( not sure if I post this here?) I'm a premed on the interview trail. What does time off as an attending look like?

[mwsapphire]

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Hi everyone,
I'm a pre-med on the interview trail. I'm looking to practice an Outpatient based specialty, like primary care or an IM based specialty like allergy and immunology.
What could time off as a doctor look like? I want to be able to take a couple of weeks in blocks so that I can visit my relatives overseas. As well as take time off during Ramadan, or even just take a lighter load of patients for that time.

Is it doable? I think I would go into private practice, but I would like all perspectives, please. I just feel like med students know about this more than a pre-med, and I'm too shy to post in an actual physician forum. I guess I just really wanna know what I'm getting into.

Thanks
mmwsapphire

 

[Chelsea FC]

Wrong place to post. You are wayyy too far out to be worrying about this.

 

[mwsapphire]

Wrong place to post. You are wayyy too far out to be worrying about this.

Im not worrying? Extremely curious. Fine, mods delete if you want.
I tend to speculate about the future- way more than ppl as young as me. But it's like- I really want to be certain of what I'm getting myself into, ya know?

 

[IlDestriero]

If you work for yourself and own your own practice you can do whatever you want. If you have partners they may not be onboard with you working less, taking 2 week blocks of vacation a few times a year, etc. If you’re not working, they are. Maybe at an eat what you kill practice, if your partners want to suck up your slack for cash, they won’t care. It would depend on the practice. We probably just wouldn’t hire you. If you want to buy extra weeks off, work less than full time, great, for a senior partner or someone with compelling reasons. (Illness, family situation, etc). A new hire would not get an offer asking for that.

 

[Tenk]

Depends on how you want to live your life. Want a mansion and a Ferrari? Work 72 hours a week! Want to live in an apartment and ride a bike to work? Work 8 hours a week!

 

[mwsapphire]

If you work for yourself and own your own practice you can do whatever you want. If you have partners they may not be onboard with you working less, taking 2 week blocks of vacation a few times a year, etc. If you’re not working, they are. Maybe at an eat what you kill practice, if your partners want to suck up your slack for cash, they won’t care. It would depend on the practice. We probably just wouldn’t hire you. If you want to buy extra weeks off, work less than full time, great, for a senior partner or someone with compelling reasons. (Illness, family situation, etc). A new hire would not get an offer asking for that.

Ah, okay. Thank you for entertaining an answer. And I really meant to the tune of 3-4 ish weeks off in a year. Maybe some reduced/shifted hours during Ramadan. Nothing like taking 6+ weeks off, especially not when I start.
I guess I was looking at what med school and training looks like so I can answer interview Q's better, and saw that residents can score 4 weeks of vacation in a yr. It got me thinking- can attendings do that?
I think employed docs just get a lump time per year off, like a company employee does, correct?
Also, as a Muslim I have no issue with working Christmas and such. So I feel like taking a few days off in Ramzan and a day off for Eid shouldn't be as big of an issue?

 

[GoSpursGo]

Moving to pre-med.

 

[yogglo]

Depends on how you want to live your life. Want a mansion and a Ferrari? Work 72 hours a week! Want to live in an apartment and ride a bike to work? Work 8 hours a week!

my ferrari will be my mansion

 

[Detective SnowBucket]

Wrong place to post. You are wayyy too far out to be worrying about this.

This is definitely a view that needs to end. You don't like her getting informed about the field that she's going into? Sure, why even bother shadowing then? Research your specialty before match, forget it, just google it, no need to do sub-I's or any of that nonsense.

 

[Bonne Nuit]

Hi everyone,
I'm a pre-med on the interview trail. I'm looking to practice an Outpatient based specialty, like primary care or an IM based specialty like allergy and immunology.
What could time off as a doctor look like? I want to be able to take a couple of weeks in blocks so that I can visit my relatives overseas. As well as take time off during Ramadan, or even just take a lighter load of patients for that time.

Is it doable? I think I would go into private practice, but I would like all perspectives, please. I just feel like med students know about this more than a pre-med, and I'm too shy to post in an actual physician forum. I guess I just really wanna know what I'm getting into.

Thanks
mmwsapphire

My private practice OBGYN takes 1 day off each week of Ramadan, and I believe she also just randomly schedules vacations every few months. She was just telling me that she got great deal on a 4-night rental in Whistler over NYE and she’s so excited to shop and ski (then I blacked out from jealousy).

