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Is becoming a pediatrician worth it if you want to have a balanced work and social life? ?
I'm currently a sophomore in high school and interested in becoming a pediatrician. I'm worried if I follow this path, I won't have time to spend with my family. In addition, I want to be a mother when I'm older and have time for my children as well. I have doubts about whether or not the years of school are worth it.
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Atul Bhankharia
Sales
477
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Mount Laurel, New Jersey
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Atul’s Answer
My nephew is a pediatrician, and the type of job you have can greatly impact your work schedule. For example, if you work in the emergency room, your hours may be irregular. On the other hand, if you're employed at a private pediatric clinic, you might be on call for emergencies. In my opinion, dermatologists tend to have more regular hours, as they don't usually deal with emergencies or need to be on call.
However, it's important not to get ahead of yourself. To become a doctor, you must first excel in school and perform well on the MCAT exams. Often, you may not have the opportunity to choose your preferred specialty unless you're among the top students. I know several people who didn't get to pursue their desired field and ended up becoming doctors in different areas.
However, it's important not to get ahead of yourself. To become a doctor, you must first excel in school and perform well on the MCAT exams. Often, you may not have the opportunity to choose your preferred specialty unless you're among the top students. I know several people who didn't get to pursue their desired field and ended up becoming doctors in different areas.
Samara Peters
Pediatrics
9
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Samara’s Answer
I am an actual Pediatrician and mother of 2 kids. I totally hear you on the plans you are making--you want a job that is fulfilling but also allows you to have a life outside your job.
I will admit my experience with medical school and residency was that it was all-consuming. They took nearly all my time and energy. I still managed to get married in the middle of my residency, and had my first child near the very end. Many of my colleagues were similar. Actually, all the pediatricians I trained with got married. And all of us have children, which I suppose is not surprising. I had my first child in my late 20s.
Your work-life balance will shift alot based on your job responsibilities. I have had several jobs in hospitals and clinics. Some demanded more of my time than others. I am actually enjoying my current hospital/emergency room job that has offered me a great work-life balance that is compatible with me and my family. I would never assume your family structure is the same as mine. Medicine can offer many different types of work schedules, so you can find the one that works best for you. Though it may take a while to find a good fit.
So, in summary, physician education and training/residency takes up alot of your time. However, it is not impossible to keep up outside relationships and even marriages. Most physicians will have children later in training, or early in careers. Finding a good work-life balance is definitely possible, but also depends on your family structure.
Best of luck to you!
I will admit my experience with medical school and residency was that it was all-consuming. They took nearly all my time and energy. I still managed to get married in the middle of my residency, and had my first child near the very end. Many of my colleagues were similar. Actually, all the pediatricians I trained with got married. And all of us have children, which I suppose is not surprising. I had my first child in my late 20s.
Your work-life balance will shift alot based on your job responsibilities. I have had several jobs in hospitals and clinics. Some demanded more of my time than others. I am actually enjoying my current hospital/emergency room job that has offered me a great work-life balance that is compatible with me and my family. I would never assume your family structure is the same as mine. Medicine can offer many different types of work schedules, so you can find the one that works best for you. Though it may take a while to find a good fit.
So, in summary, physician education and training/residency takes up alot of your time. However, it is not impossible to keep up outside relationships and even marriages. Most physicians will have children later in training, or early in careers. Finding a good work-life balance is definitely possible, but also depends on your family structure.
Best of luck to you!