Is this the right Career

[tbonez71]

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[DolFAN]

Inb4 Shouldn't ask this question.

Currently a 2nd year undergrad going into Biochem. My question isn't about academics or getting in, thats a whole other topic. I've always wanted to do medicine; it's interesting, I want to help people, it is really all I can see myself doing. The more I go on into college, the more I see that this still holds true, and I have a special interest in helping underserved populations.

However, the more I research, the more it seems NO ONE suggests going into medical. Some say its a full time, life long goal and you have to sell yourself to the medical field. Is there no balance? One thing is time, even after residency I hear that being a doctor is ~60 hr weeks, including awful hours on weekends, even for those that specialized. Another thing is, of course, money. Doctors at face value seem to make a lot, 200,000+, but factor in malpractice, debt, and everything else, take-home pay is not exactly astronomical. Not to mention, having and raising a family is difficult, and any hobbies you may have are out the window.

Now I know people say not to go into this thinking about money and what not, but I want a balance in my life. From what I've seen, the medical field is 15 years of education, starting a career in your 30's, then getting underpaid to work ****ty hours. If I could work as a physician without all this bull**** I would, no question. What I'm asking, is all this bull**** worth it? I can't see myself doing anything else... I just want to help people, not sucker them for a 6 digit salary on wallstreet or pander to the rich for pricy boobjobs. I guess I'm just looking for some optimism here.

Then do it. Wouldn't you hate to look back at your life and think, what if.

 

[Spinach Dip]

Shadow a couple physicians so you know what you would be getting into.

There are situations outside the normal, also. Some specialties are more relaxed or have better hours than others. Some have worse.

 

[TheWeeIceMan]

I'm obviously not a doctor, so take this with a grain of salt, but after residency not every doctor works 60+ hours a week with call on weekends. If lifestyle is very important to you, there are ways to make that happen when you start your first job as an attending, or so I'm told. You will sacrifice salary, but it is certainly possible.

Also, I believe average salary figures already take malpractice insurance into account.

Not saying one way or the other what you should do, but thought I'd throw those things out there.

 

[CrimsonKing]

If helping underserved populations is your real passion, you need to take a closer look at what is important to you.

No matter what field you're in, you are NOT going to significantly help underserved populations by working in a cushy 40hr/week job making $500K. You're going to work those 60 hours to make your $200K maybe, and if it's actually your passion, you'll be fine with it.

Do some introspection and see if lifestyle or making a difference to the underserved is more important to you.

 

[mcloaf]

Plenty of doctors would recommend medicine, plenty have found some sort of balance, plenty make more than 200k.

 

[Fluidity of Movement]

I never planned on being a physician. And honestly, Id probably enjoy something else more. my reason then? I felt called to do it. I know that I have the mental fortitude to take a shot at it, and I know that there are a lot of people who are relying on me now to do well, people i wont directly help until the future.

so now it is no longer a question of what i want to do, it is a question of what i must do. being a physician puts you in so many positions to help so many people, even outside of the clinic or lab. turning my back on my potential when i know that there are global health and poverty catastrophies...

well that is something I cant do.

ask yourself, " would I take this route if it only paid enough for my essential living costs?" and you will have your answer as to whether medicine is right or not for you.

im a quasi-ascetic so maybe you should ignore me =]

good luck in your quest!