9 answers
reagan
Student
Hurdsfield, ND
1
Question
Asked
384 views
Should I let my lifestyle goals dictate my choice of healthcare career?
For example, I want to go into surgery, but I'm worried I won't have enough time to commit to my family. I am also interested in pulmonary medicine, but I'm not sure if I will like it as much.
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9 answers
Anasa Lattibeaudaire
Career Counselor
24
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Anasa’s Answer
Hi Reagan,
Great question!
Your lifestyle goals should certainly influence your choice of a healthcare career. Consider the work-life balance that your chosen profession offers, align your career with your passions, and be mindful of the demands and flexibility of the job. It is crucial to strike a balance between your personal and professional for long-term career satisfaction as well as your well-being.
I'd like to mention to anyone reading that the idea of considering lifestyle goals and work-life balance is applicable to any field or profession. It's a fundamental aspect of career decision-making.
Great question!
Your lifestyle goals should certainly influence your choice of a healthcare career. Consider the work-life balance that your chosen profession offers, align your career with your passions, and be mindful of the demands and flexibility of the job. It is crucial to strike a balance between your personal and professional for long-term career satisfaction as well as your well-being.
I'd like to mention to anyone reading that the idea of considering lifestyle goals and work-life balance is applicable to any field or profession. It's a fundamental aspect of career decision-making.
Madison Buchman
doctor
112
Answers
West Hartford
Updated
Madison’s Answer
Yes this should be a factor. It just may not be your ONLY factor! You want to balance for you personally the pros/cons of time commitment, financial, meaningful work, and other commitments outside of work and those factors/individual goals look different for everyone. Making a list of pros/cons and things that are most important to you can help! Also talking the choice out with others close to you!
Brittney LaRoche
1
Answer
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Brittney’s Answer
You might look into a career as a surgical tech. It is a fairly demanding program, but the pay is great and program length is typically 2 years or less at most vocational schools/colleges/universities. I know that my local community college offers a pathway for surgical tech that includes getting your AAS in conjunction with your certification. Surgical techs can work a variety of shifts/days and for those who can't work a FT position, agency is available so that you can make your own schedule. I hope that helps you and good luck on your future endeavors!
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
222
Answers
Spanish Fork, Utah
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hey Reagan,
You might like to read Ken Coleman's book From Paycheck to Purpose, and see if it helps you figure out anything more about your own skills, interests, and goals outside of work, so you can feel satisfied about a next step to take.
You might like to read Ken Coleman's book From Paycheck to Purpose, and see if it helps you figure out anything more about your own skills, interests, and goals outside of work, so you can feel satisfied about a next step to take.
Judith-Ann Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at AndeersonCounselingTexas( ACT)
106
Answers
Grapevine, Texas
Updated
Judith-Ann’s Answer
Hello, Reagan. You are very wise to be asking these questions. I would encourage you to ask yourself these questions: Why do you want to be a surgeon or a pulminary specialist? What is calling you to these occupations? Is it prestige? Money? Science? Helping someone feel better? There are no wrong answers except to be honest and authentic with yourself. Then consider your priorities: what is the most important thing to you? or who is the most important person to you? I truly believe that being in the healing profession is a calling. I wish you much success in finding your career that enhances your family life and gives you joy and fulfillment and balance. Remember, be honest with yourself and enjoy this adventure we call life.
Khabab Salama
Consultant
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Khabab’s Answer
Definitely let your lifestyle goals dictate your career! A wise man once told me: I saw so many people on their deathbed. No one has ever said… I wish I had more time in my career.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3799
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey Reagan!
Choosing a career in healthcare is a big decision and a personal one at that. It's like picking out a pair of shoes - you need to find the right fit for you. It's not just about what you love doing, but also about what fits into your life. A career that matches your interests and passions is important, but so is one that lets you balance work and life, and fulfill your personal commitments.
Think about it like this - if you're considering whether your lifestyle goals should lead your choice of a healthcare career, you need to think about how it might affect your family life. Some healthcare jobs, like being a surgeon, can mean long hours and a lot of demands on your time. This could mean less time for your family. But there are other careers, like in pulmonary medicine, that might give you more flexibility with your schedule and workload.
Here are some things to think about to help you make an informed decision:
1. What You Love: Think about what you're passionate about and interested in when it comes to healthcare careers. Maybe you're drawn to surgery because it's technical and you can see the immediate impact on patients. Or maybe you're interested in pulmonary medicine because it lets you build long-term relationships with patients and focus on chronic conditions. Reflecting on what really gets you excited can help guide your decision.
2. Balancing Act: Think about how each healthcare career matches up with the work-life balance you want. Surgeons often have to be on-call and work irregular hours, which could make it hard to maintain a healthy personal life. But pulmonary medicine might offer more regular working hours and let you establish a routine that fits in with your family commitments.
