Passion needed for medicine?

[Isoprop]

There's a lot of threads with doctors and med students regretting choosing their path. It got me thinking, do you need to love medicine to become a practitioner in this field?

To my shame, I’m going to admit that I've been a premed for a long time. I started college with mediocre grades and continued with a lot of failing ones. I say this because it takes a lot of work to make up those years, and it takes a lot of patience and humility to retake classes you took almost a decade earlier.

So a close friend of mine said to me "you must be passionate about becoming a doctor to do all of this over again." But to be honest, I’m not... I’m not passionate about becoming a doctor. I don’t have this drive that some of my premed peers have. In fact, I would argue that I was more driven about medicine when I was a failing freshman than I am now.

Many times a day, I ask myself "why the hell am I doing this?”" The road is a lot harder for me than many of my colleagues who don’t have to dig themselves out of the hole that I put myself in. On top of that, I’d be content with a lot of other fields and careers. I’d die happy as a community college professor or working with computers. So I continually wonder if I'm in the wrong field.

The premed process is grueling, and I’m sure that med school is no vacation. But for reasons beyond my immediate grasp, I’m still happy. I love and hate every minute of school, work, the pointless EC’s, and the endless a$$-kissing. And somehow, I am confident that I will be happy in med school, residency, and beyond. I’m not saying I’m going to love it or even like it. In fact, I’m probably going to hate it, but I’ll be happy in a strange crazy sort of way.

So here’s the point. A lot of people say "make sure you LOVE medicine or else it’s not worth it." A lot of (successful) premed cite their passion, drive, and overwhelming interest as motivating factors. Some even say that it’s the only thing that keeps them going.

But I argue that you don’t have to love medicine or science. In fact, it’s far too easy to hate it and the bull**** that comes with becoming a doctor. If you’re not passionate about medicine, I don’t think it means you’d necessarily regret medicine. I don’t think I will.

Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have dreamed that I would feel this way. So it’s safe to say that I’ll be singing a different tune ten or fifteen years from now. But I think the only consistent feeling is that I like helping people. No matter how trite and vacant that sounds, I think it’s the only thing that really matters.

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[futuredrcrawfor]

OP- there is a difference between asking yourself "why am I doing this?" and not having passion. I will say that I am one of the VERY passionate pre-meds. I have wanted this since I was 7 years old and each day I wake up and think, "do what you gotta do so you can do what you wanna do"

if you really don't enjoy science, actually medicine because science is too broad- my ecology class isn't helping me become a doctor- then you should reconsider why you want to be a doctor.

Remember it is you who will spend countless hours on call, working with patients, etc. If you are not really enjoying what you do is a large paycheck really worth it?

And about wanting to help people there a million plus ways to do that. An accountant helps people with taxes, a day care worker helps kids, a personal trainer helps people to be healthy, etc. Medicine is not the only way to help!

 

[metalmd06]

I work for a DO who loves to practice medicine but keeps telling me that if he knew what he knows now 15 years ago, he wouldn't have gone to medical school. He is a competent and caring physician who has become increasingly jaded about the institution of healthcare. "Malpractice premiums go up and reimbursment goes down." I think he had the passion and the system has sucked it out of him. We can only pray that it will improve in the next 10-15 years.

 

[Heyeon]

I never really thought I would/could be a doctor. I am currently a premed working as an intern at Charite, the largest university hospital in Europe. Here I am surrounded by these amazingly passionate doctors wand I was also told by people that I must be very passionate about learning and medicine to come to US (am intl) without any finances or knowing anyone and then take a year off to come to Germany for this internship.But when I came here, I saw how my so called passion was absolutely 1% compared to tht of the doctors here. And tht obv was damn schocking bcoz it made me re-think about a career in medicine. I then realized that I am not as passionate about medicine per say but about learning mroe about the challenges about medicine and the science of life..Learning and working in the field of medicine pushes me to better myself and its really challenges me personally..as a person..and its tht, tht I am passionate about

 

[BMBPSU2008]

I feel the same way. Don't forget this self selecting population we have here on SDN. Can you believe these HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN coming here to ask advice on what path to take? At 14, my major concerns were girls, my car, and girls.

What scares me the most is when I hear people say "If you have interest in any other career choice, don't do medicine" I personally think that is a bunch of hooey. I feel I am versatile enough to do almost any career. I love science. I chose medicine because I feel my talents would best be used improving the quality of life of others.

At some point you need to make a choice in life. We're choosing medicine..... and all the misery that comes with it.

 

[Isoprop]

OP- there is a difference between asking yourself "why am I doing this?" and not having passion. I will say that I am one of the VERY passionate pre-meds. I have wanted this since I was 7 years old and each day I wake up and think, "do what you gotta do so you can do what you wanna do"

if you really don't enjoy science, actually medicine because science is too broad- my ecology class isn't helping me become a doctor- then you should reconsider why you want to be a doctor.

Remember it is you who will spend countless hours on call, working with patients, etc. If you are not really enjoying what you do is a large paycheck really worth it?

And about wanting to help people there a million plus ways to do that. An accountant helps people with taxes, a day care worker helps kids, a personal trainer helps people to be healthy, etc. Medicine is not the only way to help!

This is the sentiment that I don't 100% believe in anymore. Does medicine have to be a calling? Just because I'm not 100% gung-ho about medicine, does that mean I'm going to automatically regret it when I become a doctor?

I'm not bashing people who are enthusiastic about medicine. I think that's great. We're both sure we want to be doctors... the difference is that you are excited about it, and I'm exhausted and almost indifferent.

I work for a DO who loves to practice medicine but keeps telling me that if he knew what he knows now 15 years ago, he wouldn't have gone to medical school. He is a competent and caring physician who has become increasingly jaded about the institution of healthcare. "Malpractice premiums go up and reimbursment goes down." I think he had the passion and the system has sucked it out of him. We can only pray that it will improve in the next 10-15 years.

it's easier to hate the system than to love it. I'm a lot more jaded about the process... or maybe more honest with myself than I was 10 years ago. The good outweighs the crap, but damn that's a lot of crap.

It's sort of like a long-term relationship. After the "honeymoon period" has ended (i.e. beer goggles are off), you still love your spouse, but the flowery dream-like perception of him/her has ended. and you start seeing all the flaws.

 

[Rotinaj1985]

It's sort of like a long-term relationship. After the "honeymoon period" has ended (i.e. beer goggles are off), you still love your spouse, but the flowery dream-like perception of him/her has ended. and you start seeing all the flaws.

I personally am so sick of that belief in love. Everyone thinks that they'll eventually fall in love and so they devalue it to the point where THAT is love. Well that is not love. When you love someone the honeymoon period never ends. Love is not an everyday occurrence. Not everyone will eventually will fall in love and live happily ever after. True Love is rare, maybe one in a million people will ever find it. What you're mistaking for love is infatuation.

Bono:
"Marriage is this grand madness, and I think if people knew that, they would perhaps take it more seriously. The reason why there's operas and novels and pop tunes written about love is because it's such an extraordinary thing, not because it's commonplace, and yet that's what you're told, you grow up with this idea that it's the norm." Hot Press, March 2000[FONT=Dauphin, Arial].

The one you love has flaws, but you don't see them. You rejoice in everything that is part of them and all those "flaws" melt away and you are left in awe that they lower themselves to be with you.

On another note: I'm just sick of the process of trying to get into medical school.

 

[BigRedder]

I feel the same way. Don't forget this self selecting population we have here on SDN. Can you believe these HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN coming here to ask advice on what path to take? At 14, my major concerns were girls, my car, and girls.

You had a car when you were 14? If so the girls shouldn't have been too much of a concern...

 

[BMBPSU2008]

You had a car when you were 14? If so the girls shouldn't have been too much of a concern...

Haha. Well fixing the car I'd be driving when I was 16.

 

[futuredrcrawfor]

This is the sentiment that I don't 100% believe in anymore. Does medicine have to be a calling? Just because I'm not 100% gung-ho about medicine, does that mean I'm going to automatically regret it when I become a doctor?

I'm not bashing people who are enthusiastic about medicine. I think that's great. We're both sure we want to be doctors... the difference is that you are excited about it, and I'm exhausted and almost indifferent.

I don't think medicine has to be your "calling" but for me it is... also I am not saying you will 100% regret I am just saying before devoting yourself to hours and hours of studying and work make sure you are doing something you love. How will you act if you get awoken at 3am while at home and asked to come to the hospital, or if you have to stay late because patient X is having complications?

