3 answers
Andrew
Student
El Monte, California
1
Question
Asked
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I’m a student who needs help in my career research project could you answer my questions?
Hi, I’m a student researching careers for a school project. I’m looking for someone from any field who would be willing to answer my questions about their profession. I’m interested in learning about your career and would appreciate it if you could do so. To fulfill the requirements of my project, I need to include the email of the person I interview as proof of contact. Would you be comfortable sharing your email for this purpose?
Here are the questions I would like to ask:
What are the most common injuries or challenges in this profession?
Are people in this career generally satisfied with their work?
What are the benefits of this career outside of standard ones like medical and dental? Are there unique perks?
What are the unique aspects of working in this career? (e.g., extra vacation, flexible shifts, etc.)
What are the built-in costs of this career?
Financial (e.g., travel, uniforms, professional expenses)
Time (e.g., work-life balance, risk of burnout)
Emotional (e.g., stress, high-stakes situations)
What is the average age people retire from this career?
What was your education path, and how did you arrive at your current role?
How much time and money did you invest in establishing your career?
What have been the best and worst moments of your career so far?
What keeps you passionate and motivated in your career?
How has this profession changed since you started, and what changes do you foresee in the future?
Thank you so much for considering my request. Your answers would be helpful to my project.
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3 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6313
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Andrew!
I’m a student who needs help in my career research project could you answer my questions? YES
NAME: JAMES CONSTANTINE FRANGOS
SORRY WILL NOT LET ME EMAIL
BUT HERE IS MY YOUTUBE STUDIO
https://www.youtube.com/@JAMES_CONSTANTINE_FRANGOS
Would you be comfortable sharing your email for this purpose? YES
What are the most common injuries or challenges in this profession? FALLS ON STAIRS
Are people in this career generally satisfied with their work? YES
What are the benefits of this career outside of standard ones like medical and dental? Are there unique perks?SAMPLING FOODS
What are the unique aspects of working in this career? (e.g., extra vacation, flexible shifts, etc.)YOU MAKE REAL CHANGES TO NUTRITION
What are the built-in costs of this career? A DEVOTION TO NUTRITIONAL CARE.
Financial (e.g., travel, uniforms, professional expenses) DIETITIAN'S LAB COATS
Time (e.g., work-life balance, risk of burnout) BE CAREFUL, BURNOUT CAN HAPPEN
Emotional (e.g., stress, high-stakes situations)WHERE THERE ARE IMMINENT HEALTH THREATS
What is the average age people retire from this career?55
What was your education path, and how did you arrive at your current role?BACHELOR OF SCIENCE [BIOL CHEM] AND 3 GRAD DIPS [NUTR, DIET PUB HEALTH]
How much time and money did you invest in establishing your career? 15 YEARS, NO MONEY
What have been the best and worst moments of your career so far?LISTENED TO A PATIENT WHO WANTED FOOD MENUS NOT ONE-DAY SAMPLE MENUS. GOT ADVISED BY A SENIOR DIETITIAN NOT TO RECOMMEND SUPPLEMENTS.
What keeps you passionate and motivated in your career? THE IDEA OF EXCELLENT NUTRITION FOR CLIENTS
How has this profession changed since you started, and what changes do you foresee in the future?MORE RECOGNITION OF THE NEED FOR SUPPLEMENTS AND SOFTWARE
Thank you so much for considering my request. Your answers would be helpful to my project.
career
DIETITIAN-PROGRAMMER.
God Bless!
JC.
I’m a student who needs help in my career research project could you answer my questions? YES
NAME: JAMES CONSTANTINE FRANGOS
SORRY WILL NOT LET ME EMAIL
BUT HERE IS MY YOUTUBE STUDIO
https://www.youtube.com/@JAMES_CONSTANTINE_FRANGOS
Would you be comfortable sharing your email for this purpose? YES
What are the most common injuries or challenges in this profession? FALLS ON STAIRS
Are people in this career generally satisfied with their work? YES
What are the benefits of this career outside of standard ones like medical and dental? Are there unique perks?SAMPLING FOODS
What are the unique aspects of working in this career? (e.g., extra vacation, flexible shifts, etc.)YOU MAKE REAL CHANGES TO NUTRITION
What are the built-in costs of this career? A DEVOTION TO NUTRITIONAL CARE.
