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How do you balance being a physician with having a close relationship with a significant other/family members/friends or even starting a family?

I'm excited about entering the medical field because it interests me so much and would be the perfect job for me. I'm just worried about the type of work-life balance real practicing physicians have and what they do to combat the issues that come with working such an intense and time-consuming job. #medicine #science

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Abby’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team

Hi Tara! I’m sorry no one’s answered your question yet. We're working hard to get it answered by Professionals with the best insights, but in the meantime I've included a link to a relevant Q&A here on CareerVillage.org that should be super helpful for you to read through.


Saul asked: Can a doctor live a fulfilling life as a doctor and a parent?, and one of the Pros who answered it said:


I am not a medical doctor but the answer is coming from one of friends Dr. Sapna of All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi who herself is a practicing medico. She says: why not? If you have an eco system in your family who can manage your kids while you or spouse is/are away due to professional commitments. In India I have seen many doctor couples continue with their profession and they are very successful parents as well. But there are many (wives) leave their job and raise the children and later they join the profession again. So, one has to look into the family strength/system available to support the couple or not...


Click the question to read more of what this Pro and others had to say!


Good luck! 

Abby 

Community Management Intern at CareerVillage.org
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Amin’s Answer

As a married physician with kids, I know it is doable but you have to make the time to not only maintain but also to grow your relationships with family and friends, and to establish new ones. The same goes for my colleagues with families. It's too easy to get distracted by study and work from these important relationships. In fact, work-related stress is harder on you without them.


It's nice to read that you think practicing medicine is perfect for you. Just be aware that it is stressful, and that career burnout among physicians increased significantly in recent years. You'll need all the support you can get from those around you. I hope this information and the articles in next steps provide you with a balanced opinion.


Good luck!

Amin recommends the following next steps:

Write down why is a career in medicine perfect for me.
Speak with one or more physicians to get their advice about education, training, and daily practice.
Speak with one or more married physicians with kids.
Read https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1496552/
Read http://www.medicaleconomics.com/medical-economics-blog/marriage-children-cause-more-burnout-female-physicians
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Richard’s Answer

During medical school and residency, you won’t be in control of your own schedule which makes family time difficult to obtain. However, after training, you can be in more control and can choose what practice to join based on your needs. You can work less and have more time for family at the cost of making less money and possibly consulting on less interesting cases.
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