3. What Matters Most: Think about your personal priorities and values outside of work. If spending quality time with your family is really important to you, you might need to choose a healthcare career that gives you more flexibility with your time. But if you're really passionate about surgery and willing to make sacrifices in other areas of your life, you might still be able to pursue this career and have a fulfilling family life.
In the end, the decision should be based on a careful evaluation of what's important to you, what you're interested in, and what fits with your values. It might also be helpful to get advice from healthcare professionals who have experience in the fields you're considering. They can give you a peek into the demands and rewards of each career path.
To sum it up, it's important to think about your lifestyle goals when choosing a healthcare career, but it's just as important to find a career that matches your interests and passions. Balancing personal commitments and professional aspirations can be tough, but by carefully evaluating your priorities and getting advice from experienced professionals, you can make a decision that lets you lead a fulfilling life both personally and professionally.
Here are some great resources to check out:
1. American Medical Association (ama-assn.org)
2. Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org)
3. National Institutes of Health (nih.gov)
Choosing a career in healthcare is a big decision and a personal one at that. It's like picking out a pair of shoes - you need to find the right fit for you. It's not just about what you love doing, but also about what fits into your life. A career that matches your interests and passions is important, but so is one that lets you balance work and life, and fulfill your personal commitments.
Think about it like this - if you're considering whether your lifestyle goals should lead your choice of a healthcare career, you need to think about how it might affect your family life. Some healthcare jobs, like being a surgeon, can mean long hours and a lot of demands on your time. This could mean less time for your family. But there are other careers, like in pulmonary medicine, that might give you more flexibility with your schedule and workload.
Here are some things to think about to help you make an informed decision:
1. What You Love: Think about what you're passionate about and interested in when it comes to healthcare careers. Maybe you're drawn to surgery because it's technical and you can see the immediate impact on patients. Or maybe you're interested in pulmonary medicine because it lets you build long-term relationships with patients and focus on chronic conditions. Reflecting on what really gets you excited can help guide your decision.
2. Balancing Act: Think about how each healthcare career matches up with the work-life balance you want. Surgeons often have to be on-call and work irregular hours, which could make it hard to maintain a healthy personal life. But pulmonary medicine might offer more regular working hours and let you establish a routine that fits in with your family commitments.
3. What Matters Most: Think about your personal priorities and values outside of work. If spending quality time with your family is really important to you, you might need to choose a healthcare career that gives you more flexibility with your time. But if you're really passionate about surgery and willing to make sacrifices in other areas of your life, you might still be able to pursue this career and have a fulfilling family life.
In the end, the decision should be based on a careful evaluation of what's important to you, what you're interested in, and what fits with your values. It might also be helpful to get advice from healthcare professionals who have experience in the fields you're considering. They can give you a peek into the demands and rewards of each career path.
To sum it up, it's important to think about your lifestyle goals when choosing a healthcare career, but it's just as important to find a career that matches your interests and passions. Balancing personal commitments and professional aspirations can be tough, but by carefully evaluating your priorities and getting advice from experienced professionals, you can make a decision that lets you lead a fulfilling life both personally and professionally.
Here are some great resources to check out:
1. American Medical Association (ama-assn.org)
2. Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org)
3. National Institutes of Health (nih.gov)
Christopher Colombo
Physician
2
Answers
Gig Harbor, Washington
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Reagan -
Great question! I assure you: you are not alone. Many medical professionals struggle with these choices and balancing work and life, not only in choosing a specialty, but in choosing medicine in the first place as well as their career focus throughout their career. As a practicing physician (married to another!) your question is a regular topic of discussion throughout ours and our colleagues careers.
James advice is very thorough and valuable! I would offer two areas of focus, and two additional things to consider:
Focus #1) What are your values and priorities? We had a saying in the Army: If everything is important, then nothing is important. Life involves choosing sometimes between different priorities, and that's ok. The key is deciding what your priorities are, and realizing that they are not set in stone. You may value different things at different times in your life.
Focus #2) What about medicine in general offers you fulfillment? Is it your commitment to your values? Is it the things you are passionate about and enjoy? Choosing medicine in general is a big first step, and if its right for you , there are very few things in this life that are as rewarding as a career.
Consideration #1) What aspects of the different specialties are in common and which are different?
For example, I am a Critical Care Physician. I work in the Intensive care unit and take care of all kinds of critically ill folks. I considered trauma surgery as a specialty after medical school. I really liked procedures, complex illness/injury, and folks that I could readily help and see a quick improvement in. Unfortunately, the operating room was just not my cup of tea! Standing up and focusing on just one patient for up to 8-10 hours in some cases was a show stopper. Fortunately for me, Critical Care offered me the ability to do a great number of bedside procedures (so I still get to be technical and work with my hands) but I have to manage 15-24 patients in small bursts over the length of a shift. The variety and challenge of keeping track of my interventions, when I follow up all while managing other interventions and follow up with the rest of the ICU patients fit my personality and passions perfectly!
