3 answers
Ananya
Student
Stanford, California
2
Questions
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Do surgeons or doctors in general have a difficult time developing their personal lives and would surgery be a bad option for someone who intends to be involved in their family life?
I hope to pursue cardio-thoracic surgery. #doctor #career #healthcare #psychiatrists #hospital-and-health-care #medicine
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3 answers
Richard A.
physician
2150
Answers
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Richard’s Answer
Finding a balance is difficult during medical school and residency during which you have little to no control over your schedule. After training, physicians can join groups or tailor their practice to suit their lifestyle. Many surgeon continue to put in extremely long hours in practice, but that can be due to choices they have made e.g. desire for more money or more complex procedures.
Mathieu Royan
Chirurgien-Neurologue chez Hôpital de la Salpêtrière
2
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Mathieu’s Answer
I don't know. I'm surgeon and it's just a branch of medicine . That does not prevent me to be blooming
on the professional plan and the prived plan.
on the professional plan and the prived plan.
Paula Denoya
Assistant Professor - Colorectal Surgery
10
Answers
Middle Island, New York
Updated
Paula’s Answer
Hi Ananya. I think there is no easy answer to this one. A career in surgery certainly is a time commitment during the younger years of your life, so it can impact your ability to have a family. However, many women surgeons are able to find this balance. The career is long with medical school, residency, and then actually starting your practice. Surgeons can choose to start a family during any of these periods, and there are challenges at each step but can be managed. Overall, CT surgeons do tend to work many hours, but some other surgical fields may be more forgiving. But even CT surgeons still are able to raise kids and be involved with their family. Most important is to pick a field that you love and are passionate about, and then you can make it work.