Your IDEAL job.

[businessguy]

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It's Saturday... too early to do anything interesting so I thought I start a new thread.

What would your IDEAL job be as a doctor. What area would you go into? How many hours and days would you work per week? How much much do you want to make? Are you willing to sacrifice money for the lifestyle?

I personally am still looking for that ideal area. I want to work 9-5, 4 days a week, and make 200K. 😀 If you know of something that may suit my needs, let me know...

 

[anon-y-mouse]

can't you do that in business?

your answer is radiology

 

[dajimmers]

Right now, I'd want to do something involving Immunology (esp. cancer immunotherapy) at an academic medical institution. 8-12 hour shifts at ~30 hours per week, with the rest of my time spent in research and teaching. Prefer free time > pay, so 150K should be fine...

 

[businessguy]

can't you do that in business?

Sure can... actually you can easily do 400K+ once you have settled down in a good business. Many small business owners are making a ton of money, but not all are very happy. I guess this goes for doctors as well, but owning a business (most, not all) carries a different kind of stress; the stress of unpredictability. It's like a monkey on your shoulder, you find yourself constantly checking to see if he's ok.

 

[Saluki]

Academic pediatric infectious disease at one of the big children's hospitals... don't care about the money, but get to spend time overseas teaching...

 

[TerdFerguson]

I think my ideal job would entail a combination of things including but not limited to Hollywood plastic surgeon, flight surgeon at NASA, and senior medical correspondent for a major news network (not that i could hold a candle to sanjay gupta)

 

[jebus]

Oh, it's supposed to be a medical job? How about nephrology or psychiatry? Crazy people are the best. And as a psychiatrist you don't have to wear a tie because there's always the chance your patients will try to kill you with it.

 

[StevenRF]

Probably something like Dr. Sanjay Gupta. He's kind of like the male model version of a doctor, and something tells me he probably makes way more bank for prancing around on tv than he does actually practicing or teaching. Although if I ended up like dr phil I'd probably kill myself.

 

[Mr. Tee]

Right now, I'd want to do something involving Immunology (esp. cancer immunotherapy) at an academic medical institution. 8-12 hour shifts at ~30 hours per week, with the rest of my time spent in research and teaching. Prefer free time > pay, so 150K should be fine...

I would like to do research and practice too. I think it would be kick-butt.

Or I could be like Michael Crichton and write novels.... 😳

 

[DropkickMurphy]

My requirements:
-Good pay (>$180K a year)
-Intellectually challenging
-Good hours with little to no call so that I have a lot of free time to spend in the outdoors

I'm leaning towards emergency medicine.

 

[big_smiles]

I want to do hematology/oncology and do research related in the field. aka translational researcher. The hours, well unpredictable at best, and definitely not a 40 hour work week (probably more like 60). The pay, well less in academic medicine than clinically - - but it's what I want to do!

 

[BaylorGuy]

Oh, it's supposed to be a medical job? How about nephrology or psychiatry? Crazy people are the best. And as a psychiatrist you don't have to wear a tie because there's always the chance your patients will try to kill you with it.

What you dont realize is that he happens to be an OB/GYN as well



Working 4-5 days a week either in an academic setting or private practice (i'd lioke to do the former for a couple of years, and then maybe once i settle down and get married i'll do the latter). Work anywhere from 50-70 hours a week, weekends off, make around 250K.

Excellent

 

[anon-y-mouse]

What you dont realize is that he happens to be an OB/GYN as well

Dr Octagynecologist?

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Octopussy?

 

[BaylorGuy]

Dr. Octapimpapussy

 

[brains]

I would like something that keeps me on my toes, always involves learning something new, doesn't have an extremely high rate for malpractice insurance, not a lot of call, weekends off, 40 hrs a week, no poop, pays more than $200k per year, deals with children ( but not a lot),
and...........okay that's good enough for me.

Is that asking a whole lot?? 😕

 

[MahlerROCKS]

I would like to work with low-income HIV patients; however if I had to go with the best quality of life, I would definitely chose rheumatology

 

[DropkickMurphy]

I would like to work with low-income HIV patients

Why in the hell would you want to do something like that? I try to avoid HIV patients as much as I possibly can....why would you seek them out?