Financial (e.g., travel, uniforms, professional expenses) DIETITIAN'S LAB COATS
Time (e.g., work-life balance, risk of burnout) BE CAREFUL, BURNOUT CAN HAPPEN
Emotional (e.g., stress, high-stakes situations)WHERE THERE ARE IMMINENT HEALTH THREATS
What is the average age people retire from this career?55
What was your education path, and how did you arrive at your current role?BACHELOR OF SCIENCE [BIOL CHEM] AND 3 GRAD DIPS [NUTR, DIET PUB HEALTH]
How much time and money did you invest in establishing your career? 15 YEARS, NO MONEY
What have been the best and worst moments of your career so far?LISTENED TO A PATIENT WHO WANTED FOOD MENUS NOT ONE-DAY SAMPLE MENUS. GOT ADVISED BY A SENIOR DIETITIAN NOT TO RECOMMEND SUPPLEMENTS.
What keeps you passionate and motivated in your career? THE IDEA OF EXCELLENT NUTRITION FOR CLIENTS
How has this profession changed since you started, and what changes do you foresee in the future?MORE RECOGNITION OF THE NEED FOR SUPPLEMENTS AND SOFTWARE
Thank you so much for considering my request. Your answers would be helpful to my project.
career
DIETITIAN-PROGRAMMER.
God Bless!
JC.
Iryna Tam
Writer, copywriter
188
Answers
Hagerstown, Maryland
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hi Andrew,
Today we are looking at careers in medicine and dentistry.
Unfortunately, Career Village.org does not allow email addresses to be published because the team is committed to protecting the identities of students and professionals from spammers, predators, bullies, and other unsavory people.
So,
A career in medicine and dentistry can be extremely rewarding and varies significantly depending on the specific role within the field. Here’s a comprehensive overview addressing your questions:
Benefits of a Career in Medicine and Dentistry
Beyond Standard Benefits:
-Job Stability: The demand for healthcare professionals remains strong, ensuring job security.
-Impactful Work: Professionals in medicine and dentistry have the opportunity to make a significant positive impact on individuals' lives and public health.
-Diverse Specializations: Both fields offer numerous specialties, allowing practitioners to find their niche based on their interests and skills.
-Research Opportunities: Access to cutting-edge research and advancements in science and technology can be fulfilling for those interested in innovation.
Unique Perks:
-Professional Autonomy: Many healthcare professionals, especially in dental practices, have more control over their work environments and schedules.
-Community Recognition: Health professionals often enjoy high respect and trust within their communities.
-Continuing Education: Opportunities for lifelong learning through workshops, seminars, and conferences can help maintain professional growth.
Education and Pathway to Careers
Education Required:
Medicine:
Undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s).
Medical school (typically 4 years).
Residency program (3-7 years depending on the specialty).
Dentistry:
Undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s).
Dental school (typically 4 years).
Optional residency for advanced specialties (2-6 years).
Getting into the Role:
Medical:
Take prerequisite courses (biology, chemistry, physics).
Prepare for and take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Gain relevant clinical experience and extracurricular activities.
Dental:
Take prerequisite courses (biology, chemistry).
Prepare for and take the Dental Admission Test (DAT).
Gain dental experience through shadowing and related activities.
Investment in Building a Career
Time Investment:
Medicine: 11-15 years (undergraduate, medical school, residency).
Dentistry: 8-12 years (undergraduate, dental school, optional residency).
Financial Investment:
-Medical school tuition often ranges from 30,000 to 60,000 per year.
-Dental school tuition costs can be similar, with additional costs for instruments and lab fees.
