Are you all happy with your decision to become a doctor? I've wanted to be a doctor since I was about 12 and I'm currently a freshman in college. I just recently started volunteering at a hospital however and a lot of the doctors I see always seem to be depressed and very stressed. The other employees at the hospital say that a lot of the doctors wish they chose another career. So is this just a problem at my local hospital or is this outlook common? I mean of course some doctors will not like it, such as with any career, but is it this prevalent everywhere?
Honestly, I think it goes both ways...like anything else in life, some people find out they enjoy it and others realize it might not have been for them.
If it's any reassurance at all, most doctors and residents I've interacted with have been happy and encouraged me when I said I was hoping to go to med school. So, I don't think all doctors are jaded and unhappy, I'm sure there are those on both sides of the spectrum and I wouldn't let it discourage you if it's something you want. Everyone comes in under different circumstances, and a field that may not be a good fit for some, could be a great fit for others.
As for me...I'm just a semester into M1, but thus far I am happy with my decision. Is med school stressful and tough? Yes! And I had a rough transition in, but despite all the frustrations, I wouldn't change my decision to come here. Could I change my mind down the road? Perhaps, but up till now, I'm glad I chose to pursue this path.
Honestly, there's a "leap of faith" factor to this whole process too. In the end, you really don't know for sure until you go in and do it. The best you can do now is shadow, volunteers, and really think hard about why you want to do this, and make what seems to be the best decision to you at that point. It is totally okay to have doubts, and second thoughts and really put serious thought into this, it means you care about your decision and are putting thought into it. Best of luck OP.
P.s. Yeah M1 has been had it's ups and downs haha. I did not enjoy studying for my anatomy final (downs)....but was having a blast partying with classmates to celebrate after (ups).