 

[Tenk]

my ferrari will be my mansion

Ferraris are not known for their square footage tho. More like a penthouse.

 

[Goro]

This is definitely a view that needs to end. You don't like her getting informed about the field that she's going into? Sure, why even bother shadowing then? Research your specialty before match, forget it, just google it, no need to do sub-I's or any of that nonsense.

The OP has yet to get an II, much less be admitted.

Pre-med are also unaware that med students change their minds a LOT about thier future specialties (and Boards will sometime do it for them).

Hence, the OP's question is more in line of a"waste SDN's time" question...in same vein of asking about pension plans and mortgages

 

[Cakepop514]

The OP has yet to get an II, much less be admitted.

Pre-med are also unaware that med students change their minds a LOT about thier future specialties (and Boards will sometime do it for them).

Hence, the OP's question is more in line of a"waste SDN's time" question...in same vein of asking about pension plans and mortgages

Just wanted to point out - OP has two invites. Rooting for you mmwsapphire

 

[Goro]

Just wanted to point out - OP has two invites. Rooting for you mmwsapphire

Didn't see that. My comments still stand though.

 

[throwawayofcourse]

Didn't see that. My comments still stand though.

adcoms:

Here's the deal: You need to show AdComs that you know what you're getting into

also adcoms:

the OP's question is more in line of a"waste SDN's time" question

lololololol

 

[mwsapphire]

Okay, okay. point taken. I need to Stop looking into the future. I tend to look into the future, its just who I am. Point taken. Jesos.
Thank you to everyone who answered my question.
And goro, point taken, I made this last night, nuerotic posting stops now.Didn't realize SDN was a serious place TM with no room for speculative/anxious threads. I mentioned, sometimes I just get an anxious/ curious string of thoughts in my head and I just need to ride it out.
And thanku @Cakepop514 . 😀

 

[Holmeslizzle]

OP, I am glad you asked this question - what's wrong with being curious about what it's like to be an attending?

Just because there was a slight anxious vibe to the original post does not mean that this is an unnecessary question. It's something I'm sure a lot of people in our step of the journey have wondered, and now there is opportunity to read about it. IIDestrerio's answer was v informative.

 

[BCB153]

This is a valid question. Nothing wrong with examining the work-life balance in your potential future career. It would be irresponsible to enter this career without considering the reality of life after the decision is made


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[Shunsui]

Pretty sure just about any speciality can have the “time off” but something needs to compensate for that such as salary. Granted there are more ideal specialities that allow you to take more time off/give you the freedom to do so, but again, some other factor will compensate as a result


Sent from my iPhone using SDN

 

[kingdomheart]

Pretty sure just about any speciality can have the “time off” but something needs to compensate for that such as salary. Granted there are more ideal specialities that allow you to take more time off/give you the freedom to do so, but again, some other factor will compensate as a result


Sent from my iPhone using SDN

On an unrelated note, Light > L. Goodbye Sir/Ma'am

 

[curbsideconsult]

SDN - the land of damned if you do, damned if you don't. If OP were a junior level resident complaining about not realizing what attending life would be like, OP would be skewered for not doing their research and not knowing what the realities of medicine entail. There are plenty of people who go into "noble" professions because of the lifestyle, which includes vacation time.

 

[deleted859689]

OP can ask whatever questions she wants on this online forum. However, I feel like the best answer she will get is in person after she gets into medical school and starts her rotations or shadows in her pre-clinical years.

If I was OP, I would be focused on getting into medical school first. Time off as an attending is not something that I would worry about until I get that acceptance since none of this matters until then. After acceptance, she has all her classmates and faculty to ask - what is the point of asking now? To me, it’s also not a question that should make or break a decision to go to medical school. To each their own - it is not a bad idea to start thinking of specialties though.

I heard that EM is pretty flexible and is so many people just go to ER, you might consider it a type of primary care. I think it depends on your group, your practice, how many of you there are, and how much you want to earn. I know an anesthesiologist who operated his own group - he made the work and call schedules for everyone, but time off was dependent on wayyy advance notice and having enough people to cover.