I am sorry you are exhausted- I am too- I studied for 10 hours each day this past week then worked my normal job too... I get burnt out of school like I would assume just about any pre-med does. I just have a drive in me though and know that while I sit in the library- where I am now- I am investing in my future and my happiness. I won't be happy without a white coat and an MD after my name!

Good luck to you OP and if I sound condemning, I don't mean too. Just saying to think this through before you spend more years training for something you are thinking you want to do- doctors get incredibly broke usually before they start making money!

I actually have an interest in international work as well so I am not sure if I will practice in US or abroad but I am doing medicine for passion so money was never a consideration.

 

[Luxian]

What scares me the most is when I hear people say "If you have interest in any other career choice, don't do medicine" I personally think that is a bunch of hooey. I feel I am versatile enough to do almost any career. I love science. I chose medicine because I feel my talents would best be used improving the quality of life of others.

Right there with you. I don't NEED to be in medicine. In fact, I've been out of school for 10 years happily pursuing a career. The thing is that I have enough pride to think I'm pretty intelligent and pretty motivated. Because of that, I feel I'm obligated to use those things to make the world a little bit better, even in a small way. Sure, I could devote myself to designing games for cellphones. That takes smarts too. But I'd feel a lot better about myself at the end of the day if my job helped people get and stay well.

 

[metalmd06]

The bottom line is, many people go into medicine for reasons other than passion or interest. Some become doctors because of family, presitge, power, money, job-security, etc. Whether these ideals are realistic or ill-advised depends on the person. For many others it may just be a job or a career. For me it is about the passion, and I'm glad for it. This is not just a job to me, its a life and it is something I know will be enriching and satsifying.

 

[meowkat444]

I personally am so sick of that belief in love. Everyone thinks that they'll eventually fall in love and so they devalue it to the point where THAT is love. Well that is not love. When you love someone the honeymoon period never ends. Love is not an everyday occurrence. Not everyone will eventually will fall in love and live happily ever after. True Love is rare, maybe one in a million people will ever find it. What you're mistaking for love is infatuation.

Clearly a separate topic, but I'm interested to hear others' reactions to this. I just got out of a relationship with a guy that thought this and he was so arrogant and specific and demanding and idealistic/unrealistic about love that it ended up bringing me way down because I never felt like I could fit the picture in his head, and he's never going to be willing to put in an ounce of work into something that he believes should be effortless and perfect.

Back on topic, though, I have spent my whole adult life considering careers that supposedly take 100% passion and commitment. For a while, it was studying music at a conservatory. Then getting a Ph.D. Then teaching in a difficult school. Now medicine. All of these things are careers that people say you shouldn't do unless you're 1000000% sure. However, the careers you *don't* have to be so sure about tend to be less intellectually stimulating, therefore I'm not as interested in them. I realized I'm probably not going to feel 100000% dedicated to any particular career, but just need to find the best fit possible. I don't think I'll regret the choice at all, and I'm really excited about it. Everyone, including myself, think this route makes a lot of sense for me and will be fulfilling. However, it's not going to be the end all and be all of careers.

 

[ChubbyChaser]

At 14, my major concerns were girls, my car, and girls.

quote]
those are still my major concerns. Is that bad?🙁

 

[NewmansOwn]

You haven't been to medical school yet. How can you know if you have a passion for medicine? If you have a strong interest, that's all that can be expected of you. I doubt you'll develop a "love" for medicine, if you ever do, until you've been at it for a long time.

And to certain people who are making others feel bad about themselves for thinking about income -- spit out the rainbows and butterflies. It has the potential to be a great job, but it remains a job, just like anything else, so no one need apologize for caring about compensation.

 

[foster033]

I think most of the people who end up being jaded at medicine are the ones who are so passionate about it that they think it is there calling. Being a doctor is a job. Sure it's great to enjoy what you do, but it really isn't such a noble profession that you need to have some type of higher power calling you to it. The people who believe this are the ones who hate their jobs 20 years from now because they finally learn how corrupt and backwards the medical field really is and how their job isn't what they thought it would be.