Total debt for graduates may exceed $200,000.
Unique Aspects of Working in Healthcare
Work Environment:
-Flexible Shifts: Many medical and dental professionals can choose or negotiate their shifts, especially in private practice.
-Vacation Time: Some roles allow for generous vacation time after establishing practice.
Career Satisfaction:
High job satisfaction ratings, often due to the meaningful nature of the work, but this can differ based on specialization and individual expectations.
Inherent Costs of the Career
Financial Costs:
-Licensing and board examination fees, malpractice insurance, continuing education expenses, and medical supplies (for dental practices).
-Uniforms and other professional attire can also add to costs.
Time Costs:
Long hours and on-call duties can affect work-life balance.
High-stress situations can lead to burnout, particularly in high-demand specialties.
Emotional Costs:
Handling critical, high-stakes situations can be emotionally taxing.
Regular encounters with suffering and patient loss may contribute to stress.
Retirement and Career Longevity
Retirement Age: Many professionals in medicine and dentistry retire around the age of 65, but this varies based on personal circumstances and career satisfaction.
Common Injuries/Problems: Health professionals may experience repetitive strain injuries, stress, fatigue, and burnout. Dentists, in particular, may face musculoskeletal issues due to the nature of their work.
Job Satisfaction
-General Satisfaction: Overall, people in these professions report high career satisfaction, particularly those who find passion in helping others.
-Best Parts: The ability to make a positive impact, strong financial rewards, and respect in the community.
-Worst Parts: High-stress levels, hours of work, and potential for burnout.
Maintaining Passion and Motivation
-Ongoing Education: Engaging in continual professional learning and pursuing areas of interest can help maintain enthusiasm.
-Work-Life Balance: Practicing self-care, taking breaks, and engaging in hobbies outside of work helps prevent burnout and keeps motivation high.
Changes in the Last 10 Years and Future Predictions
-Recent Changes: Increased use of technology in practice (telemedicine) and electronic health records, a greater emphasis on patient-centric care, and new treatment modalities (like minimally invasive techniques).
-Future Predictions: The continued integration of AI and machine learning in diagnostics, personalized medicine based on genetics, and the importance of mental health integration into physical care might shape future practices.
In summary, the journey to a career in medicine or dentistry is substantial in terms of investment, but it offers meaningful rewards. Understanding both the challenges and benefits is crucial to making an informed decision about pursuing this professional path.
Today we are looking at careers in medicine and dentistry.
Unfortunately, Career Village.org does not allow email addresses to be published because the team is committed to protecting the identities of students and professionals from spammers, predators, bullies, and other unsavory people.
So,
A career in medicine and dentistry can be extremely rewarding and varies significantly depending on the specific role within the field. Here’s a comprehensive overview addressing your questions:
Benefits of a Career in Medicine and Dentistry
Beyond Standard Benefits:
-Job Stability: The demand for healthcare professionals remains strong, ensuring job security.
-Impactful Work: Professionals in medicine and dentistry have the opportunity to make a significant positive impact on individuals' lives and public health.
-Diverse Specializations: Both fields offer numerous specialties, allowing practitioners to find their niche based on their interests and skills.
-Research Opportunities: Access to cutting-edge research and advancements in science and technology can be fulfilling for those interested in innovation.
Unique Perks:
-Professional Autonomy: Many healthcare professionals, especially in dental practices, have more control over their work environments and schedules.
-Community Recognition: Health professionals often enjoy high respect and trust within their communities.
-Continuing Education: Opportunities for lifelong learning through workshops, seminars, and conferences can help maintain professional growth.
Education and Pathway to Careers
Education Required:
Medicine:
Undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s).
Medical school (typically 4 years).
Residency program (3-7 years depending on the specialty).
Dentistry:
Undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s).
Dental school (typically 4 years).
Optional residency for advanced specialties (2-6 years).
Getting into the Role:
Medical:
Take prerequisite courses (biology, chemistry, physics).
