Most Important Thread Ever

[FamilyMD]

Ok, bit of an exaggeration. Anyways, as I read the different threads I am SHOCKED how easily some of you are being dissuaded or having doubts about going into medicine. First, most (99%) of posters aren't even practicing dr's yet. If you are going to be discouraged by comments from over-worked residents or students, you really need to develop some self-confidence. Are there unhappy physicians? ABSOLUTELY! But guess what, there are unhappy dentists, pods, and male porn stars too(ok maybe not), but you get the gist. The grass always seem greener on the other side when you are stressed or overworked.
I AM a very happy and successful PRACTICING physician, a LOWLY FP at that!! (shocking!) That's right, you heard it straight from a real physician, not somebody's neighbor's uncle's twice removed cousin. I know it sucks to study all the time or have lack of sleep from rough rotations but IT'S WORTH IT! There is no other degree with such versatality. As an example, I also have an MBA and do some consulting work for an insurance company. In the past I've worked in ER's, inpatient, outpatient, work comp....
Aside from me actually being in practice, I am part of a large extended Asian family who like all Asians consider their children failures if "Dr." doesn't precede their names. Therefore, I have siblings and cousins who are dentists and pharmacists. It is truly laughable that the posters on the dental boards ARE SO SURE they will make $300k guaranteed. My cousin and sister-in-law are BOTH dentists. Cousin is an associate who makes $40/hr and with production last year made $140k, 3 years out. Now $140k is nothing to sneeze at, but it isn't the millions dental students seem so sure on. My S-I-L has her own solo practice and made $220k last year, much better, but also more headaches and stress than you would know. (I know I give her prozac CR samples, no lie).
This thread is not to bash other professions, they ALL have pro's and con's. This thread is to give a balanced view from a practicing physician. The majority of my colleagues seem very satisfied (though there are definitely a few vocal unhappy ones). It just seems to me, unhappy people are more vocal, and hence EVERYBODY KNOWS DR'S are unhappy. Next time you are worried about how much a Dr makes, go visit the physician's parking lot at your local hospital, you'll leave re-assured.
Here's a simple observation, in my medical school class, there was 1 dentist, 1 dental student, 2 pods student and 5 nurses. Now,when was the last time you heard of an MD going back to school to be a pharm or what ever. Now, get back to studying and KNOW you've made the right choice. If you're not sure, ask what your patients do for a living each day, and count your blessings.

Peace!

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[chocomorsel]

Ok, bit of an exaggeration. Anyways, as I read the different threads I am SHOCKED how easily some of you are being dissuaded or having doubts about going into medicine. First, most (99%) of posters aren't even practicing dr's yet. If you are going to be discouraged by comments from over-worked residents or students, you really need to develop some self-confidence. Are there unhappy physicians? ABSOLUTELY! But guess what, there are unhappy dentists, pods, and male porn stars too(ok maybe not), but you get the gist. The grass always seem greener on the other side when you are stressed or overworked.
I AM a very happy and successful PRACTICING physician, a LOWLY FP at that!! (shocking!) That's right, you heard it straight from a real physician, not somebody's neighbor's uncle's twice removed cousin. I know it sucks to study all the time or have lack of sleep from rough rotations but IT'S WORTH IT! There is no other degree with such versatality. As an example, I also have an MBA and do some consulting work for an insurance company. In the past I've worked in ER's, inpatient, outpatient, work comp....
Aside from me actually being in practice, I am part of a large extended Asian family who like all Asians consider their children failures if "Dr." doesn't precede their names. Therefore, I have siblings and cousins who are dentists and pharmacists. It is truly laughable that the posters on the dental boards ARE SO SURE they will make $300k guaranteed. My cousin and sister-in-law are BOTH dentists. Cousin is an associate who makes $40/hr and with production last year made $140k, 3 years out. Now $140k is nothing to sneeze at, but it isn't the millions dental students seem so sure on. My S-I-L has her own solo practice and made $220k last year, much better, but also more headaches and stress than you would know. (I know I give her prozac CR samples, no lie).
This thread is not to bash other professions, they ALL have pro's and con's. This thread is to give a balanced view from a practicing physician. The majority of my colleagues seem very satisfied (though there are definitely a few vocal unhappy ones). It just seems to me, unhappy people are more vocal, and hence EVERYBODY KNOWS DR'S are unhappy. Next time you are worried about how much a Dr makes, go visit the physician's parking lot at your local hospital, you'll leave re-assured.
Here's a simple observation, in my medical school class, there was 1 dentist, 1 dental student, 2 pods student and 5 nurses. Now,when was the last time you heard of an MD going back to school to be a pharm or what ever. Now, get back to studying and KNOW you've made the right choice. If you're not sure, ask what your patients do for a living each day, and count your blessings.

