hard time making the decision.

[wannabedoc2]

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hello everyone. I would like to ask ask some questioons about making the decision to pursue medicine. Deep down I know that thats what I wanna do. How? I'm not sure. I just think I know. I have researched the field and a lot of specialties a lot. As a matter of fact, I think I have been researching it for too long. However I still can't make that decision to go to college for 8 years and then residency for who knows how long. So many questions come into play. First of all, will I make it? Obviously I wont know until I try but is it something everyone can do with solid discipline and good study habits or what? And I know that doctors have long hours but..how long? Is it true they barely get to see they're families? I guess what I'm asking is..is this for me? I think I'll try volunteering, it might put some things into perspective. btw, I genuinely believe that I don't wanna do it for the money. I wanna do it because I'm interested in medicine in general, the human body and helping others.(I know, all the same corny reasons, but they're all there) Thank you so much

 

[Morsetlis]

You work a lot during medical school and residency. Afterward, you're free to work as much or as little as you want...

 

[startswithb]

Have you started college yet? Being in the premed mode with classes, volunteering, shadowing, researching will either excite you or burn you out. I think that may be a good indication of your potentional, needs, and wants.

 

[Claud05]

Have you started college yet? Being in the premed mode with classes, volunteering, shadowing, researching will either excite you or burn you out. I think that may be a good indication of your potentional, needs, and wants.

This is excellent advice. If you want to do it then give it a try and see if working with your patient/learning new material is exciting enough to compensate for all the hard work you will be putting in for many years to come. You truly need to have an intense interest in medicine for it to be worth it in the end in my opinion.
SO try volunteering, go to your local hospital and just tell them your situation and see if working at hospital is something you can for the next 3-5 decades.

 

[J ROD]

It's hard work but more so if you dont actually like it.

 

[awang54]

And I know that doctors have long hours but..how long? Is it true they barely get to see they're families?

This really depends on what kind of doctor you become. For example, my uncle is an Infectious Disease specialist and has 8-5 workdays (most days at least). That leaves plenty of time for family. I would imagine a neurosurgeon would have much longer hours =P

 

[DrJosephKim]

Keep in mind that struggles regarding work/life balance is one of the primary reasons why physicians choose to leave medicine. In some specialties, you simply don't have the luxury to work part-time because you won't find any part-time jobs for that type of specialty.