 

[Shunsui]

On an unrelated note, Light > L. Goodbye Sir/Ma'am

Ryuk >>>> Light = L

 

[LizzyM]

Have you heard of locum tenens? This is a doctor who works in place of a physician who is absent or when a facility is short-staffed.

What is locum tenens? Definition and key insights

The definition of locum tenens and a beginner's guide to the locum tenens industry and how it works for physicians.

weatherbyhealthcare.com

You could work a series of these jobs and take off (but not be paid) when you want to go abroad to see family. You could negotiate a lighter schedule (half days, or an extra day off per week) during Ramadan.

Almost everything is a balance between how much you want to work and how little you are willing to be paid for that work.

 

[Sephirakra]

adcoms: etc etc etc

lololololol

Premeds: "I'll still be the same person wanting the same things in 7-10 years as I do now! (Never mind the fact that 10 years ago I was in elementary school.)"

Adcoms want you to understand what you're getting into, i.e. that this experience will change you. It's not meant to be interpreted as condescension, but a passing of knowledge and wisdom from those who have it to those who don't. If only there were a word to describe this process...

 

[Engrailed]

Have you heard of locum tenens? This is a doctor who works in place of a physician who is absent or when a facility is short-staffed.

What is locum tenens? Definition and key insights

The definition of locum tenens and a beginner's guide to the locum tenens industry and how it works for physicians.

weatherbyhealthcare.com

You could work a series of these jobs and take off (but not be paid) when you want to go abroad to see family. You could negotiate a lighter schedule (half days, or an extra day off per week) during Ramadan.

Almost everything is a balance between how much you want to work and how little you are willing to be paid for that work.

I somehow get spammed w lots of these locum advertisements in my work email and from what I can tell, being sent out to understaffed areas/cities is a $$$$$$ job lol

Not to mention.. the side consulting that random firms offer? Like some of them are willing to pay $500+ for just a half hr of a specialist’s “trusted opinion” etc

 

[mwsapphire]

Premeds: "I'll still be the same person wanting the same things in 7-10 years as I do now! (Never mind the fact that 10 years ago I was in elementary school.)"

Adcoms want you to understand what you're getting into, i.e. that this experience will change you. It's not meant to be interpreted as condescension, but a passing of knowledge and wisdom from those who have it to those who don't. If only there were a word to describe this process...

Well its easy to be intimidated thinking about whether or not you can change that much. Also work life balance is universally important? Young or old person?
Also, asked the doc I scribe for about work life balance. Very patiently answered my question and understood why I would ask. Other docs at the practice jumped in as well.

 

[harmony14]

Have you heard of locum tenens? This is a doctor who works in place of a physician who is absent or when a facility is short-staffed.

What is locum tenens? Definition and key insights

The definition of locum tenens and a beginner's guide to the locum tenens industry and how it works for physicians.

weatherbyhealthcare.com

You could work a series of these jobs and take off (but not be paid) when you want to go abroad to see family. You could negotiate a lighter schedule (half days, or an extra day off per week) during Ramadan.

Almost everything is a balance between how much you want to work and how little you are willing to be paid for that work.

Excuse me but is there a link to where you expanded on your signature about clinical experience and smelling the patient? I have a predicament and i think your post (if there is) could help.

 

[IlDestriero]

OP, I am glad you asked this question - what's wrong with being curious about what it's like to be an attending?

Just because there was a slight anxious vibe to the original post does not mean that this is an unnecessary question. It's something I'm sure a lot of people in our step of the journey have wondered, and now there is opportunity to read about it. IIDestrerio's answer was v informative.

Just to be clear, there are a lot of practices that offer more or less flexibility, high amounts of vacation, etc. at the cost of decreased income. The OP would just have to find one and be flexible enough to move where he got one of those offers.
In my academic program, surgeons can take as much vacation as they want. There’s actually no limit. However there are expectations in how much income they generate and they have to cover call, clinic, etc. There’s also a significant productivity bonus in play. Most of the surgeons here, outside of academic pursuits and lectures/meetings, take very little additional vacation time. Our anesthesia practice is very different. Most anesthesia practices seem to take 6-10 weeks of vacation, and they use it all. We also have a productivity bonus and minimum expectations, but the culture is very different and we all use all of our allotted vacation. It’s rare for anyone to lose even a single day. There is also a system in place to buy or sell additional weeks of vacation time but a minority of the faculty participate in that exchange.
The saying in anesthesia is there’s a practice out there for everyone, no matter what they want. 1 month on/1 off, all night call, 2 24 hr shifts a week, weekends only, 7-3 only, whatever. You just have to find one, and move to wherever that may be.

