3 answers
Crystal
Student
Flint, Michigan
1
Question
Updated
1137 views
Do you recommend being in medical and if so why??
#hospital-and-health-care #medical #everyone
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3 answers
James Garza
Owner, Self-employed at Garza Medical Association
82
Answers
Round Rock, Texas
Updated
James’s Answer
hi, crystal. i've been a family physician for 25+ years. i've practiced in hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent cares, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, long term care facilities, occupational medicine clinics, and numerous specialty clinics. i've also done house calls and i've filled in for other doctors around texas. i currently practice for the indian health services in nome, alaska.
i'm going to approach your question with the assumption that by "medical" you mean you want to be a healthcare professional, possibly even a physician like me.
i strongly believe that the foremost consideration for a career path is whether you love something. so if you love the fields of biology, chemistry, health and medicine, AND genuinely want to help people with their medical problems then your decision point is over. go into medicine. OR at least attempt it.
a perceptive portion of your question is "why" (or in what circumstances) i woud recommend medicine. at this point i'd refer you to the previous respondent, Michael Haarstick, who pointed out that there are numerous other career paths available which are easier, or more lucrative, more prestigious, etc.
so my answer is that i would ONLY recommend the medical field to those who:
1) have a genuine desire,
2) have demonstrated above normal academic ability, AND
3) are willing to sacrifice greatly. sacrifice a decade or more of your youth in order to study and train. incur a crushing financial debt. jeopardize your personal relationships. and risk all manner of legal and professional obstacles.
even with all of the above, you still might find that you're unable to compete with other candidates. at which point you'll need to reconsider your options.
is what i've said too pessimistic? perhaps.
but i think it's important that you understand just how difficult this career path is. understand that it's not for everyone. and understand that you have many other options.
if, after everything i've said, you still wish to pursue medicine then all i can say to you is "You were made for this."
speak with a college health professions adviser
perform several information interviews with medical professionals. specifically ask what personal hardships they incurred on their journey.
research health professions schools
research non-health professions
speak with medical professions students. specifically ask what aspects of their career path they wish they had known at your stage.
i'm going to approach your question with the assumption that by "medical" you mean you want to be a healthcare professional, possibly even a physician like me.
i strongly believe that the foremost consideration for a career path is whether you love something. so if you love the fields of biology, chemistry, health and medicine, AND genuinely want to help people with their medical problems then your decision point is over. go into medicine. OR at least attempt it.
a perceptive portion of your question is "why" (or in what circumstances) i woud recommend medicine. at this point i'd refer you to the previous respondent, Michael Haarstick, who pointed out that there are numerous other career paths available which are easier, or more lucrative, more prestigious, etc.
so my answer is that i would ONLY recommend the medical field to those who:
1) have a genuine desire,
2) have demonstrated above normal academic ability, AND
3) are willing to sacrifice greatly. sacrifice a decade or more of your youth in order to study and train. incur a crushing financial debt. jeopardize your personal relationships. and risk all manner of legal and professional obstacles.
even with all of the above, you still might find that you're unable to compete with other candidates. at which point you'll need to reconsider your options.
is what i've said too pessimistic? perhaps.
but i think it's important that you understand just how difficult this career path is. understand that it's not for everyone. and understand that you have many other options.
if, after everything i've said, you still wish to pursue medicine then all i can say to you is "You were made for this."
James recommends the following next steps:
Ali Wilson
RN, CNOR, RNFA (Registered Nurse First Assistant)
8
Answers
Lewes, Delaware
Updated
Ali’s Answer
For me, it really felt like a calling. It’s a tough job depending on what field you want to do. I am an RN in surgery.
I absolutely love what I do and I have worked in various branches of medicine before becoming an RN.
I did front office for years. It was a lot easier. The education for nursing really requires a desire to help others. And HOURS studying!
The good news is you can work anywhere. It’s hard on the body and the spirit sometimes.
It’s not a job-it’s a profession.
Good luck!!
I absolutely love what I do and I have worked in various branches of medicine before becoming an RN.
I did front office for years. It was a lot easier. The education for nursing really requires a desire to help others. And HOURS studying!
The good news is you can work anywhere. It’s hard on the body and the spirit sometimes.
It’s not a job-it’s a profession.
Good luck!!
Lorraine Rich
at
4
Answers
Bradenton, Florida
Updated
Lorraine’s Answer
Yes !!! But find an area that has lots of diversity. Also look for employers that will work with you to advance your career.