I believe the people who succeed in medicine are the ones who realize that being a doctor, running a hospital, a private practice, whatever is just a business endeavor. You might help people along the way, but at the end of the day you really are no different than anyone else.

 

[Jolie South]

I think most of the people who end up being jaded at medicine are the ones who are so passionate about it that they think it is there calling. Being a doctor is a job. Sure it's great to enjoy what you do, but it really isn't such a noble profession that you need to have some type of higher power calling you to it. The people who believe this are the ones who hate their jobs 20 years from now because they finally learn how corrupt and backwards the medical field really is and how their job isn't what they thought it would be.

I believe the people who succeed in medicine are the ones who realize that being a doctor, running a hospital, a private practice, whatever is just a business endeavor. You might help people along the way, but at the end of the day you really are no different than anyone else.

I tend to believe this as well.

 

[ChristianJames1]

I have wanted this since I was 7 years old

7 huh? do yourself a favor and don't write this in your personal statement.

 

[Isoprop]

I personally am so sick of that belief in love. Everyone thinks that they'll eventually fall in love and so they devalue it to the point where THAT is love. Well that is not love. When you love someone the honeymoon period never ends. Love is not an everyday occurrence. Not everyone will eventually will fall in love and live happily ever after. True Love is rare, maybe one in a million people will ever find it. What you're mistaking for love is infatuation.

Love, infatuation, it's whatever you want to call it. they're labels consisting of some string of phonemes that obviously means something to you that's different than to someone else.

You haven't been to medical school yet. How can you know if you have a passion for medicine? If you have a strong interest, that's all that can be expected of you. I doubt you'll develop a "love" for medicine, if you ever do, until you've been at it for a long time.

thank you for justifying my point! there's pretty much no way that i can develop a passion/drive for medicine without having experienced it firsthand. it's like developing a "passion" for music by listening to the radio but never picking up an instrument. i really can't sympathize with other premeds who describe this innate drive of becoming a doctor... and they generally can't fathom any other career choice.

 

[NewmansOwn]

thank you for justifying my point! there's pretty much no way that i can develop a passion/drive for medicine without having experienced it firsthand. it's like developing a "passion" for music by listening to the radio but never picking up an instrument. i really can't sympathize with other premeds who describe this innate drive of becoming a doctor... and they generally can't fathom any other career choice.

Amen brother. I'm seriously considering ditching my acceptances to be one of those dudes who work in the ski shops out West and is so baked that you could pay him with walnut brownies and he wouldn't know the difference.

Or, if anyone on this forum is interested, I would like to start an Ocean's 11-style team and pull off several highly successful and delightfully comical and lighthearted heists.

 

[BMBPSU2008]

I think most of the people who end up being jaded at medicine are the ones who are so passionate about it that they think it is there calling. Being a doctor is a job. Sure it's great to enjoy what you do, but it really isn't such a noble profession that you need to have some type of higher power calling you to it. The people who believe this are the ones who hate their jobs 20 years from now because they finally learn how corrupt and backwards the medical field really is and how their job isn't what they thought it would be.

I believe the people who succeed in medicine are the ones who realize that being a doctor, running a hospital, a private practice, whatever is just a business endeavor. You might help people along the way, but at the end of the day you really are no different than anyone else.

Agreed. I feel those with the highest of hopes have the most to "lose".

 

[GoBuckeyes913]

I work for a DO who loves to practice medicine but keeps telling me that if he knew what he knows now 15 years ago, he wouldn't have gone to medical school. He is a competent and caring physician who has become increasingly jaded about the institution of healthcare. "Malpractice premiums go up and reimbursment goes down." I think he had the passion and the system has sucked it out of him. We can only pray that it will improve in the next 10-15 years.

I think when most docs say "I would have done things differently", it's mainly because of how things are different regarding insurance companies, patients more quick to sue over stupid things, managed care, etc. You have to love medicine to stay in it, it's the other things that seem to sour the profession.

 

[Drogba]

You don't have to be passionate about medicine but I sure as hell don't want to spend 60hrs+ a week doing something I'm not passionate about. For some people going into medicine it seems they just have to like the profession to be willing to work that much. At this point I don't think that would be enough for me.

If you would die happy being a community college professor then maybe you'd be better off doing that and maximizing your free time to pursue other things you value.