 

[mwsapphire]

Just to be clear, there are a lot of practices that offer more or less flexibility, high amounts of vacation, etc. at the cost of decreased income. The OP would just have to find one and be flexible enough to move where he got one of those offers.
In my academic program, surgeons can take as much vacation as they want. There’s actually no limit. However there are expectations in how much income they generate and they have to cover call, clinic, etc. There’s also a significant productivity bonus in play. Most of the surgeons here, outside of academic pursuits and lectures/meetings, take very little additional vacation time. Our anesthesia practice is very different. Most anesthesia practices seem to take 6-10 weeks of vacation, and they use it all. We also have a productivity bonus and minimum expectations, but the culture is very different and we all use all of our allotted vacation. It’s rare for anyone to lose even a single day. There is also a system in place to buy or sell additional weeks of vacation time but a minority of the faculty participate in that exchange.
The saying in anesthesia is there’s a practice out there for everyone, no matter what they want. 1 month on/1 off, all night call, 2 24 hr shifts a week, weekends only, 7-3 only, whatever. You just have to find one, and move to wherever that may be.

Im a she btw. Thank you for your answer- it seems some people chided me for being nuerotic but most people gave very informative answers 🙂 Im at peace now and not wondering if I signed up for the right thing...

 

[Goro]

Premeds: "I'll still be the same person wanting the same things in 7-10 years as I do now! (Never mind the fact that 10 years ago I was in elementary school.)"

Adcoms want you to understand what you're getting into, i.e. that this experience will change you. It's not meant to be interpreted as condescension, but a passing of knowledge and wisdom from those who have it to those who don't. If only there were a word to describe this process...

In addition, we faculty see over time how student's interests (and realities like Board scores) change things over time. Core rotations also have a way of bringing reality to starry eyed visions, like Surgery or Peds is now NOT for them, or that Psych IS.

 

[Andrew Baines Bernard]

Ferraris are not known for their square footage tho. More like a penthouse.

More like a fancy loft. With Italian leather.

 

[Engrailed]

More like a fancy loft. With Italian leather.

in SoHo or TriBeCa, NYC

 

[2010houston]

OP- good luck to you and I think it’s totally reasonable to be asking these questions. I think 3-4wks off a year is minimum for most specialties as an attending, and taking those in 1wk plus one 2wk block off is not uncommon at all. I come from a speciality where 6 wks off a year is more the minimum, so I could be wrong for outpatient IM type specialities- but even residents get minimum 2 wks and usually 3 wks that are often taken in weeklong blocks. I think you will be fine and your expectations/goals are not at all unreasonable. Again, wish you well.

 

[deleted1011020]

Hi everyone,
I'm a pre-med on the interview trail. I'm looking to practice an Outpatient based specialty, like primary care or an IM based specialty like allergy and immunology.
What could time off as a doctor look like? I want to be able to take a couple of weeks in blocks so that I can visit my relatives overseas. As well as take time off during Ramadan, or even just take a lighter load of patients for that time.

Is it doable? I think I would go into private practice, but I would like all perspectives, please. I just feel like med students know about this more than a pre-med, and I'm too shy to post in an actual physician forum. I guess I just really wanna know what I'm getting into.

Thanks
mmwsapphire

If you work with physicians until you start school you'd get a really good idea of what the lifestyle and pay is like. Just make sure to gauge if their burnt out/overly pessimistic etc.

 

[mwsapphire]

If you work with physicians until you start school you'd get a really good idea of what the lifestyle and pay is like. Just make sure to gauge if their burnt out/overly pessimistic etc.

I actually have/am and they seem happy. But, for example, the guy I work with is a workholic. He actually says ( he's a gen surgeon employed by the hospital)gets 8 weeks of vacation per year! But uses like..2. So thats a choice, not a mandate.
The doc I shadowed ran her own DPC practice and she was actually about to take a 2-3 week vacation to visit relatives overseas....so, it looks possible...