Consideration #2) within any specialty how much variation and flexibility can you expect over your career as your priorities change/adapt to life. Although specialties have different time commitments in general, much of the difference is in the training to get there, and once you are in it, there is a lot of flexibility to balance your career desire with lifestyle and non-career consideration.
My wife is a terrific example of putting this consideration to work, and she taught me to do the same. She started out as being pretty sure she wanted to do private practice outpatient clinic work. Once she realized that starting and managing her own business was part of this, and that she was passionate about teaching she realized she was better suited to an academic setting. She engaged in some laboratory research required for her fellowship training in infectious disease mostly because it was required. She has adjusted the amount of clinical time (often with unpredictable hours) with research, teaching etc in order to achieve the work life balance she wants. She's encouraged me to explore doing the same, and we know folks of every specialty (surgeon, pulmonary, internal med, radiology the list goes on) that tailor their practice to achieve their chosen balance.
Good luck to you, and feel free to respond with any follow-up questions!
Reach out to physicians in different specialties and different practice settings within specialties (private practice, academic, research, consulting)
work with a career coach to explore these questions further
Great question! I assure you: you are not alone. Many medical professionals struggle with these choices and balancing work and life, not only in choosing a specialty, but in choosing medicine in the first place as well as their career focus throughout their career. As a practicing physician (married to another!) your question is a regular topic of discussion throughout ours and our colleagues careers.
James advice is very thorough and valuable! I would offer two areas of focus, and two additional things to consider:
Focus #1) What are your values and priorities? We had a saying in the Army: If everything is important, then nothing is important. Life involves choosing sometimes between different priorities, and that's ok. The key is deciding what your priorities are, and realizing that they are not set in stone. You may value different things at different times in your life.
Focus #2) What about medicine in general offers you fulfillment? Is it your commitment to your values? Is it the things you are passionate about and enjoy? Choosing medicine in general is a big first step, and if its right for you , there are very few things in this life that are as rewarding as a career.
Consideration #1) What aspects of the different specialties are in common and which are different?
For example, I am a Critical Care Physician. I work in the Intensive care unit and take care of all kinds of critically ill folks. I considered trauma surgery as a specialty after medical school. I really liked procedures, complex illness/injury, and folks that I could readily help and see a quick improvement in. Unfortunately, the operating room was just not my cup of tea! Standing up and focusing on just one patient for up to 8-10 hours in some cases was a show stopper. Fortunately for me, Critical Care offered me the ability to do a great number of bedside procedures (so I still get to be technical and work with my hands) but I have to manage 15-24 patients in small bursts over the length of a shift. The variety and challenge of keeping track of my interventions, when I follow up all while managing other interventions and follow up with the rest of the ICU patients fit my personality and passions perfectly!
Consideration #2) within any specialty how much variation and flexibility can you expect over your career as your priorities change/adapt to life. Although specialties have different time commitments in general, much of the difference is in the training to get there, and once you are in it, there is a lot of flexibility to balance your career desire with lifestyle and non-career consideration.
My wife is a terrific example of putting this consideration to work, and she taught me to do the same. She started out as being pretty sure she wanted to do private practice outpatient clinic work. Once she realized that starting and managing her own business was part of this, and that she was passionate about teaching she realized she was better suited to an academic setting. She engaged in some laboratory research required for her fellowship training in infectious disease mostly because it was required. She has adjusted the amount of clinical time (often with unpredictable hours) with research, teaching etc in order to achieve the work life balance she wants. She's encouraged me to explore doing the same, and we know folks of every specialty (surgeon, pulmonary, internal med, radiology the list goes on) that tailor their practice to achieve their chosen balance.
Good luck to you, and feel free to respond with any follow-up questions!
Christopher recommends the following next steps:
anahi diaz
54
Answers
Tempe, Arizona
Updated
anahi’s Answer
Balancing lifestyle goals with your choice of healthcare career is an important consideration, as different medical specialties come with varying time commitments, schedules, and work-life balances. Here are some factors to consider as you weigh your options:
### **1. **Work-Life Balance:**
- Assess the work-life balance associated with each specialty. Some medical fields, such as surgery, often involve demanding schedules with long hours, especially during training. Pulmonary medicine may offer a more predictable schedule in certain settings.
### **2. **Passion and Interest:**
- Consider your level of interest and passion for each specialty. While work-life balance is crucial, enjoying and being fulfilled by your work is equally important for long-term satisfaction.