Prepare for and take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Gain relevant clinical experience and extracurricular activities.
Dental:
Take prerequisite courses (biology, chemistry).
Prepare for and take the Dental Admission Test (DAT).
Gain dental experience through shadowing and related activities.
Investment in Building a Career
Time Investment:
Medicine: 11-15 years (undergraduate, medical school, residency).
Dentistry: 8-12 years (undergraduate, dental school, optional residency).
Financial Investment:
-Medical school tuition often ranges from 30,000 to 60,000 per year.
-Dental school tuition costs can be similar, with additional costs for instruments and lab fees.
Total debt for graduates may exceed $200,000.
Unique Aspects of Working in Healthcare
Work Environment:
-Flexible Shifts: Many medical and dental professionals can choose or negotiate their shifts, especially in private practice.
-Vacation Time: Some roles allow for generous vacation time after establishing practice.
Career Satisfaction:
High job satisfaction ratings, often due to the meaningful nature of the work, but this can differ based on specialization and individual expectations.
Inherent Costs of the Career
Financial Costs:
-Licensing and board examination fees, malpractice insurance, continuing education expenses, and medical supplies (for dental practices).
-Uniforms and other professional attire can also add to costs.
Time Costs:
Long hours and on-call duties can affect work-life balance.
High-stress situations can lead to burnout, particularly in high-demand specialties.
Emotional Costs:
Handling critical, high-stakes situations can be emotionally taxing.
Regular encounters with suffering and patient loss may contribute to stress.
Retirement and Career Longevity
Retirement Age: Many professionals in medicine and dentistry retire around the age of 65, but this varies based on personal circumstances and career satisfaction.
Common Injuries/Problems: Health professionals may experience repetitive strain injuries, stress, fatigue, and burnout. Dentists, in particular, may face musculoskeletal issues due to the nature of their work.
Job Satisfaction
-General Satisfaction: Overall, people in these professions report high career satisfaction, particularly those who find passion in helping others.
-Best Parts: The ability to make a positive impact, strong financial rewards, and respect in the community.
-Worst Parts: High-stress levels, hours of work, and potential for burnout.
Maintaining Passion and Motivation
-Ongoing Education: Engaging in continual professional learning and pursuing areas of interest can help maintain enthusiasm.
-Work-Life Balance: Practicing self-care, taking breaks, and engaging in hobbies outside of work helps prevent burnout and keeps motivation high.
Changes in the Last 10 Years and Future Predictions
-Recent Changes: Increased use of technology in practice (telemedicine) and electronic health records, a greater emphasis on patient-centric care, and new treatment modalities (like minimally invasive techniques).
-Future Predictions: The continued integration of AI and machine learning in diagnostics, personalized medicine based on genetics, and the importance of mental health integration into physical care might shape future practices.
In summary, the journey to a career in medicine or dentistry is substantial in terms of investment, but it offers meaningful rewards. Understanding both the challenges and benefits is crucial to making an informed decision about pursuing this professional path.
Rita Chuang
Physician
206
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
What are the most common injuries or challenges in this profession?
The length of time to get through medical school and residency is long and expensive. While in training, you are sleep deprived and often suffer from imposter syndrome. You will get yelled at when you make a mistake and feel stupid and this is in front of your friends. When you start practicing, everyone is a good doctor but as you start squeezing patients into your full schedule, when everyone wants a little more of your time, you start to burn out. I retired from medicine at age 53 years old which is young. When I speak with my friends, most of my doctor friends are not happy. They are happier if they are not in primary care or working part time.
This is an article on Doximity which is a platform for doctors:
I’ve always loved being a doctor. There’s something incredibly rewarding about the relationships I build with my patients, especially in primary care.
I get to know them over the years—hear about their lives, their families, see them through good times and bad. It’s not just about treating illnesses; it’s about being a trusted part of someone’s life.
But lately, I’ve been feeling this nagging fear creeping in.
