I want to be a doctor, but the problem is..I heard people said this career is tough and..the malpractice and everything..and doctors don't get to spend a lot of time with their families..
I think I'm ready to commit to this career, but hearing these things really scares me away from this profession.
This has been my dream for so long...I know I have to think positively and don't take those words seriously, but I can't help it.
What should I do?
2007-03-15 06:51:36 · 14 answers · asked by ocean09 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
My philosophy is that life is about two concepts; attitude and choices. If you want to be a doctor, then that's exactly what you should do. It is a tremendous amount of work at first, but once you are finished with your formal training, you can go out on your own and choose the hours you want to work.
I have a wonderful doctor who will not work on Fridays. When one of her children or her husband have a special activity planned, she doesn't work at those times either. She manages her career and her family life with a perfect balance.
You will be able to do the same. It is sad that there are so many people on this planet who would rather discourage than encourage. Ignore these folks and realize your dream. You owe it to yourself and your future patients! God Bless! Annie
2007-03-15 07:10:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are downsides to every career no matter what it is. But there are also positive things as well. Focus on what it is that has drawn you to being a doctor, ignore the naysayers. A lot of the times these people are just jealous that they were not smart enough or had the committment to finish that much schooling to become something they always wanted to be.
Follow your dreams and don't let anyone decide for you. If you have questions talk to some doctors and find out if they had it to do over would they? I bet most wouldn't.
2007-03-15 07:01:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I work with a lot of doctors and what they are saying is true, you should take them seriously. You can't just ignore the truth and pretend it's an easy job. It depends on what type of doctor you want to be how much down time you get. A dermatologist works in an office and goes how when he/she wants, an emergency room doctor works 36 hour shifts and misses out on family. They make a lot of money but the education bills are huge and the cost of insurance is outrageous. Again this all varies on what specialty you go into. The main thing I'll tell you is this, take their warnings seriously, but use them to determine how committed you are. If you are feeling scared off, that should tell you something. If you are determined, then go in with your eyes open to the draw backs, as being aware of them can help you be that much more ready to succeed.
2007-03-15 07:17:29 · answer #3 · answered by hrland 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Malpractice is usually only an issue for Doctor's with private practices. You can work at a clinic, as part of an HMO, or as part of a larger hospital organization where you are somewhat shielded by the organization from lawsuits. Of course if something did come up there is a likely chance that organization would fire you, but there are plenty of opportunities in many different fields for Doctors where malpractice isn't an issue. Follow your heart or you will regret not trying later on.
2007-03-15 07:02:02 · answer #4 · answered by JM 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many aspects of a career, and also many possibilities within a career. You'll want to examine things such as:
* What are your real reasons for wanting to do this? Is it the money? Do you want to help people?
* What is important to you in life? Family? Money? Service to the community?
* What does a doctor really do in a day? (Go talk to some. Don't rely on people who aren't in that career.)
* How important is the service aspect to you? Do you have your heart set on being a "typical" doctor in business for yourself, with all the business, insurance, and legal issues that come with that? A specialist? Or might you be happy working in low income communities or with an organization like Medecins sans Frontiers (Doctors without Borders)?
Above all, listen to your heart. Money can make life easier, but it can't bring you happiness. If family life is important to you, be realistic about how much time you'll have available in the role you choose.
2007-03-15 07:01:12 · answer #5 · answered by dj 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have brains enough to be a doctor, then there is nothing wrong with that. Yes, there is malpractice and all that other stuff, but you get the benefits as well, and if you are that smart you ought to go into a profession such as that and not look back. For instance, you make good money, get to help people, and you get to pick exactly what sort of doctor you would like to be. There are always negative people, and negatives about any job. Just get out and do what you want to do.
2007-03-15 07:00:56 · answer #6 · answered by pansyskunk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do bring up valid concerns, but they don't apply to all doctors. If you're a physician, you can have your 8-5 job and have plenty of time with your family. It's good to know about what you're getting into before you commit to it--especially something like being a doctor, considering all of the school.
If, after knowing all the downsides of a career, you're still interested in it, then you know that it's what you really want to do. If being a doctor is something you really want to do, don't let the negatives scare you. Just realize that it's something that inherently comes with the profession. Every profession is going to have some downsides. If you're going to have to live with them, you might as well be doing something you love.
I'm on the same boat as you and I've had to put up with the same kinds of people. I understand how you feel, but don't let what other people say affect your career choice if it is really what you want to do.
2007-03-15 07:06:41 · answer #7 · answered by Sephisabin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to be a doctor, then go for it! Yes, in the beginning of their careers doctors tend to work long hours, but as you progress, you may start your own practice or go to work for an HMO in which you will have normal hours. It really depends on what kind of doctor you become. Obviously, a renowned neurosurgeon is going to work longer and harder than a family practicioner. As a suggestion, there are tons of career opportunities in the medical field (i.e. nurse, ultrasonographer, etc). The best thing about being a nurse is that it's not so "specialized." You can move around freely in the medical field as a nurse (i.e. emergency medicine, pediatrics, OBGYN) whereas once you specialize as a cardiologist for example, if you became interested in vascular surgery, you would have to complete another residency requirement. Good luck!
2007-03-15 07:04:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Become a private practice physician. Then you can set your own hours and be able to balance work and family. ER doctors and those who work all types of hours at a hospital are the ones who must be fully committed to putting their careers before everything else, and it is a tough life--but a worthy sacrifice. Where would we all be without these people?
2007-03-15 07:01:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ignore them and follow your heart, if your going to be a doctor you will have to make many tough decisions, this is one of them. People for some reason feel the need to pull others down to there level of comfort instead of rising up with others and being happy for them. Go for it, the world needs more good doctors especially in an aging society.
2007-03-15 06:58:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