Whatever your motives....more power to ya.

 

[DoctorPardi]

I am thinking orthapedic surgery, or emergency medicine would be things I would like to do. Although, to be honest I don't have much experience with emergency medicine or trauma.

 

[kimmcauliffe]

Dr. Octapimpapussy

Awesome

 

[63768]

Awesome

indeed.

my ideal, probably orthopedic surgery, with a focus on arthroscopy and sports medicine. i'd do clinic two days a week, surgery all other days, and research on the side. i don't know how much they get paid exactly but i'm sure it's a nice sum.

 

[kimmcauliffe]

Anything with the heart- transplants, whatever. It's an amazing piece of machinery. I'm thinking cardiothoracic, but of course I won't know til I get there. Income? Enough to have a nice house, a dozen surfboards, good bottles of wine, college tuition for my kids, and three annual trips abroad a year. Oh and a new tent and camping stove. Beyond that, income is negotiable. 😛

Hours... I've worked all shifts, and I'm here to tell you that in my opinion, mids are the worst. I don't really care though, as long as you love your job but still have time for personal pursuits, you're golden.

 

[MahlerROCKS]

Why in the hell would you want to do something like that? I try to avoid HIV patients as much as I possibly can....why would you seek them out?

Whatever your motives....more power to ya.

HIV is the quintessential example of the economic dualism in our country between the haves and have-nots: if you can afford the $10,000 in drugs and are able to not have to work you can live a rather normal and long life. However for many low income Americans with HIV, access to drugs can often be difficult, and many also have to help support families which increase the progression of the virus. Granted AIDS care even for low income Americans is a lot better than what exists in many developing nations, but nonetheless low-income patients receive poorer care than their more affluent peers (I guess I shouldn't be shocked). But the major reason I want to work with low-income HIV patients is that they have two strikes against them: first, most doctors want nothing to do with HIV, and secondly, most doctors want nothing to do with low-income patients. I’ve happened to have met many low-income people at AIDS clinics in Chicago that I've volunteered at, and sometimes when I'm at school I wonder how they are, if they're still alive, and most often whose taking care of them. It’s sad that there are so many people who need medical attention, but there are very few doctors willing to help them

 

[kimmcauliffe]

It’s sad that there are so many people who need medical attention, but there are very few doctors willing to help them

I know... Have you thought about doing some volunteer work in South Africa? I am on my way there in about a year.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

HIV is the quintessential example of the economic dualism in our country between the haves and have-nots: if you can afford the $10,000 in drugs and are able to not have to work you can live a rather normal and long life. However for many low income Americans with HIV, access to drugs can often be difficult, and many also have to help support families which increase the progression of the virus. Granted AIDS care even for low income Americans is a lot better than what exists in many developing nations, but nonetheless low-income patients receive poorer care than their more affluent peers (I guess I shouldn't be shocked). But the major reason I want to work with low-income HIV patients is that they have two strikes against them: first, most doctors want nothing to do with HIV, and secondly, most doctors want nothing to do with low-income patients. I’ve happened to have met many low-income people at AIDS clinics in Chicago that I've volunteered at, and sometimes when I'm at school I wonder how they are, if they're still alive, and most often whose taking care of them. It’s sad that there are so many people who need medical attention, but there are very few doctors willing to help them

Like I said....more power to ya. You can have those patients without worrying about competition from me. I will take care of HIV patients if I must, but I am not going to actively seek them out, especially when I will probably not be repaid for my efforts in any way, shape or form.

 

[kimmcauliffe]

Dr. Octapimpapussy

I'm still laughing about this.

 

[RDickerson]

As posted in another thread, I'd like to be a hospitalist with a fellowship in infectuous diseases. Doing something kinda like in the show House, where a patient with an unusual illness comes up, and I'd be able to use deductive reasoning to find out what it is they have.

I come from a family where both my parents made 45k ..... combined. So BIG money isn't really a factor, however with all the time spent and fellowships, I would like to pull in at least 145k a year.

Owning my own business as a doctor would be great, but I also agree with others who say that it would be too stressful. I'm thinking just working for someone, 8-5 Monday through Friday.