Peace!

Thanks dude. Some of us needed to read this. It is VERY DISCOURAGING being a med-students sometimes. I haven't had a date in almost a year, haven't gone out in 3 months, and before that, probably three months. I'm glad there's a good thing waiting at the end of it all.

 

[s.a.m.o.]

I love the title of this thread! Anyway, I totally agree with you. Even before med school, it seems like any negative comment on SDN about medicine will cause the whole pre-med community to fluctuate and people to re-think their entire undergrad education. I was guilty of this in my earlier years of undergrad; but after you finally come to the realization that this is for you, its hard to budge

 

[DrThom]

Ok, bit of an exaggeration. Anyways, as I read the different threads I am SHOCKED how easily some of you are being dissuaded or having doubts about going into medicine. First, most (99%) of posters aren't even practicing dr's yet. If you are going to be discouraged by comments from over-worked residents or students, you really need to develop some self-confidence. Are there unhappy physicians? ABSOLUTELY! But guess what, there are unhappy dentists, pods, and male porn stars too(ok maybe not), but you get the gist. The grass always seem greener on the other side when you are stressed or overworked.
I AM a very happy and successful PRACTICING physician, a LOWLY FP at that!! (shocking!) That's right, you heard it straight from a real physician, not somebody's neighbor's uncle's twice removed cousin. I know it sucks to study all the time or have lack of sleep from rough rotations but IT'S WORTH IT! There is no other degree with such versatality. As an example, I also have an MBA and do some consulting work for an insurance company. In the past I've worked in ER's, inpatient, outpatient, work comp....
Aside from me actually being in practice, I am part of a large extended Asian family who like all Asians consider their children failures if "Dr." doesn't precede their names. Therefore, I have siblings and cousins who are dentists and pharmacists. It is truly laughable that the posters on the dental boards ARE SO SURE they will make $300k guaranteed. My cousin and sister-in-law are BOTH dentists. Cousin is an associate who makes $40/hr and with production last year made $140k, 3 years out. Now $140k is nothing to sneeze at, but it isn't the millions dental students seem so sure on. My S-I-L has her own solo practice and made $220k last year, much better, but also more headaches and stress than you would know. (I know I give her prozac CR samples, no lie).
This thread is not to bash other professions, they ALL have pro's and con's. This thread is to give a balanced view from a practicing physician. The majority of my colleagues seem very satisfied (though there are definitely a few vocal unhappy ones). It just seems to me, unhappy people are more vocal, and hence EVERYBODY KNOWS DR'S are unhappy. Next time you are worried about how much a Dr makes, go visit the physician's parking lot at your local hospital, you'll leave re-assured.
Here's a simple observation, in my medical school class, there was 1 dentist, 1 dental student, 2 pods student and 5 nurses. Now,when was the last time you heard of an MD going back to school to be a pharm or what ever. Now, get back to studying and KNOW you've made the right choice. If you're not sure, ask what your patients do for a living each day, and count your blessings.

Peace!

AMEN BROTHER!!

 

[peppy]

Thanks for giving us some encouragement!
I agree we need to hear both sides of things for balance. I think it's important for us to be going into this with our eyes open, so I am glad that the unhappy people are honest about their feelings. It's good to be prepared for the worst...but, yeah, I'm really glad that I didn't let the unhappy people scare me into giving up on med school (I seriously considered giving up med school for dental school for a while there).

Before I started med school, I was very scared that I was making a huge mistake - afraid that it would be constant stress and misery. But now that I'm actually in the middle of it, hey, it turns out it's really not as bad as I was expecting. I feel like I'm right where I belong.
I hope I'm as happy with my choice once I get into practice as you seem to be.