 

[deleted1011020]

I actually have/am and they seem happy. But, for example, the guy I work with is a workholic. He actually says ( he's a gen surgeon employed by the hospital)gets 8 weeks of vacation per year! But uses like..2. So thats a choice, not a mandate.
The doc I shadowed ran her own DPC practice and she was actually about to take a 2-3 week vacation to visit relatives overseas....so, it looks possible...

Thats a result of his decisions/lifestyle. I know quite a few physicians that live upper middle class lives working ~30 hours per week. Granted they can't do lavish things but they are more than happy with their choice.

 

[FISTMCLARGEHUGE]

OP can ask whatever questions she wants on this online forum. However, I feel like the best answer she will get is in person after she gets into medical school and starts her rotations or shadows in her pre-clinical years.

If I was OP, I would be focused on getting into medical school first. Time off as an attending is not something that I would worry about until I get that acceptance since none of this matters until then. After acceptance, she has all her classmates and faculty to ask - what is the point of asking now? To me, it’s also not a question that should make or break a decision to go to medical school. To each their own - it is not a bad idea to start thinking of specialties though.

I heard that EM is pretty flexible and is so many people just go to ER, you might consider it a type of primary care. I think it depends on your group, your practice, how many of you there are, and how much you want to earn. I know an anesthesiologist who operated his own group - he made the work and call schedules for everyone, but time off was dependent on wayyy advance notice and having enough people to cover.

Why is that people suggest "focusing" on a single step at a time, as if diverting any other thought will comprise someone's ability to get into medical school. The orginal question is 100% justified when looking at a career as committal as medicine. Ignore people who write off valid questions just because you are early in the process, people are weirdly hierarchical.

 

[Sleepingdoc]

Hi everyone,
I'm a pre-med on the interview trail. I'm looking to practice an Outpatient based specialty, like primary care or an IM based specialty like allergy and immunology.
What could time off as a doctor look like? I want to be able to take a couple of weeks in blocks so that I can visit my relatives overseas. As well as take time off during Ramadan, or even just take a lighter load of patients for that time.

Is it doable? I think I would go into private practice, but I would like all perspectives, please. I just feel like med students know about this more than a pre-med, and I'm too shy to post in an actual physician forum. I guess I just really wanna know what I'm getting into.

Thanks
mmwsapphire

too soon dont you think.... You are a pre med... Its like asking what does a retired life looks like while you are just out of high school..

 

[FISTMCLARGEHUGE]

too soon dont you think.... You are a pre med... Its like asking what does a retired life looks like while you are just out of high school..

I remember reading the most common regret of those retiring was not starting prep sooner.

I honestly think the majority of backlash the OP is getting stems from writing off premeds as it seems incredibly illogical to suggest someone should not consider every aspect of a career as long as medicine.

 

[mwsapphire]

PREMED : Psychotic Reactionary Event Manifestation Exclusionary Disorder

A disorder that is a psychotic reaction to the events around applying to medical schools that manifests itself in the exclusion of rational thought. Seemingly highly intelligent, high achieving students are most susceptible to this disorder. Loss of major rational thought and reactions to unsubstantiated beliefs, rumors, innuendos, and other irrational and illogical cognitive processes. A form of collective behavior.

Dude. Im looking at if the career I'm looking at is right for me. I applied, I have to answer questions at interviews, it really isnt that strange to look at the life Im choosing. Young people are capable of looking at the future- its actually a pretty major sign of immaturity not to.

 

[mwsapphire]

Why is that people suggest "focusing" on a single step at a time, as if diverting any other thought will comprise someone's ability to get into medical school. The orginal question is 100% justified when looking at a career as committal as medicine. Ignore people who write off valid questions just because you are early in the process, people are weirdly hierarchical.

I remember reading the most common regret of those retiring was not starting prep sooner.

I honestly think the majority of backlash the OP is getting stems from writing off premeds as it seems incredibly illogical to suggest someone should not consider every aspect of a career as long as medicine.

THANK YOU

 

[The Knife & Gun Club]

Medicine is what you make of it. You can, in theory have any practice style you want. It may severely limit your employment prospects or earning potential, but if you’re dead set on a certain vacation schedule 10 years in advance I’m sure you can find a career that accommodates that.

On a more general note, I urge people with substantial family commitments to think long and hard about medicine. Not because it’s not doable (it certainly is), but because for the decade-ish that you spend in training your time, money, and attention span will be stretched to its limits.