 

[MahlerROCKS]

I know... Have you thought about doing some volunteer work in South Africa? I am on my way there in about a year.

I'm studying abroad in South Africa next year, and I hope to be able to volunteer while I'm there. Do you know which part of the country you'll be in? I've heard that the AIDS problem amongst Africans in what used to be the Western Cape is really not that bad because most Xhosas see western doctors, while in KwaZulu-Natal and what used to be the Transvaal the Zulu, Basotho, Swazi and Venda most often will see traditional doctors first, and that they are the ones (other than the Mbeki government) who are most responsible for the rampant spread of HIV in South Africa because they guile their clients into believing that they have been cured only to have them spread the disease to multiple individuals

 

[kimmcauliffe]

Do you know which part of the country you'll be in?

I haven't made any super solid plans yet, but I'm hoping to go to Cape Town and Durban.

 

[unfrozencaveman]

I'm studying abroad in South Africa next year, and I hope to be able to volunteer while I'm there. Do you know which part of the country you'll be in? I've heard that the AIDS problem amongst Africans in what used to be the Western Cape is really not that bad because most Xhosas see western doctors, while in KwaZulu-Natal and what used to be the Transvaal the Zulu, Basotho, Swazi and Venda most often will see traditional doctors first, and that they are the ones (other than the Mbeki government) who are most responsible for the rampant spread of HIV in South Africa because they guile their clients into believing that they have been cured only to have them spread the disease to multiple individuals

Hey, I worked in hospitals in Cape Town last summer, and you will be FLABBERGASTED at what "not that bad" entails. I was blown away. It was absolutely heartwrenching. In two years in an emergency room in Philly, I saw maybe four HIV+ patients, and in the month I worked over there, literally thousands. Basically, in an ED, I would say that 70% of the people you will see (in public hospitals) are HIV+. It's very little short of horrifying. Hearing the numbers in the 20% range of people who are HIV+ in the all over population is astounding enough, but then to have it narrowed down to sick, poor people who show up in hospitals-- I literally couldn't believe it.
It was a really incredible experience. I will definitely be going back (once I know what I'm doing, and can actually help...). But literally nothing can prepare you for the scope of what HIV is really like over there until you see it.

My ideal job- MSF 3-4 months of the year, doing something cool stateside for the rest and a couple months off, making several million dollars a year. Or billion. I also have really awesome hair in this scenario.

 

[kimmcauliffe]

I also have really awesome hair in this scenario.

Ah yes. I forgot to include this in my wishlist.

Those numbers you mentioned are really disheartening... all the more reason to get off my tookus and do what I can to help.

 

[unfrozencaveman]

Ah yes. I forgot to include this in my wishlist.

Those numbers you mentioned are really disheartening... all the more reason to get off my tookus and do what I can to help.

Yeah, that trip sealed the deal on my future career plans for sure. It was just crazy. Even with infection being curbed (which I dont think it is), the bottom line is, they just dont have the medicine.
I sat in with the prenatal clinic which is the only place they dispense AZT to anyone on the govt dime, to pregnant mothers in their 2nd trimester. Literally it was 2/3 mothers I saw that day. It's astounding.

It's odd to segue into "you'll love it!" from there, but you will.

 

[kimmcauliffe]

Yeah, that trip sealed the deal on my future career plans for sure. It was just crazy. Even with infection being curbed (which I dont think it is), the bottom line is, they just dont have the medicine.
I sat in with the prenatal clinic which is the only place they dispense AZT to anyone on the govt dime, to pregnant mothers in their 2nd trimester. Literally it was 2/3 mothers I saw that day. It's astounding.

It's odd to segue into "you'll love it!" from there, but you will.

Much respect to you for spending time doing this when a lot of others would have been to afraid. When I go, I'll definitely be asking your advice.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

Have fun over there Kim. Sounds like it was an eye-opening experience of sorts for your Unfrozen....

BTW I got invited to do a rotation in a trauma center over in South Africa by a trauma surgeon friend of mine, but turned it down.

 

[ChocolateKiss]

My dream job: to be the person who makes sure people classified their courses in the proper categories on their AMCAS applications...



Sorry if no one finds this funny but me....