 

[mjl1717]

Amen!!
Sometimes we need to see or read about some of the light! Thank you for commenting on the levity, the "real deal" and the autonmy that can be had as a full fledged M.D. Because sometimes it seems to be like a full fledged psychological boxing match going thru many ranks, levels, ebbs and tides. With heavy weight debt that almost last forever.

 

[mayoree]

Man, how discouraging for us entering dental students. I debated the med school dental school thing back and forth, only made my decision based on other's testimonies of pure unhappiness and dissatisfaction. You make me want to give up my seat, go back for my post-bacc and go be an ob/gyn like I always wanted to. And then again, maybe not

 

[Turkeyman]

I like you FamilyMD, I like you

 

[FamilyMD]

Man, how discouraging for us entering dental students. I debated the med school dental school thing back and forth, only made my decision based on other's testimonies of pure unhappiness and dissatisfaction. You make me want to give up my seat, go back for my post-bacc and go be an ob/gyn like I always wanted to. And then again, maybe not

Wow, trading specializing in one orifice for another My only advice is to keep your expectations real. My sense is medical students have a way more realistic expectation of their futures while dental students really have a "pie in the sky" outlook. While I'm sure many dentists make bank and most will certainly live comfortably (like the two in my family), million dollar practices are still exceedingly rare. Keep it real and you won't be disappointed. Good luck!

 

[RxnMan]

Wow, trading specializing in one orifice for another My only advice is to keep your expectations real. My sense is medical students have a way more realistic expectation of their futures while dental students really have a "pie in the sky" outlook. While I'm sure many dentists make bank and most will certainly live comfortably (like the two in my family), million dollar practices are still exceedingly rare. Keep it real and you won't be disappointed. Good luck!

Take a look over at the Pre-Allo forum. Those kids are talking about being a physician even if it paid only 50k/yr.

This is a good thread. Definetly keep it real.

 

[scotttennis]

Great post, FamilyMD.

I was road biking with a urologist yesterday, and he said that my choice to go into medicine was a good one...he enjoys going to work each day and never regretted his choice of career.

 

[humuhumu]

Without exception, everyone I've talked to - including fellow faculty, my students, physicians, friends, family members - has been positive about my decision to pursue medicine. No doctor - and I know a lot of doctors in a variety of specialties and in primary care - has ever told me it was a bad idea or that they regretted going into medicine. They do talk about challenges in their field and the long road ahead (for me), but they never say "don't do it." It's seems a little odd, really, because I know there are plenty of disgruntled physicians out there. I'm sure I'll meet some of them someday, but I haven't yet.

 

[71263]

This really is the most Important Thread Ever. I think we all needed to read that.

 

[Wackie]

I honestly don't care what I get paid as long as I have that job.


Off topic, but why are FP's considered so lowly?

 

[FamilyMD]

I honestly don't care what I get paid as long as I have that job.


Off topic, but why are FP's considered so lowly?

I guess at an avg salary of ONLY $160k (per MGMA, considered the most accurate physician salary tracker), we make the least of all docs. I make more by the way. The other thing is many physicians feel that we are "jacks of all trade, master of none", and therefore we are somehow less of a physician. In the real world though, the specialists NEEDS our referalls so get ready for major butt-kissing from all the specialists (lunches, dinners, presents during holidays, etc)

 

[dragonmate]

The reality is that every profession has its pros and cons. Medicine has its cons as well and people tend to focus on these negatives. I don't consider myself a naive woman and am aware of the challenges I will be facing as a physician, but I think I speak for many of my friends who are pursuing medicine, that even knowing the challenges of medicine, we are still somehow drawn to the field. This is in fact how I know that medicine is for me...the rewards, for me, are higher than the drawbacks.

Those that have already put a bad face to medicine and are not even practicing yet have some serious thinking to do. Either change your attitude by rediscovering what brought you to medicine in the first place or learn to live with a career that you dislike. I'd rather choose the former.

Thanks, OP, for the encouraging words. We have a long road ahead of us and it's nice to know that something great is waiting for us at the end of the tunnel.

P.S. The only physician I have ever visited is my primary care physician (aside from EM of course). This makes my "lowly" FP the most important physician in my life...food for thought.