### **3. **Family Commitments:**
- Evaluate your family commitments and priorities. Different specialties may allow for more flexibility in managing family time. Discuss your concerns with your family and seek their input.
### **4. **Training Duration:**
- Take into account the duration of training required for each specialty. Some specialties have shorter training periods, providing earlier opportunities to establish a work-life balance.
### **5. **Day-to-Day Responsibilities:**
- Research the day-to-day responsibilities of surgeons and pulmonary medicine specialists. Consider which type of patient care and medical procedures align better with your preferences.
### **6. **Shadowing and Observing:**
- Spend time shadowing or observing professionals in both surgery and pulmonary medicine to get a firsthand look at the nature of the work and the lifestyle implications.
### **7. **Subspecialties:**
- Explore subspecialties within pulmonary medicine. You might find a niche that aligns with your interests while offering a more manageable lifestyle.
### **8. **Long-Term Career Goals:**
- Consider your long-term career goals. Some specialties may offer more diverse career paths, allowing you to shift focus or take on different roles over time.
### **9. **Flexibility in Practice:**
- Investigate the flexibility within each specialty. Some practitioners may have more control over their schedules depending on factors like practice setting (academic vs. private) and geographical location.
### **10. **Mentorship and Guidance:**
- Seek guidance from mentors in both surgery and pulmonary medicine. They can provide insights based on their experiences and help you make an informed decision.
### **11. **Personal Values:**
- Reflect on your personal values and priorities. What matters most to you in your personal and professional life? Identify the aspects that align with your values.
### **12. **Geographic Considerations:**
- Consider the geographical location where you plan to practice. Different regions may have variations in the demand for certain specialties and the associated work expectations.
### **13. **Adaptability:**
- Assess your own adaptability. While work-life balance is crucial, consider your ability to adapt to the demands of different stages in your career.
### **14. **Consult Peers:**
- Talk to peers or professionals who have made similar decisions. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into the realities of each specialty.
Ultimately, the choice between surgery and pulmonary medicine should align with your personal and professional goals. It's essential to strike a balance that allows you to find fulfillment in your career while meeting your lifestyle aspirations. Don't hesitate to gather information, seek guidance, and take the time you need to make a well-informed decision.
### **1. **Work-Life Balance:**
- Assess the work-life balance associated with each specialty. Some medical fields, such as surgery, often involve demanding schedules with long hours, especially during training. Pulmonary medicine may offer a more predictable schedule in certain settings.
### **2. **Passion and Interest:**
- Consider your level of interest and passion for each specialty. While work-life balance is crucial, enjoying and being fulfilled by your work is equally important for long-term satisfaction.
### **3. **Family Commitments:**
- Evaluate your family commitments and priorities. Different specialties may allow for more flexibility in managing family time. Discuss your concerns with your family and seek their input.
### **4. **Training Duration:**
- Take into account the duration of training required for each specialty. Some specialties have shorter training periods, providing earlier opportunities to establish a work-life balance.
### **5. **Day-to-Day Responsibilities:**
- Research the day-to-day responsibilities of surgeons and pulmonary medicine specialists. Consider which type of patient care and medical procedures align better with your preferences.
### **6. **Shadowing and Observing:**
- Spend time shadowing or observing professionals in both surgery and pulmonary medicine to get a firsthand look at the nature of the work and the lifestyle implications.
### **7. **Subspecialties:**
- Explore subspecialties within pulmonary medicine. You might find a niche that aligns with your interests while offering a more manageable lifestyle.
### **8. **Long-Term Career Goals:**
- Consider your long-term career goals. Some specialties may offer more diverse career paths, allowing you to shift focus or take on different roles over time.
### **9. **Flexibility in Practice:**
- Investigate the flexibility within each specialty. Some practitioners may have more control over their schedules depending on factors like practice setting (academic vs. private) and geographical location.
### **10. **Mentorship and Guidance:**
- Seek guidance from mentors in both surgery and pulmonary medicine. They can provide insights based on their experiences and help you make an informed decision.
### **11. **Personal Values:**
- Reflect on your personal values and priorities. What matters most to you in your personal and professional life? Identify the aspects that align with your values.
### **12. **Geographic Considerations:**
- Consider the geographical location where you plan to practice. Different regions may have variations in the demand for certain specialties and the associated work expectations.
### **13. **Adaptability:**
- Assess your own adaptability. While work-life balance is crucial, consider your ability to adapt to the demands of different stages in your career.
### **14. **Consult Peers:**
- Talk to peers or professionals who have made similar decisions. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into the realities of each specialty.
Ultimately, the choice between surgery and pulmonary medicine should align with your personal and professional goals. It's essential to strike a balance that allows you to find fulfillment in your career while meeting your lifestyle aspirations. Don't hesitate to gather information, seek guidance, and take the time you need to make a well-informed decision.