 

[kimmcauliffe]

Have fun over there Kim. Sounds like it was an eye-opening experience of sorts for your Unfrozen....

BTW I got invited to do a rotation in a trauma center over in South Africa by a trauma surgeon friend of mine, but turned it down.

I just emailed your XRAY picture from another thread to my mom. Too funny... the medical field's version of a butt on a copier.

Thanks, Praetorian. I know it'll be an experience I won't forget, I only hope to be able to open other's eyes to it as well. Sure is scary, I won't sit here and pretend to be brave about it.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

My friend told me that I would see more penetrating trauma there in two or three days than I have seen in my entire career (~9 years). Combine that with astronomical HIV rates and you can count me out.

You are brave to go. Good luck. Send me a postcard. 😉

 

[unfrozencaveman]

Much respect to you for spending time doing this when a lot of others would have been to afraid. When I go, I'll definitely be asking your advice.

Hah. This makes me sound far cooler than I am.

A friend of mine worked in the prison systems over there. Now SHE has stories...

 

[unfrozencaveman]

Back to the topic though-

Did anyone see last year when Sanjay Gupta was running around Iraq or something and stopped to perform emergency brain surgery on someone... or something? That guy is a stud.

 

[45408]

Hmmm, I'd like to work noon to 6pm, moderate stress is fine, with a parking space right up front. I'll take $2 million for my troubles.

 

[Shredder]

geneticist or maybe abortion doc...or both if possible

 

[MissMary]

Hmmm, I'd like to work noon to 6pm, moderate stress is fine, with a parking space right up front. I'll take $2 million for my troubles.

HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BooMed]

Probably something like Dr. Sanjay Gupta. He's kind of like the male model version of a doctor, and something tells me he probably makes way more bank for prancing around on tv than he does actually practicing or teaching. Although if I ended up like dr phil I'd probably kill myself.

Dr. Phil is not a doctor and shouldn't call himself that. 😡

 

[BaylorGuy]

Dr. Phil is not a doctor and shouldn't call himself that. 😡

I think if any of us ended up as Dr. Phil we would have to prematurely end our lives and career

 

[Fortune]

I think if any of us ended up as Dr. Phil we would have to prematurely end our lives and career

He's a PhD "doc" and there really isn't anything wrong with that. Although using the title Dr. is slightly misleading if you have never watched the show and realized he is a clinical psychologist.

 

[C.P. Jones]

Dr. Phil is not a doctor and shouldn't call himself that. 😡

he has a PhD in clinical psych....i'm pretty sure that qualifies him as a doctor if he has a doctorate

poor guy, taking so much heat, i think he's a good guy

that's right, i said it

 

[gostudy]

Back to the topic though-

Did anyone see last year when Sanjay Gupta was running around Iraq or something and stopped to perform emergency brain surgery on someone... or something? That guy is a stud.

word, plus he lays his hat in the durty durty.

 

[speranza]

Emergency medicine, neurology or infectious diseases. Large, metropolitan hospital with significant underserved patient population. 40 hour weeks with little call. Would like time off to practice overseas in third world countries. Salary > $200,000.

Wishful thinking...

 

[ChestRockwell]

Residency in orthopedic surgery followed by a fellowship in sports medicine. From there, the dream job would be team physician with a pro sports team, preferably with the Red Sox or Patriots (favorite childhood teams).
Hours- whatever it takes
Money- lots

Pats- 28 Jags-3
GO PATS baby!!

 

[georgiapeachmd]

Like I said....more power to ya. You can have those patients without worrying about competition from me. I will take care of HIV patients if I must, but I am not going to actively seek them out, especially when I will probably not be repaid for my efforts in any way, shape or form.

No offense, but this sounds like a very narrow-minded approach to the practice of medicine. Are you going to conduct interviews for your potential patients? Deny HIV+ patients care? I've got news for you, you WILL inevitably see HIV+ patients, that is simply part of being a physician in this millenium. We must, if we are to be physicians, agree to "first do no harm." Isn't avoiding an HIV+ patient unethical, and denying them care harmful?

Oh yeah, as for my ideal practice:
GI practice with focus on Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Probably 50 hour work weeks (call is unavoidable).