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Why did you choose to become a doctor?
I'd really like to pursue a health profession, but I cannot help but think I'm simply being forced into it subliminally. What should I do?
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Michel’s Answer
I knew when I was younger I wanted to help people so I joined the military as a Combat Medic. Working as a medic really showed me that I enjoyed working and helping out people. I ended up hurting my back and deciding to get out of the military. When I decided to get out I ended up looking into ways to help people and medicine always remained with me. I decided to take a chance and go back to school at 25 years old. I ended up falling in love with the science behind becoming a doctor. I loved knowing what caused illness and loved learning. If you are interested in life long learning and helping people this is a great field. It is difficult but it also has a lot of rewarding aspects. It is easy for a family to push you into something and that is understandable. I think volunteering at places like the Salvation Army can give you a good idea if you truly want to help people or if you are being pushed into something. The Salvation Army gave me a lot of chances to help people that needed food and it gave me perspective to understand that I am lucky and some people have it really hard. Try volunteering and shadowing a doctor to see if this is something you want to pursue because it is a long journey and not something you want to get into when you are in medical school and realize this is not what you wanted.
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Divya’s Answer
Hey Brandon,
I think one subconsciously knows what he/she wants to do, you just have to find a way to figure out what that is. It is always a good idea to observe or shadow someone in the field to know if you like it. 1 day is definitely not enough to see if you like it for sure, I would suggest following for a period of one week to see the actual schedules and what a week in the life of a healthcare professional looks like. Volunteering in similar fields like a nursing facility is also a good idea to get a better insight into it. If you feel forced, then maybe you wanna try it out first before making any decisions because it is a long and tiring journey, it is a mentally and physically draining job, the long hours you have to put into studying, and later long hours into work. So if you actually feel ready for it after shadowing, go for it because it is undoubtedly very rewarding in the end as well.
Hope this helps.
shadowing
volunteering
I think one subconsciously knows what he/she wants to do, you just have to find a way to figure out what that is. It is always a good idea to observe or shadow someone in the field to know if you like it. 1 day is definitely not enough to see if you like it for sure, I would suggest following for a period of one week to see the actual schedules and what a week in the life of a healthcare professional looks like. Volunteering in similar fields like a nursing facility is also a good idea to get a better insight into it. If you feel forced, then maybe you wanna try it out first before making any decisions because it is a long and tiring journey, it is a mentally and physically draining job, the long hours you have to put into studying, and later long hours into work. So if you actually feel ready for it after shadowing, go for it because it is undoubtedly very rewarding in the end as well.
Hope this helps.
Divya recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Brandon,
Deciding to become a doctor is a profound, personal choice that often arises from a blend of innate motivations, external factors, and a sincere wish to aid others. Here are some prevalent reasons why individuals opt to follow a medical career path:
Healing Enthusiasm: Many budding doctors are fueled by an authentic enthusiasm for assisting people and creating a positive difference in others' lives. The chance to ease pain, enhance health results, and contribute to individuals and communities' welfare can be a potent incentive.
Intellectual Stimulation: The medical field is intricate and intellectually engaging, demanding ongoing learning, problem-solving, and critical thinking. For those who relish challenges and strive for intellectual expansion, the ever-changing landscape of medicine can be highly attractive.
Pursuit of Purposeful Work: The medical profession provides the chance to participate in work that is inherently significant and meaningful. Doctors have the honor of supporting patients during their most vulnerable times, forming profound connections, and witnessing the effects of their efforts directly.
Commitment to Lifelong Learning: Medicine is a profession that appreciates lifelong learning and professional growth. The chance to consistently broaden one's knowledge, develop new abilities, and remain at the cutting edge of medical advancements can be gratifying for those who have a hunger for knowledge.
Financial Security: While financial aspects should not be the only motivation for following a medical career, the profession does provide financial stability and the potential for a comfortable lifestyle. This can be a crucial consideration for individuals who prioritize financial safety.
Family or Cultural Expectations: Sometimes, individuals may experience pressure from family or cultural norms to follow a medical career. While external expectations can sway career decisions, it's vital to ensure that personal interests and values are in harmony with this path.
If you're unsure about whether you're being subtly influenced to follow a healthcare profession, it could be beneficial to ponder your motivations, values, and interests. Consider exploring various healthcare roles through volunteer work, shadowing professionals, or conducting informational interviews to gain firsthand experience and insights into the field. Ultimately, your career choice should resonate with your passions, strengths, and personal objectives to ensure lasting satisfaction and success.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): The AAMC offers valuable insights into medical education, training routes, and resources for aspiring healthcare professionals. Their research and publications provide extensive information on the motivations behind choosing a medical career.