It’s not the medicine itself that’s the issue—it’s the system.
Medicare cuts keep coming, and it feels like every year, the pressure to do more with less just keeps increasing.
The bureaucratic hoops we have to jump through are exhausting, and the compensation? It’s shrinking while our workload grows. I’m scared, honestly, about where this is heading.
I look at my schedule some days, crammed with patient after patient, and it’s not because I want to rush through visits. It’s because, financially, I don’t have a choice.
Medicare’s reimbursements have been cut so many times, and yet the cost of running a practice isn’t shrinking.
Staff salaries, overhead, supplies—it’s all going up. Meanwhile, I’m being paid less and less for the same care.
It’s unsustainable. I’m not sure how much longer we can keep this up.
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Doctors today are doing MANY things on the side. Join an exclusive Facebook community (for medical docs, dentists, podiatrists) to discuss everything from publishing, to real estate, to ways we build wealth or satisfy our extracurricular needs (& stay happy).
I’ve been watching more and more of my colleagues move toward direct primary care (DPC) or concierge medicine.
I used to think I’d never consider it—I wanted to stay accessible to as many people as possible, to be the kind of doctor who could help everyone, regardless of their income or insurance.
But the truth is, I’m starting to see why so many are making the switch.
With DPC, doctors can see fewer patients, spend more time with them, and actually focus on providing the care they’re trained to give.
There’s no middleman—no insurance dictating how many minutes I can spend with someone or which treatments I can offer.
Patients pay a monthly fee, and in return, they get a doctor who isn’t drowning in paperwork and fighting the system. I get the appeal. It’s a way out of the madness.
Concierge medicine is similar, though it’s often for wealthier patients who can afford the higher price tag.
It feels a little elitist, to be honest, but then again, if it’s the only way doctors can survive financially while delivering quality care, I can’t blame anyone for going that route.
You can’t run a practice on good intentions alone.
I worry about what this means for the future of healthcare, though.
If more doctors leave Medicare behind, what happens to the patients who rely on it?
So many of my elderly patients depend on Medicare, and it breaks my heart to think they might lose access to care if more of us go the DPC or concierge route.
But at the same time, how do we continue in a system that’s squeezing us dry? Something’s got to give.
The way things are going, I don’t see how primary care doctors can keep accepting Medicare with the current—and continued—cuts.
It’s pushing us to a breaking point, and I’m not sure how much longer I can hold out.
The passion for medicine is still there, but the reality of making it work within this system? That’s what’s making me question everything.
Every day, I try to balance the demands of my practice with the care my patients deserve, but it’s becoming harder and harder to make that balance work.
It feels like a losing battle, and I’m not alone in feeling this way. I’m just not sure how many more cuts we can take before everything starts to unravel.
And honestly? It’s terrifying.
Anonymous
An anonymous primary care physician
Are people in this career generally satisfied with their work?
I think it depends on the field. I know in primary care, there is a lot of burn out. Most doctors that are happier in primary care are working part time (which is actually more than part time). Other doctors that had their own practice are working in conciere medicine. This is a situation where patients pay extra (I think $2000 a year) for the privilege to see your doctor. The doctors are not seeing as many patients so they are not as tired. There are cuts from Medicare financially for the doctors almost every few years so in order to make ends meet, doctors need to see more patients to keep the same pay. You need to realize that everything increase (utilities, rent, salaries) so you need to work more to pay your bills.
What are the benefits of this career outside of standard ones like medical and dental? Are there unique perks?
Most pharm reps will bring lunch for the office. Often there are dinner talks (also free) but you get home late and sometimes, the dinners are not worth your time when you are tired and need to go to work the next day. You often get free drugs (samples for patients) that a lot of doctors may use for themselves. When I had an emergency, I was moved up the front of the line in the ER because they knew me. If I have a problem, I can call my specialist friends to be "squeezed in" to their already busy schedule.
What are the unique aspects of working in this career? (e.g., extra vacation, flexible shifts, etc.)
