Is going to school for 11 to 14 years to become a doctor worth it?

Question

I really am wanting to become a doctor but the time it is going to take is pushing me back, but what is your thoughts on this?

Answer 1

Matthew,

Please think very hard about this decision and its ramifications since this one decision will follow you throughout your life. Only YOU can determine if it will be a good following or bad following. Here are my thoughts:

1. People will see what they want to see. Most will say the pay is good, but they don't see what comes along with that - namely the hundreds of thousands of dollars of student debt that will follow you likely into your late thirties and forties. Plus, your time in residency will not pay much at all.
2. What price do you put on your leisure? Some doctors work a lot, some do not and get paid accordingly.
3. Doctors get a lot of respect, but respect unfortunately doesn't pay the bills.
4. What are your future plans. Do you plan to get married? Have kids? If so, how do your career plans fit into this part of your life?
5. What area of medicine do you want to go into? They are not all the same.
6. Can you put up with all the bureaucracy associated with medical companies and the government?

Overall, all I'm saying is that you shouldn't do it for the money, because the days of doctors driving Benz automobiles and playing on the golf course and living in a mansion are a lot harder to come by today. There is a high admittance price to get into the field, and you should do it because you truly love HELPING PEOPLE.

Sure, there are fields people hate working in (business, etc.), but the price of admission is much lower and it pays the bills.

Answer 2

I suggest that you talk to other physicians and really give this some thought. Someone close to me is a FP doctor and his schedule consumes most of his time. He has little time for family, friends or vacations. Remember it is more than patient care, there is dictation and follow-ups, referrals, CME and employers want production! People are mentioning that the money is good, but if you look at the amount hours you will work, there are many other jobs that pay more! If you are asking, is it worth it, I suspect this might not be the job for you. Remember you may find a job that pays in the 6 figures but you could also be working 60 hours a week or more.

Answer 3

No, not if your main objective is to make money because you won't get rich until you're about 40. and plus, it is a VERY long process which entails not having a life for 10 years after high-school. (the biggest cheaters in college are med students because there is so much pressure on them to pull grades). You should only go through med-school if 1) you truly love the field of medicine 2) you want to help people wanting to become financially fit should NEVER be a decision factor in going to med-school

Answer 4

You have to look at what salaries your other options would yeild you in the future and subtract the amount of money you will spend to become a Dr. to determine that. Now days, there are a lot of high paying jobs that don't require such a grueling schedule.

Check out this salary calculator. It will tell you what a professional of different job types makes in your area.

Good luck with your decision and remember the job you ultimately choose will be with you for the next 40 or so years.

Answer 5

Every doctor that I've spoken to says it is not worth it. Because of liability insurance and greedy health insurance companies, financially speaking, it is not very beneficial to become a doctor unless you are a highly skilled specialist. It is worth it, though, if you are becoming one just to help others. The world can always use doctors that just like helping people.

Answer 6

in some eyes it is b/c 2 things one u get to help people and two good money.. but then it's not 1 long hr's 2alot of herd work, and i'm sure there is alot more to it then u think.. You should talk to someone that is in that filed maybe your dr or someone onine that is a dr. and u can always talkto the dr;s family and see how they feel about it ,.each person is different.

Answer 7

Only you can answer this question.

Consider all of the "pros" in doing it - then consider all of the "cons" in not doing it - taking everything into consideration! And I do mean everything at all!

- then ask yourself "what you will be doing (the kind of life your will be living, employment, etc. etc. etc.) in 11 - 14 years if you decide against it.

Then once you have reached your decision stick to it!

Answer 8

To me it is, you have to follow your dreams and if you really want to be a doctor then go for it! If you are making this question then your probably not going into something you like.

Answer 9

Only if you wanne save lives, çause if u want money then rather get a Business degree or become a stock brocker...

Answer 10

It depends on you and what you love to do. If helping people is that thing well then yes, it is. but I say educate yourself on every aspect of the school and what will need to be done. Residency practium etc.