Looking for Inspiration

[es255305]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Hi everyone!

I'm approaching my med school applications and I really want to be an ophthalmologist (I've done my background research, shadowing, MCAT, I'm very serious about medicine). The only glitch in my progress is that a lot of physicians (all fields, though less so in ophtho) have told me that if they could do it again they wouldn't, and that I'd regret it as a life choice. That is depressing my spirits, and though I'm trying to stay positive, it is nagging at the back of my mind. I know med school and residency are really tough, I except and accept that at times it will be overwhelming, but I used to think that becoming a physician would be like a light at the end of the tunnel (still challenging work, but fulfilling instead of back-breaking). But is being an attending/ophthomologist still just more taxing than it is satisfying? So I guess my question to you all is - why are medicine and ophthalomogy worth it for you? I need some inspiration or some bitter truth. Thanks!

 

[fluorescein]

Although I certainly have had my moments (particularly as a post-call resident), I am happy that I chose to go into medicine. It sounds cheesy, but I really feel that it is a privilege to become involved in people's lives in the way we do. I'm constantly challenged by the clinical and research opportunities in ophtho and have found many inspirational mentors in this field. That said, medicine isn't for everyone, and it's important to understand your own motivations. I think people get upset when they realize they're not happy with their lives/careers after having invested huge amounts of time, effort, and money into the training process. It's a major commitment, but I can't imagine a more personally rewarding career. Best of luck with your decision.

 

[Mye Eye]

Although I certainly have had my moments (particularly as a post-call resident), I am happy that I chose to go into medicine. It sounds cheesy, but I really feel that it is a privilege to become involved in people's lives in the way we do. I'm constantly challenged by the clinical and research opportunities in ophtho and have found many inspirational mentors in this field. That said, medicine isn't for everyone, and it's important to understand your own motivations. I think people get upset when they realize they're not happy with their lives/careers after having invested huge amounts of time, effort, and money into the training process. It's a major commitment, but I can't imagine a more personally rewarding career. Best of luck with your decision.

I dont think I could have said it better myself...

hopefully I too will soon know the pain of post-ophtho call 🙂

 

[rubensan]

Hi everyone!

I'm approaching my med school applications and I really want to be an ophthalmologist (I've done my background research, shadowing, MCAT, I'm very serious about medicine). The only glitch in my progress is that a lot of physicians (all fields, though less so in ophtho) have told me that if they could do it again they wouldn't, and that I'd regret it as a life choice. That is depressing my spirits, and though I'm trying to stay positive, it is nagging at the back of my mind. I know med school and residency are really tough, I except and accept that at times it will be overwhelming, but I used to think that becoming a physician would be like a light at the end of the tunnel (still challenging work, but fulfilling instead of back-breaking). But is being an attending/ophthomologist still just more taxing than it is satisfying? So I guess my question to you all is - why are medicine and ophthalomogy worth it for you? I need some inspiration or some bitter truth. Thanks!

"If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life." This is what one very inspiring ophthalmology attending recently told me as I decide what career path to take. Too often, we become consumed with lifestyle and money. I am glad that you are excited about medicine, in particular ophthalmology, but keep an open mind as you go through medical school and choose a specialty that you really love. I know ophthalmologists, radiologists and even a dermatologist who hate work but also a neurosurgeon and OB/GYN who would do it all over again the same way in a instant. Pick a mentor and surround yourself with peers who share your positive attitude. Good luck!

 

[Mirror Form]

Residents tend to be a fairly bitter lot. I'm not sure if I'd do medical school all over again if I could travel back in time. But most attending ophthalmologists seem to be pretty happy, so there is a light at the end of the tunnel for ophthalmologists at least.

 

[ophthoapplicant]

I applaud you for being so focused on the long-term prize/dream, which for you is becoming an ophthalmologist. At the same time, I'd also think about what it means to be going into medical school with an intent to be an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmology, as great as it is, is also one of the hardest residencies to match into. A lot of very qualified people who want to match don't. I think this might account for the popularity of this board- the very act of applying for ophthalmology residency carries with it at least some stress. I think at least part of that might be the fear of not matching. I think everyone here agrees- you just never know.

So as a pre-med focused on the future- to go through medical school and to accrue $150-200k in debt, I think it would be good to reconsider motivations for becoming a medical student and future physician. I think having a passion for ophthalmology is awesome, especially at your young age. At the same time, focusing on other aspects of why you chose medicine- patient care, intellectual challenge,etc- would also be helpful. This is not to be a downer, but to be realistic. Just getting into medical school is hard enough. Just getting through is hard enough. Doing both of those - a feat in itself- is no guarantee for matching ophtho, and in the end of the day, it might be useful to at least contemplate the possibility of having an MD degree but not being able to become an ophthalmologist- and which specialty you might find fulfilling then.

You'll be exposed to a lot of fields during your third and fourth year clerkships. I think at that point your personal experience with each will be helpful to guide you in the direction that will be most fulfilling for you. But that's a bridge you'll cross much later.

Best of luck!