This typically takes three to seven years, depending on the specialty. Dedicate yourself to learning and hands-on patient care during this period.
6. **Continuing Medical Education (CME):**
- Throughout your career, engage in ongoing CME to stay updated with medical advancements and best practices. Medicine is a constantly evolving field, and lifelong learning is essential.
7. **Develop Strong Communication Skills:**
- Effective communication with patients is vital. Develop empathy, active listening, and clear communication skills to establish trust and rapport with your patients.
8. **Ethical Conduct:**
- Maintain high ethical standards and adhere to the principles of medical ethics, including patient confidentiality and informed consent.
9. **Patient-Centered Care:**
- Focus on providing patient-centered care. Tailor treatment plans to meet individual patient needs and preferences.
10. **Empathy and Compassion:**
- Cultivate empathy and compassion. Understand the emotional aspects of illness and be there to support your patients and their families.
11. **Professionalism:**
- Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions, whether with patients, colleagues, or staff. This includes punctuality, respect, and integrity.
12. **Board Certification:**
- Depending on your specialty, pursue board certification through a recognized medical board. It demonstrates your expertise in your chosen field.
13. **Build a Strong Network:**
- Network with colleagues and healthcare professionals. Collaboration can lead to better patient care and opportunities for research or specialization.
14. **Balancing Work and Life:**
- Medicine can be demanding, so strive for a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and maintain your well-being.
15. **Stay Informed About Healthcare Systems:**
- Understand the healthcare system in your country, including insurance, regulations, and patient rights. This knowledge can help you navigate the system effectively for your patients.
16. **Financial Planning:**
- While doctors can earn well, manage your finances responsibly, and plan for your future. Consider seeking advice from financial professionals to secure your financial well-being.
17. **Giving Back:**
- Consider participating in medical mission trips, volunteering, or mentoring aspiring healthcare professionals to give back to your community and beyond.
Becoming a good doctor goes beyond financial rewards; it's about making a positive impact on people's lives through compassionate and competent healthcare. Focus on continuous improvement, patient-centered care, and ethical practice, and you'll be on your way to becoming a respected and effective healthcare professional.
Javier Escalera
Self-Employed / Physician re-entering practice
7
Answers
Sugar Land, Texas
Updated
Javier’s Answer
Hi Alex,
The desire to want to help others can be one of your strongest motivators, along your path towards becoming a physician.
The reason for this, is because, as a physician you will have the opportunity to do the greatest possible good that one human being can do for another. For example, saving lives, and changing your patients’ lives for the better.
Once you truly realize this, no alternative career path, will likely compare.
The more you can imagine yourself helping others in your future life as a physician, the more you will become self-motivated to pursue your life goal with a passion, in just about any specialty you ultimately choose.
The career path of a physician is one chosen strong, and not having to worry about money is nice because that will allow you to enjoy the rewards of your future career, to which money won’t quite compare. The more you understand all of the above about your desire to help others, the easier and more fulfilling your career path towards becoming a “good doctor” will become.
May your path in life,
be your reward.
J.P. Escalera, M.D.
The desire to want to help others can be one of your strongest motivators, along your path towards becoming a physician.
The reason for this, is because, as a physician you will have the opportunity to do the greatest possible good that one human being can do for another. For example, saving lives, and changing your patients’ lives for the better.
Once you truly realize this, no alternative career path, will likely compare.
The more you can imagine yourself helping others in your future life as a physician, the more you will become self-motivated to pursue your life goal with a passion, in just about any specialty you ultimately choose.
The career path of a physician is one chosen strong, and not having to worry about money is nice because that will allow you to enjoy the rewards of your future career, to which money won’t quite compare. The more you understand all of the above about your desire to help others, the easier and more fulfilling your career path towards becoming a “good doctor” will become.
May your path in life,
be your reward.
J.P. Escalera, M.D.
Justin Chenh
Pharmacist
2
Answers
Saugus, Massachusetts
Updated
Justin’s Answer
I am not a medical doctor, but a doctor of pharmacy. While they are not the same, there are some things that are applicable towards your question. To become a good healthcare professional, I would say that you should always care for your patients, be understanding of their circumstances and background, and always have patience with your patients. And if you continue to help people and care for them, you will enjoy it and money will come eventually. It will not be easy, but if you do want to help people, it will be worth it.