When I worked for myself, there was no "extra vacation." I think once I worked 8 years without a vacation except 1 personal day off. Even when I was on "vacation," I brought my computer to review labs, answer questions, refill medications. This is all done unpaid.
What are the built-in costs of this career?
It's time. 4 years college, 4 years medical school, minimum of 3 years internship/residency. You are trained to put your own needs last. Unfortunately, your family is an extension of yourself and they also "suffer" because you had to work late. It is tiring to listen to patients complain all day. Sometimes, I just wanted to go home and hind in my room.
Financial (e.g., travel, uniforms, professional expenses)
Financially, you will not suffer. You will always have a job. If you work for a company, you will get vacation and CME (continued medical education).
Time (e.g., work-life balance, risk of burnout)
Burnout is high. I burned out and so have many of my primary care doctors. Unfortunately, doctors learn to work for free a lot....What does that mean? You have a schedule of seeing patients which is fine but there is a lot to do after this. In the mornings, I would wake up at 6:30 AM to review the labs and send patients a note with their lab results. Before, I would call them but I would be calling 20 patients or more a day and then you would get the "by the way, since I have you on the phone...." and they would ask another question. This is during MY time which I'm not getting paid. You need to review, Xrays, mammo, MRI, CT, specialist notes. Patients just call or email you questions all the time. You need to fill out paperwork all the time--authorization for....
Emotional (e.g., stress, high-stakes situations)
Stress is high. When you make decisions, you need to make sure that you are not missing anything important that could kill the patient or get you sued. I remember reading on NextDoor a patient who was looking for a doctor that "cared" and didn't just stare at the computer the entire visit. I wanted to ask her so if I'm just looking at you the entire visit, when do I finish writing my notes? That would be an extra few hours after work. Every patient thinks that when whey ask you another question, it will only take a minute. Unfortunately, it's the doctor and the doctor's family that suffers.
What is the average age people retire from this career?
I think I read that doctors usually retire at 69 years old because they start their career later because they are in school and training. Lately, because of burn out, I think several doctors (in primary care) are retiring early. I retired at 53 years old and don't miss it at all.
What was your education path, and how did you arrive at your current role?
4 years college
4 years medical school
3 years internship/residency
How much time and money did you invest in establishing your career?
The money is cost of education which is higher now.
What have been the best and worst moments of your career so far?
I remember how happy I was to get into medical school. Although I have gained a lot from medicine, I've paid the price. I think the best moments are when a patient remembers me or s/he says I was the best doctor they ever had. The worst moments are when I messed up, when a patient dies, or when I get a bad review. I remember going on vacation before I was selling my practice and on vacation of the country, my dad died and I was in the hotel reception area trying to respond to questions from patients.
What keeps you passionate and motivated in your career?
I retired and now I'm working in clinical research. It's so much easier and I'm happier. The work load is easier. I don't get paid as much as I did but at this stage in my life, it's not about the money.
How has this profession changed since you started, and what changes do you foresee in the future?
The profession has changed for the worse and something bad has to happen to make primary care popular. As you can see from above, there is just too much for the primary care to take care of and we are burning out. Medicare just cut the pay to doctors AGAIN. The insurance premiums increase (monthly payment for your medical care) but they don't pay this to the doctors. Doctors are going to retire early or not go into primary care. Several of my primary care doctors are changing to conciere's medicine. This is where the doctors charge the patients extra per year to continue being a patient. This extra money pays for the doctor's expenses and they can spend more time with the patient.
The length of time to get through medical school and residency is long and expensive. While in training, you are sleep deprived and often suffer from imposter syndrome. You will get yelled at when you make a mistake and feel stupid and this is in front of your friends. When you start practicing, everyone is a good doctor but as you start squeezing patients into your full schedule, when everyone wants a little more of your time, you start to burn out. I retired from medicine at age 53 years old which is young. When I speak with my friends, most of my doctor friends are not happy. They are happier if they are not in primary care or working part time.