 

[roja]

I guess at an avg salary of ONLY $160k (per MGMA, considered the most accurate physician salary tracker), we make the least of all docs. I make more by the way. The other thing is many physicians feel that we are "jacks of all trade, master of none", and therefore we are somehow less of a physician. In the real world though, the specialists NEEDS our referalls so get ready for major butt-kissing from all the specialists (lunches, dinners, presents during holidays, etc)

I love this "jack of all trades" comment, which I consider to be so amazingly ridiculous. I have run across this a few times as an EM doc. And I just snicker.

My father is an orthopod and he LIVED off referrals... and I thank goodness there are specialists because there are a million things I would absolutely HATE doing. And I am sure vice versa.

I love what I do. I would change anything. I like to go to work...

 

[e_phn]

i like the title of this thread.

 

[erasable]

i definitely like this thread. I'm not sure about dental students, but I certainly get the "pie in the sky" feeling my my nursing classmates, running along the lines of how nurse practitioners, nurse anethesiologists, et al. were going to make doctors obselete and that they were going to earn nearly as much as doctors with less edu years and less edu debt, and actually be *caring* unlike doctors... I know it sounds ridiculous but listening to it day in day out can make it seem very real.

^^; it is nice to read that there is contentment at the end of the extra years of education a med career req.

 

[TheMightyAngus]

My roommate in college went to pharm school with dollar signs in his eyes and big plans to go into compounding because it was a faster and more lucrative route than becoming a doctor. Since earning his PharmD, he's bounced from Walgreen's to RiteAid to SavOn's. Funny how everyone hears about those big money jobs, but very few seem to actually get them.

 

[Daddydoc]

The two family practice docs I worked for while I was applying were both very happy with their careers (busy and overworked, yes, but happy). They were both very encouraging and supportive and are the major reasons why I finally made the decision to apply to school. I think it's up to you and how you deal with your job and stress to determine how happy you will be.

 

[FamilyMD]

My roommate in college went to pharm school with dollar signs in his eyes and big plans to go into compounding because it was a faster and more lucrative route than becoming a doctor. Since earning his PharmD, he's bounced from Walgreen's to RiteAid to SavOn's. Funny how everyone hears about those big money jobs, but very few seem to actually get them.

Yes, I didn't even get into my cousin Vinh. Works for CVS with its "created by Hell demons" (his words) DRIVE-THRU. Nothing like all those years of schooling to work behind a window like McDonald's drive-thru w/ patients commanding you to go get them their Charmin and Maxipads. He is seriously thinking of leaving Pharm altogether but has too much student debt. I KNOW he will leave Pharm when his loans are paid off.

 

[YouDontKnowJack]

Take a look over at the Pre-Allo forum. Those kids are talking about being a physician even if it paid only 50k/yr.

undergrads....
even i knew not to touch medicine at 50k.
they're smoking some good stuff man.

 

[YouDontKnowJack]

In the real world though, the specialists NEEDS our referalls so get ready for major butt-kissing from all the specialists (lunches, dinners, presents during holidays, etc)

I'd rather get money than cheap lunches and dinners, and radio shack electronics.

 

[rainking]

Ok, bit of an exaggeration. Anyways, as I read the different threads I am SHOCKED how easily some of you are being dissuaded or having doubts about going into medicine. First, most (99%) of posters aren't even practicing dr's yet. If you are going to be discouraged by comments from over-worked residents or students, you really need to develop some self-confidence. Are there unhappy physicians? ABSOLUTELY! But guess what, there are unhappy dentists, pods, and male porn stars too(ok maybe not), but you get the gist. The grass always seem greener on the other side when you are stressed or overworked.
I AM a very happy and successful PRACTICING physician, a LOWLY FP at that!! (shocking!) That's right, you heard it straight from a real physician, not somebody's neighbor's uncle's twice removed cousin. I know it sucks to study all the time or have lack of sleep from rough rotations but IT'S WORTH IT! There is no other degree with such versatality. As an example, I also have an MBA and do some consulting work for an insurance company. In the past I've worked in ER's, inpatient, outpatient, work comp....
Aside from me actually being in practice, I am part of a large extended Asian family who like all Asians consider their children failures if "Dr." doesn't precede their names. Therefore, I have siblings and cousins who are dentists and pharmacists. It is truly laughable that the posters on the dental boards ARE SO SURE they will make $300k guaranteed. My cousin and sister-in-law are BOTH dentists. Cousin is an associate who makes $40/hr and with production last year made $140k, 3 years out. Now $140k is nothing to sneeze at, but it isn't the millions dental students seem so sure on. My S-I-L has her own solo practice and made $220k last year, much better, but also more headaches and stress than you would know. (I know I give her prozac CR samples, no lie).
This thread is not to bash other professions, they ALL have pro's and con's. This thread is to give a balanced view from a practicing physician. The majority of my colleagues seem very satisfied (though there are definitely a few vocal unhappy ones). It just seems to me, unhappy people are more vocal, and hence EVERYBODY KNOWS DR'S are unhappy. Next time you are worried about how much a Dr makes, go visit the physician's parking lot at your local hospital, you'll leave re-assured.
Here's a simple observation, in my medical school class, there was 1 dentist, 1 dental student, 2 pods student and 5 nurses. Now,when was the last time you heard of an MD going back to school to be a pharm or what ever. Now, get back to studying and KNOW you've made the right choice. If you're not sure, ask what your patients do for a living each day, and count your blessings.