We’re all adults, and when there’s not enough hours in the day, you need to make hard choices about what to prioritize. It may be career, family, income, hobbies, personal health, etc.

That is why I urge people to think long and hard about medicine. Not because it can’t be done, but because it will require a lot of very hard decisions. If you’re not prepared to have the tough talks with yourself about what matters most to you, this is not the right field. Full stop.

 

[82Scout]

my ferrari will be my mansion

you can live in your car, but you can't race your house!

 

[Sleepingdoc]

I remember reading the most common regret of those retiring was not starting prep sooner.

I honestly think the majority of backlash the OP is getting stems from writing off premeds as it seems incredibly illogical to suggest someone should not consider every aspect of a career as long as medicine.

To me he/she sounded like he/she wanted to know if the life as an attending got easier by already asking about vacation/weeks off/lighter load etc. It seems like he/she started the interview trail meaning he/she has decided already that this is the path they are gonna take.. I agree that he/she should consider every aspect... yes but thats before deciding to go into this interview trail.. Does the answer to his/her question change the path they will be taking??

 

[mwsapphire]

Dude I was commenting on your self described neurosis, not your question

Fair enough. I just like to know what my life will look like if I get into medicine. If I get in this cycle I will be embarking on this past next year, so it's not that far-sighted to look into the future.

Medicine is what you make of it. You can, in theory have any practice style you want. It may severely limit your employment prospects or earning potential, but if you’re dead set on a certain vacation schedule 10 years in advance I’m sure you can find a career that accommodates that.

On a more general note, I urge people with substantial family commitments to think long and hard about medicine. Not because it’s not doable (it certainly is), but because for the decade-ish that you spend in training your time, money, and attention span will be stretched to its limits.

We’re all adults, and when there’s not enough hours in the day, you need to make hard choices about what to prioritize. It may be career, family, income, hobbies, personal health, etc.

That is why I urge people to think long and hard about medicine. Not because it can’t be done, but because it will require a lot of very hard decisions. If you’re not prepared to have the tough talks with yourself about what matters most to you, this is not the right field. Full stop.

Dude, I just mean like 4 weeks a year as residents get, as an attending. Not like 10 or more. According to the doc I work for, that's not that outlandish. He gets 8 weeks from the hospital system he's employed form and only uses like 2-3 bc he likes working.

Oh and ofc, during training I understand these things will be limited. I more mean like, will I ever have it again for the rest of my life once training is over. ( that's why I asked, as an attending)

Honestly, right now, I feel like I'd be willing to take a slight pay cut if I were a parent with a child to prioritize and a partner who is also bringing in money, but I don't plan on having a family until training is done/almost done. And it's not really planning 10 years in advance- I've always visited my home country for a couple of weeks every couple of years, and time off during Ramzan is always appreciated. My life circumstances are different. I have to travel 8000 miles to see my aunt. I have no problem working hard when I'm working- but it's more about having some time off here and there to do life things.

That's what I always thought! It always felt like medicine gives you more respect/autonomy than a standard corporate job where you're just a piece of meat.

 

[mwsapphire]

To me he/she sounded like he/she wanted to know if the life as an attending got easier by already asking about vacation/weeks off/lighter load etc. It seems like he/she started the interview trail meaning he/she has decided already that this is the path they are gonna take.. I agree that he/she should consider every aspect... yes but thats before deciding to go into this interview trail.. Does the answer to his/her question change the path they will be taking??

Nah. Just wondering if I made the right choice, or how my life will change, if that makes sense? And yeah I guess my question is what is medicine like when training is over. I'm she btw. Those are the things I already value in life, time to see family ever couple of years and time off for Muslim holidays. Is it that weird to ask if that's possible in a career as a doc, once the training ( the worst part) is over?
And lighter load during Ramzan is a really normal thing in Muslim countries. It is insanely hard to talk all day with no water.

 

[The Knife & Gun Club]

Fair enough. I just like to know what my life will look like if I get into medicine. If I get in this cycle I will be embarking on this past next year, so it's not that far-sighted to look into the future.

Dude, I just mean like 4 weeks a year as residents get, as an attending. Not like 10 or more. According to the doc I work for, that's not that outlandish. He gets 8 weeks from the hospital system he's employed form and only uses like 2-3 bc he likes working.