This is an article on Doximity which is a platform for doctors:
I’ve always loved being a doctor. There’s something incredibly rewarding about the relationships I build with my patients, especially in primary care.
I get to know them over the years—hear about their lives, their families, see them through good times and bad. It’s not just about treating illnesses; it’s about being a trusted part of someone’s life.
But lately, I’ve been feeling this nagging fear creeping in.
It’s not the medicine itself that’s the issue—it’s the system.
Medicare cuts keep coming, and it feels like every year, the pressure to do more with less just keeps increasing.
The bureaucratic hoops we have to jump through are exhausting, and the compensation? It’s shrinking while our workload grows. I’m scared, honestly, about where this is heading.
I look at my schedule some days, crammed with patient after patient, and it’s not because I want to rush through visits. It’s because, financially, I don’t have a choice.
Medicare’s reimbursements have been cut so many times, and yet the cost of running a practice isn’t shrinking.
Staff salaries, overhead, supplies—it’s all going up. Meanwhile, I’m being paid less and less for the same care.
It’s unsustainable. I’m not sure how much longer we can keep this up.
(NEW community)
Doctor Side Ventures
Doctors today are doing MANY things on the side. Join an exclusive Facebook community (for medical docs, dentists, podiatrists) to discuss everything from publishing, to real estate, to ways we build wealth or satisfy our extracurricular needs (& stay happy).
I’ve been watching more and more of my colleagues move toward direct primary care (DPC) or concierge medicine.
I used to think I’d never consider it—I wanted to stay accessible to as many people as possible, to be the kind of doctor who could help everyone, regardless of their income or insurance.
But the truth is, I’m starting to see why so many are making the switch.
With DPC, doctors can see fewer patients, spend more time with them, and actually focus on providing the care they’re trained to give.
There’s no middleman—no insurance dictating how many minutes I can spend with someone or which treatments I can offer.
Patients pay a monthly fee, and in return, they get a doctor who isn’t drowning in paperwork and fighting the system. I get the appeal. It’s a way out of the madness.
Concierge medicine is similar, though it’s often for wealthier patients who can afford the higher price tag.
It feels a little elitist, to be honest, but then again, if it’s the only way doctors can survive financially while delivering quality care, I can’t blame anyone for going that route.
You can’t run a practice on good intentions alone.
I worry about what this means for the future of healthcare, though.
If more doctors leave Medicare behind, what happens to the patients who rely on it?
So many of my elderly patients depend on Medicare, and it breaks my heart to think they might lose access to care if more of us go the DPC or concierge route.
But at the same time, how do we continue in a system that’s squeezing us dry? Something’s got to give.
The way things are going, I don’t see how primary care doctors can keep accepting Medicare with the current—and continued—cuts.
It’s pushing us to a breaking point, and I’m not sure how much longer I can hold out.
The passion for medicine is still there, but the reality of making it work within this system? That’s what’s making me question everything.
Every day, I try to balance the demands of my practice with the care my patients deserve, but it’s becoming harder and harder to make that balance work.
It feels like a losing battle, and I’m not alone in feeling this way. I’m just not sure how many more cuts we can take before everything starts to unravel.
And honestly? It’s terrifying.
Anonymous
An anonymous primary care physician
Are people in this career generally satisfied with their work?
I think it depends on the field. I know in primary care, there is a lot of burn out. Most doctors that are happier in primary care are working part time (which is actually more than part time). Other doctors that had their own practice are working in conciere medicine. This is a situation where patients pay extra (I think $2000 a year) for the privilege to see your doctor. The doctors are not seeing as many patients so they are not as tired. There are cuts from Medicare financially for the doctors almost every few years so in order to make ends meet, doctors need to see more patients to keep the same pay. You need to realize that everything increase (utilities, rent, salaries) so you need to work more to pay your bills.
What are the benefits of this career outside of standard ones like medical and dental? Are there unique perks?