Peace!

I am a practicing physician.. and I think i was sold a bill of goods.. the time and effort required to becoming a physician and the humiliation and the s h i t I accepted from people were far too great for the rewards that i receive now. I make a lot of money.. but all that doesnt matter if you dont like what you are doing.. terrible profession.. it may have been nice 30 years ago.It was pilfered byt the older physicians.. and the younger physicians are gonna bear the brunt end of reform..
physicians are not able to be independent any longer. They work for hospitals hmos etc. and nowadays insurance companies would prefer mid level providers because of the cost effectiveness. Thats a slap in the face for all physicians..


and physicians dont leave to study something else because they are too ****ing old and burnt out to studfy anything else. The key is .. when are you going to retire..

 

[rainking]

Thanks for giving us some encouragement!
I agree we need to hear both sides of things for balance. I think it's important for us to be going into this with our eyes open, so I am glad that the unhappy people are honest about their feelings. It's good to be prepared for the worst...but, yeah, I'm really glad that I didn't let the unhappy people scare me into giving up on med school (I seriously considered giving up med school for dental school for a while there).

Before I started med school, I was very scared that I was making a huge mistake - afraid that it would be constant stress and misery. But now that I'm actually in the middle of it, hey, it turns out it's really not as bad as I was expecting. I feel like I'm right where I belong.
I hope I'm as happy with my choice once I get into practice as you seem to be.

come back on the board in 2010.. or 2015 when you are offered 85 k for 65 hours of work as a fp doc or pediatrician.. LOL

 

[rainking]

You make me want to give up my seat, go back for my post-bacc and go be an ob/gyn like I always wanted to. And then again, maybe not

that would be a suicide mission... OBGYN is one of the least satisying professions.. interms of time

 

[WildcatDMD]

that would be a suicide mission... OBGYN is one of the least satisying professions.. interms of time

Mayoree was being completely facetious, by the way. Anyways, of course medicine is an awesome profession if you love what you are doing. There are unhappy people in any profession. As stated before, they are also often the most vocal. I've never met a physician that didn't love his/her profession/life. Most wouldn't be happy doing anything else.

 

[FamilyMD]

come back on the board in 2010.. or 2015 when you are offered 85 k for 65 hours of work as a fp doc or pediatrician.. LOL

Boy Rainking, you sound very dissatisfied with medicine. While I totally respect your views, I am more concerned about your (mental) health. Life is TOO SHORT!! Doing something you are not happy with will eat at you. Get out and do what you really enjoy! To be smart enough to get into and complete med school, you should be able to exceed in your true passion, whatever that may be. Good luck and leave before you get a coronary.

 

[mjl1717]

come back on the board in 2010.. or 2015 when you are offered 85 k for 65 hours of work as a fp doc or pediatrician.. LOL

Actually I did hear of some who had finished 3 years of fp residency in New York and were offered 80k to start.

 

[mojojojo]

Hey Family MD. Thanks for your post. I worked in a clinic while applying to medical school, and one day we had a visiting doctor. Once of the doctors I worked with mentioned to him that I had been accepted, and he spent a good half hour explaining to me the many reasons I should not go into medicine and why it was the worst profession on the planet. When I pointed out that he was still a doctor, he told me of the many people he knew who had quit after medical school or during residency. Needless to say, I was a bit shaken, and a couple of the other doctors had to reassure me a bit later.

