Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
I've been seeking advice/insight on this topic for a while now but I can't seem to find an answer I'm comfortable with.
Background: MS-3 at US MD school, step 1: 260's, gpa: 4.0 (not that it matters all that much), VP of radiology IG, some research with a few poster pres...
After shadowing a few times, I'm very much interested in DR (not so much for IR) for the same reasons as most of those interested in the field (Technology oriented, decent hours/life style friendly, reading imaging studies all day long, some minor procedures, minimal patient contact, ability to work from home, and of course $). Also, I do believe that there's some fulfillment in helping clinicians provide adequate care to patients but I can't shake the feeling that it will eventually become a bit too monotone and I will essentially fall out of love with the field.
That said, I know I mentioned that I'd enjoy minimal patient contact but I am also very much interested in Internal Medicine. However, after working in a hospital and an outpatient clinic for a while before starting med school, I do NOT want to practice IM in the US. I'd much rather do so in my home country; a 3rd world country where patient load is much less, lawsuits aren't really a thing, Corporations are nonexistent in the field, paperwork is minimal, and patients tend to be a bit more compliant. Both parents are IM Dr's down there, which is why I have an idea how it works. Also, I am American but I wasn't raised in the US.
In summary, I love DR now but I don't know how long that will last. I also love IM but I don't wanna practice in the US and I don't even want to go through IM residency here (Yes, I would power through it if necessary).
So, here are my questions.
1- If I go the DR route, will I be able to work as a generalist back in my home country or with organizations such as WHO or Docs w/o borders? (Can't find a consensus on that anywhere, I know of some docs who did it but many people tell me it's not possible so idk what to believe)
2- How common is it for radiologists to feel unfulfilled by their job?
3- Given what I mentioned, what seems like the most reasonable route?
I would greatly appreciate any word of wisdom.
Thank you.
Background: MS-3 at US MD school, step 1: 260's, gpa: 4.0 (not that it matters all that much), VP of radiology IG, some research with a few poster pres...
After shadowing a few times, I'm very much interested in DR (not so much for IR) for the same reasons as most of those interested in the field (Technology oriented, decent hours/life style friendly, reading imaging studies all day long, some minor procedures, minimal patient contact, ability to work from home, and of course $). Also, I do believe that there's some fulfillment in helping clinicians provide adequate care to patients but I can't shake the feeling that it will eventually become a bit too monotone and I will essentially fall out of love with the field.
That said, I know I mentioned that I'd enjoy minimal patient contact but I am also very much interested in Internal Medicine. However, after working in a hospital and an outpatient clinic for a while before starting med school, I do NOT want to practice IM in the US. I'd much rather do so in my home country; a 3rd world country where patient load is much less, lawsuits aren't really a thing, Corporations are nonexistent in the field, paperwork is minimal, and patients tend to be a bit more compliant. Both parents are IM Dr's down there, which is why I have an idea how it works. Also, I am American but I wasn't raised in the US.
In summary, I love DR now but I don't know how long that will last. I also love IM but I don't wanna practice in the US and I don't even want to go through IM residency here (Yes, I would power through it if necessary).
So, here are my questions.
1- If I go the DR route, will I be able to work as a generalist back in my home country or with organizations such as WHO or Docs w/o borders? (Can't find a consensus on that anywhere, I know of some docs who did it but many people tell me it's not possible so idk what to believe)
2- How common is it for radiologists to feel unfulfilled by their job?
3- Given what I mentioned, what seems like the most reasonable route?
I would greatly appreciate any word of wisdom.
Thank you.
Last edited:
