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As a doctor how do you manage life and medicine?
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Anum’s Answer
It actually depends upon the field and how much attention it demands. For example, if you are a doctor in Psychiatry or ENT or other fields that do not have a great number of emergencies, the work schedule is much lighter and divided easily among individuals and you can find a lot of time for your family with proper management. This does not mean that these fields are easy, it just means that they require different kind of attention and details. They take a lot of mental toll and are a whole other kind of difficult. But I won't lie, life is much easier to manage in these fields because the choices are greater to reduce time.
On the other hand if you talk about fields like general medicine, surgery and all such fields that have a lot of emergencies, these require a lot of time and attention, as it is a hand on field where every few seconds you get a new case. The schedule is hard both before and after you have completed your specializations. But there are some ways to manage your life here too. The years of residency are definitely very hard and time consuming and managing life is hard then no matter what. But after that you can choose to do private practice or work only as a consultant in private set ups. It pays good too and you have a lot of extra time on your hands.
All in all, the years of residency are hard for everyone, but after those four years, management becomes somewhat easier to do and figure out. I hope this gives some perspective if not much.
On the other hand if you talk about fields like general medicine, surgery and all such fields that have a lot of emergencies, these require a lot of time and attention, as it is a hand on field where every few seconds you get a new case. The schedule is hard both before and after you have completed your specializations. But there are some ways to manage your life here too. The years of residency are definitely very hard and time consuming and managing life is hard then no matter what. But after that you can choose to do private practice or work only as a consultant in private set ups. It pays good too and you have a lot of extra time on your hands.
All in all, the years of residency are hard for everyone, but after those four years, management becomes somewhat easier to do and figure out. I hope this gives some perspective if not much.
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Valerie’s Answer
Hi Daniela,
I am a medical student with 2 more years left in medical school. Although it is very busy at times, I always make sure there is enough time for myself. I have a boyfriend of 9 years, and we make sure we have a date night at least once a week. I think the most important way to balance both is being organized. If I schedule in a two hour dinner slot in my schedule, I know I will get my studying done before that time. Being organized and planning your study schedule is very helpful.
Best of luck.
I am a medical student with 2 more years left in medical school. Although it is very busy at times, I always make sure there is enough time for myself. I have a boyfriend of 9 years, and we make sure we have a date night at least once a week. I think the most important way to balance both is being organized. If I schedule in a two hour dinner slot in my schedule, I know I will get my studying done before that time. Being organized and planning your study schedule is very helpful.
Best of luck.
Updated
Denise’s Answer
Excellent question and learning how to balance being a doctor with your "other " life is very very important. STress management is key in life and especially when you have a demanding job. I'm a woman and luckily I'm married to a man who shares all of our responsibilities at home, with children and chores and finances. This is key. Having a good partner in the true sense of the word. Its also very important to set boundaries on your work. If you have set work hours then only work those hours and set up a system of referring people to others if needed. I took a job where I didn't have any responsibilities after my work hours which also helped tremendously. Sad to say OB/GYN docs end up working only about 10 yrs because of the amount of late hours they put in delivering babies. They are needed very much but... I'd have to create a partnership to spread out those hours! The other essential is to take care of your body, mind and soul but taking time off on weekends with family and spending time outdoors and doing things that you really enjoy. I paint and its very relaxing. Reading gives me a break also. I love hiking and photography so day trips are a must. All of these things are so important. If you don't care for yourself you will burn out early and stress affects relationships so keep them healthy!!