But I think if this doctor was a plumber he would have said the same thing about that profession. However, sometimes pre-meds encounter only people like this, often on these boards. I think the reason that pre-med students seem to get spooked is because while they could try being a plumber for a while and then quit if they don't like it, medicine is too big of a time and money investment for that. So it's a tough decision.

Anyway, thanks for your post. It was really reassuring. I just finished my first year of med school and I'm one year closer to a job that I am sure I will love, regardless of some of the hardships that accompany it.

 

[njbmd]

Hi there,
I am one of those overworked residents (PGY-4 General Surgery). I totally LOVE everything I am doing. As my skills and responsibility have grown, I have enjoyed myself more and more. There is no greater rush than getting through a difficult surgical case and getting the job done. (I am sure the medicine-types have fun stuff too but the constant challange of being "in the zone" for cases is a constant adrenalin rush for me.)

Medicine has afforded me an opportunity to do the most awesome things. I am looking forward to being done and making a bit more money but I would not trade my job for anything. Sure I work some marathon hours sometimes but once I am operating, I scarcely notice the passage of time. It just that interesting.

Do medicine because you can't imagine doing anything else but make sure that you have a very realistic idea of what's out there. The conditions that exist as I will enter practice next year are going to be far different from those that will exist if you are in the early stages of medical school and have not yet entered residency. Still, if you enjoy your work, you will be good at it and derive far greater satisfaction. Do what you enjoy!

njbmd

 

[Sammich81]

FamilyMD...I just want to say that I love the comment about how Asian parents think they failed if their kid doesn't have the magic two letters before and after their name. I'm Vietnamese too and I've never seen my dad so pleased with me (MS4 in 2 weeks!)

 

[nycballet]

The debate between medicine versus other health-related fields is meaningless to me. Being a physician is so vastly different from being any other type of health professional (pharmacy, dentistry, etc.) that it's hard for me to imagine someone ambivalently pursuing either. I think medicine attracts certain personalities, just as pharmacy and dentistry would attract certain personalities. My mom is a pharmacist, she loves her job and is very good at what she does. She pushed me to go into pharmacy but in the end, I knew it wasn't my calling. Nothing excites me more than being in a hospital's O.R. and having the responsibility and ability to treat people who are in need and require your help and expertise. It's profoundly moving when a patient's family cries, clinging onto your arm, grateful for having saved their son. Being a doctor is not easy, there are many who become jaded, some cases will not go as planned, but the emotional vitality of medicine is what inspired me to pursue it. There is nothing like being a doctor.

 

[bigfrank]

come back on the board in 2010.. or 2015 when you are offered 85 k for 65 hours of work as a fp doc or pediatrician.. LOL

An idiotic post, esp. since this is coming from a Counting Crows fan.

 

[happydays]

FamilyMD...I just want to say that I love the comment about how Asian parents think they failed if their kid doesn't have the magic two letters before and after their name. I'm Vietnamese too and I've never seen my dad so pleased with me (MS4 in 2 weeks!)

Your point being???

 

[happydays]

undergrads....
even i knew not to touch medicine at 50k.
they're smoking some good stuff man.

Dude, all kinds of people exist in the world, so believe it.

See, people get what they deserve. If doctors didn't make a lot of money, then they'll probably get compensated in other ways. This is why it's still hard to become a doctor at places where doctors aren't making as much as they do in the United State (with exceptions, of course).

 

[Sammich81]

Your point being???

That the closer I get to the MD the prouder my Asian father is. Sheesh. It wasn't a subtle point.

 

[happydays]

That the closer I get to the MD the prouder my Asian father is. Sheesh. It wasn't a subtle point.

a father of ANY culture would get prouder.

 

[Sammich81]

a father of ANY culture would get prouder.

Probably.

I was simply making the point that FamilyMD's reference resonated with me personally. It's a funny quirk of our culture. My graduation party is going to be bigger than my wedding. Let it be. I don't know why this seems to have offended you so deeply.

 

[BerkeleyMD]

I don't know why this seems to have offended you so deeply.

Forums...

(I do get your point, tho!)