Oh and ofc, during training I understand these things will be limited. I more mean like, will I ever have it again for the rest of my life once training is over. ( that's why I asked, as an attending)

Honestly, right now, I feel like I'd be willing to take a slight pay cut if I were a parent with a child to prioritize and a partner who is also bringing in money, but I don't plan on having a family until training is done/almost done. And it's not really planning 10 years in advance- I've always visited my home country for a couple of weeks every couple of years, and time off during Ramzan is always appreciated. My life circumstances are different. I have to travel 8000 miles to see my aunt. I have no problem working hard when I'm working- but it's more about having some time off here and there to do life things.

That's what I always thought! It always felt like medicine gives you more respect/autonomy than a standard corporate job where you're just a piece of meat.

I think you misunderstood my post - what you’re thinking of doing is totally doable. In fact I have a good attending friend who does more or less what you describe.

But what I was trying to point out (and what you yourself highlighted), is that there are certain practice models and specialties that lend themselves to this more than others.

For example an employee doc who works for a large hospital system can take time off a bit easier than someone who’s a partner in a practice where a few docs share the patient/shift load. And someone in a shift-work field (EM, anesthesia, hospitalist) will be easier than a clinic + call type field (like OB, Ortho, plastics, etc). In fields where you take call or have partners, they may not be happy to cover your shifts for 2 weeks at a time. So you may end up limiting your field or employment structure prospects.

So the answer to your original question is yes, it’s totally (easily) doable. What I wanted to point out is the type of tough decisions that need to be made if that’s your priority. You may lose out on 100s if thousands of dollars, or your dream job/dream location/dream coworkers. But if you’re OK with that, it’s fine.

Personally I’m passing on lots of great residency opportunities as we speak because living with my SO and not doing long distance is a priority for me. Everyone gets to set their own priorities.

PS - yes residents get 4 weeks, but not all can take them in concurrent 2 week blocks. About half the programs I interviewed at let you take max 7 days at a time.

 

[mwsapphire]

I think you misunderstood my post - what you’re thinking of doing is totally doable. In fact I have a good attending friend who does more or less what you describe.

But what I was trying to point out (and what you yourself highlighted), is that there are certain practice models and specialties that lend themselves to this more than others.

For example an employee doc who works for a large hospital system can take time off a bit easier than someone who’s a partner in a practice where a few docs share the patient/shift load. And someone in a shift-work field (EM, anesthesia, hospitalist) will be easier than a clinic + call type field (like OB, Ortho, plastics, etc). In fields where you take call or have partners, they may not be happy to cover your shifts for 2 weeks at a time. So you may end up limiting your field or employment structure prospects.

So the answer to your original question is yes, it’s totally (easily) doable. What I wanted to point out is the type of tough decisions that need to be made if that’s your priority. You may lose out on 100s if thousands of dollars, or your dream job/dream location/dream coworkers. But if you’re OK with that, it’s fine.

Personally I’m passing on lots of great residency opportunities as we speak because living with my SO and not doing long distance is a priority for me. Everyone gets to set their own priorities.

PS - yes residents get 4 weeks, but not all can take them in concurrent 2 week blocks. About half the programs I interviewed at let you take max 7 days at a time.

I would choose programs that allow that XD


Also, yes I know it is different from specialty for specialty, but for everyone, work-life balance ( and whether it's important to you) factors in choosing a specialty.

Taking a few weeks off in a year doesn't mean you don't work hard/a lot. If you work 40-50 hours a week 50/54 weeks a year then you still work really hard, it doesn't mean you aren't working as hard as a full-time doc. It's just a way of structuring your time.

Anyway, thanks for your input 🙂

And yeah I know that would limit specialties, but I like family med/IM and the docs I know that get to take long times off are IM/family med.

Money is only so important- I feel like once I pay off loans a six-figure salary is enough and the difference between like, 180k versus 250k diminish.

 

[deleted804295]

My private practice OBGYN takes 1 day off each week of Ramadan, and I believe she also just randomly schedules vacations every few months. She was just telling me that she got great deal on a 4-night rental in Whistler over NYE and she’s so excited to shop and ski (then I blacked out from jealousy).

A full 1 day off a week? Yikes.