Most pharm reps will bring lunch for the office. Often there are dinner talks (also free) but you get home late and sometimes, the dinners are not worth your time when you are tired and need to go to work the next day. You often get free drugs (samples for patients) that a lot of doctors may use for themselves. When I had an emergency, I was moved up the front of the line in the ER because they knew me. If I have a problem, I can call my specialist friends to be "squeezed in" to their already busy schedule.
What are the unique aspects of working in this career? (e.g., extra vacation, flexible shifts, etc.)
When I worked for myself, there was no "extra vacation." I think once I worked 8 years without a vacation except 1 personal day off. Even when I was on "vacation," I brought my computer to review labs, answer questions, refill medications. This is all done unpaid.
What are the built-in costs of this career?
It's time. 4 years college, 4 years medical school, minimum of 3 years internship/residency. You are trained to put your own needs last. Unfortunately, your family is an extension of yourself and they also "suffer" because you had to work late. It is tiring to listen to patients complain all day. Sometimes, I just wanted to go home and hind in my room.
Financial (e.g., travel, uniforms, professional expenses)
Financially, you will not suffer. You will always have a job. If you work for a company, you will get vacation and CME (continued medical education).
Time (e.g., work-life balance, risk of burnout)
Burnout is high. I burned out and so have many of my primary care doctors. Unfortunately, doctors learn to work for free a lot....What does that mean? You have a schedule of seeing patients which is fine but there is a lot to do after this. In the mornings, I would wake up at 6:30 AM to review the labs and send patients a note with their lab results. Before, I would call them but I would be calling 20 patients or more a day and then you would get the "by the way, since I have you on the phone...." and they would ask another question. This is during MY time which I'm not getting paid. You need to review, Xrays, mammo, MRI, CT, specialist notes. Patients just call or email you questions all the time. You need to fill out paperwork all the time--authorization for....
Emotional (e.g., stress, high-stakes situations)
Stress is high. When you make decisions, you need to make sure that you are not missing anything important that could kill the patient or get you sued. I remember reading on NextDoor a patient who was looking for a doctor that "cared" and didn't just stare at the computer the entire visit. I wanted to ask her so if I'm just looking at you the entire visit, when do I finish writing my notes? That would be an extra few hours after work. Every patient thinks that when whey ask you another question, it will only take a minute. Unfortunately, it's the doctor and the doctor's family that suffers.
What is the average age people retire from this career?
I think I read that doctors usually retire at 69 years old because they start their career later because they are in school and training. Lately, because of burn out, I think several doctors (in primary care) are retiring early. I retired at 53 years old and don't miss it at all.
What was your education path, and how did you arrive at your current role?
4 years college
4 years medical school
3 years internship/residency
How much time and money did you invest in establishing your career?
The money is cost of education which is higher now.
What have been the best and worst moments of your career so far?
I remember how happy I was to get into medical school. Although I have gained a lot from medicine, I've paid the price. I think the best moments are when a patient remembers me or s/he says I was the best doctor they ever had. The worst moments are when I messed up, when a patient dies, or when I get a bad review. I remember going on vacation before I was selling my practice and on vacation of the country, my dad died and I was in the hotel reception area trying to respond to questions from patients.
What keeps you passionate and motivated in your career?
I retired and now I'm working in clinical research. It's so much easier and I'm happier. The work load is easier. I don't get paid as much as I did but at this stage in my life, it's not about the money.
How has this profession changed since you started, and what changes do you foresee in the future?
The profession has changed for the worse and something bad has to happen to make primary care popular. As you can see from above, there is just too much for the primary care to take care of and we are burning out. Medicare just cut the pay to doctors AGAIN. The insurance premiums increase (monthly payment for your medical care) but they don't pay this to the doctors. Doctors are going to retire early or not go into primary care. Several of my primary care doctors are changing to conciere's medicine. This is where the doctors charge the patients extra per year to continue being a patient. This extra money pays for the doctor's expenses and they can spend more time with the patient.