Harvard Health Publishing: Harvard Health Publishing generates evidence-based content on a variety of health topics, including articles on the factors influencing healthcare career choices. Their expertise in healthcare education and research aids in understanding why individuals choose medical professions.
Mayo Clinic: As a prestigious medical institution, Mayo Clinic provides perspectives on healthcare careers, including articles on the motivations behind becoming a doctor. Their expertise in patient care and medical education offers valuable insights into the decision-making process for aspiring healthcare professionals.
May God bless you!
James Constantine.
Deciding to become a doctor is a profound, personal choice that often arises from a blend of innate motivations, external factors, and a sincere wish to aid others. Here are some prevalent reasons why individuals opt to follow a medical career path:
Healing Enthusiasm: Many budding doctors are fueled by an authentic enthusiasm for assisting people and creating a positive difference in others' lives. The chance to ease pain, enhance health results, and contribute to individuals and communities' welfare can be a potent incentive.
Intellectual Stimulation: The medical field is intricate and intellectually engaging, demanding ongoing learning, problem-solving, and critical thinking. For those who relish challenges and strive for intellectual expansion, the ever-changing landscape of medicine can be highly attractive.
Pursuit of Purposeful Work: The medical profession provides the chance to participate in work that is inherently significant and meaningful. Doctors have the honor of supporting patients during their most vulnerable times, forming profound connections, and witnessing the effects of their efforts directly.
Commitment to Lifelong Learning: Medicine is a profession that appreciates lifelong learning and professional growth. The chance to consistently broaden one's knowledge, develop new abilities, and remain at the cutting edge of medical advancements can be gratifying for those who have a hunger for knowledge.
Financial Security: While financial aspects should not be the only motivation for following a medical career, the profession does provide financial stability and the potential for a comfortable lifestyle. This can be a crucial consideration for individuals who prioritize financial safety.
Family or Cultural Expectations: Sometimes, individuals may experience pressure from family or cultural norms to follow a medical career. While external expectations can sway career decisions, it's vital to ensure that personal interests and values are in harmony with this path.
If you're unsure about whether you're being subtly influenced to follow a healthcare profession, it could be beneficial to ponder your motivations, values, and interests. Consider exploring various healthcare roles through volunteer work, shadowing professionals, or conducting informational interviews to gain firsthand experience and insights into the field. Ultimately, your career choice should resonate with your passions, strengths, and personal objectives to ensure lasting satisfaction and success.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): The AAMC offers valuable insights into medical education, training routes, and resources for aspiring healthcare professionals. Their research and publications provide extensive information on the motivations behind choosing a medical career.
Harvard Health Publishing: Harvard Health Publishing generates evidence-based content on a variety of health topics, including articles on the factors influencing healthcare career choices. Their expertise in healthcare education and research aids in understanding why individuals choose medical professions.
Mayo Clinic: As a prestigious medical institution, Mayo Clinic provides perspectives on healthcare careers, including articles on the motivations behind becoming a doctor. Their expertise in patient care and medical education offers valuable insights into the decision-making process for aspiring healthcare professionals.
May God bless you!
James Constantine.
Updated
George’s Answer
HI Brandon. In my case, I thought of being a doctor of some type as far as I can remember. My Mom said I told her I was going to be a doctor when I was 4 years old! I tried through all my years of education to find other areas that may have interested me. This included Lawyer, College Professor, Technical Writer, maybe a Farmer to be close to the land, and Biology Researcher, to give you some examples. Yet, throughout the years, being a doctor continued in my thoughts. I did enter a Pre-Med program at a large University. It was very demanding and I also played Division 1 Soccer. Pre-Med is always very competitive and I struggled to keep up. In fact, I was told by a Counselor "you will never be a doctor." I tried to resign myself to that idea but it was very difficult to accept (in later years I realized how unfair, discouraging and incomplete that counselor's advise was!). I graduated with a B.A. in Biological Sciences and completed all the pre-requisite courses for Medical Schools. I did give up playing soccer most of my third and Senior years. I did this to improve my grades (which I did). I did try to work for 3 years for a Pharmaceutical Company which made me want to be a doctor more! Then, while working in Vermont, I found a Medical Specialty, given how difficult it was then to be accepted to an Allopathic Medical School, that could have been within my grasp. I did shadow several doctors and they took their time answering my questions about Podiatry. I took the MCATs, applied and was accepted to a Podiatric Medical College. I recently retired after 40 years of practice! It has been an absolutely wonderful and rewarding career. I was given the privilege and trust from patients to treat treat their ailments medically and surgically. Brandon, that is the reason I became a doctor. It was my dream since I was four years old. You do the same and do not let anyone discourage you!