3 answers
Abdulaziz
Student
Dearborn Heights, Michigan
1
Question
Updated
726 views
What is it like working in medicine?
Hi, to any doctor reading this, I am a rising high school senior and I might be interested in medicine. I like STEM in general, and I believe I have the brains and work ethic to thrive as a doctor. I understand that perusing the path to becoming a physician is long and challenging and takes a lot of sacrificing in the short term for long term gratification and I am fine with that, but I want to understand the lifestyle that comes with being a doctor. Please answer as many of the following questions as you are comfortable with answering, and if you have any extra insight you would like to share, feel free to do so!
1. How was your quality of life / social life during medical school, residency, and fellowship (if applicable)?
2. What type of people, or what type of characteristics/personality traits, tend to be the best fit for medicine?
3. What type of person would you recommend not peruse medicine?
4. How is your life now as a practicing physician?
A. Do you have any free time/ energy for hobbies or personal projects unrelated to work?
B. How is the quality of your social life outside of work?
C. How many hours a day do you work? From what time to what time?
D. How is it like being in a relationship/ having a family as a physician with your lifestyle assuming you work so many hours?
5. A lot of people online warn about the amount of student loan debt you accumulate on your way to becoming a doctor, as someone who is now dealing with that debt while earning a physician's salary, how big of an impact does it actually affect your lifestyle? I feel like if you are financially responsible and you set a plan to paying that debt off and you stick to it, it shouldn't be that bad when you are bringing such a good amount each month, what are your thoughts? (This is more directed for doctors within the U.S or any other country that has similar salaries to U.S physicians)
6. From the novelty aspect of your work, how stimulating is being a doctor? Does it become to feel just like a routine, or does every day feel new?
7. Anything else that you want to share about being a physician or any advice on how to know for sure that medicine is the right choice for me
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3 answers
Angella chepchirchir
SEO, MARKETING, ANALYST , psychologist
76
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Angella’s Answer
Hello Abdulilaz!
Working in medicine can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path, but it also comes with its own challenges. Here are some insights to help you understand what it's like:
Quality of life and social life: During medical school, residency, and fellowship, the demands on your time and energy can be significant. It often requires long hours of studying, clinical rotations, and being on-call. This can limit your free time and impact your social life. However, it's important to maintain a balance and prioritize self-care and personal relationships to avoid burnout.
Ideal characteristics/personality traits: Successful doctors often possess traits like empathy, compassion, resilience, intellectual curiosity, good communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure. Being a team player, having a strong work ethic, and being open to lifelong learning are also important.
Who should not pursue medicine: While there is no specific type of person who should not pursue medicine, it's important to consider your own interests, strengths, and values. If you are not genuinely passionate about healthcare, lack the desire to continuously learn, or find it difficult to handle stress and long working hours, medicine may not be the right fit for you.
Life as a practicing physician:
A. Free time/energy for hobbies: As a practicing physician, your schedule may vary depending on your specialty and practice setting. It is possible to have free time and energy for hobbies or personal projects, but it may require good time management and work-life balance.
B. Quality of social life: Building and maintaining a social life outside of work can be challenging due to the demanding nature of the profession. However, with proper planning and prioritization, it is possible to maintain meaningful relationships and engage in social activities.
C. Work hours: Work hours can vary depending on the specialty and practice setting. Physicians often work long hours, including evenings, weekends, and being on-call. The specific hours can vary widely, but it's important to consider the potential for irregular and demanding schedules.
D. Relationship/family: Balancing a relationship or family life with the demands of being a physician can be challenging. It requires effective communication, understanding, and support from your loved ones. Flexibility and finding ways to prioritize quality time together are essential.
Student loan debt: Student loan debt can have a significant impact on a physician's lifestyle, especially in countries like the United States where medical education can be expensive. While a physician's salary is generally higher, the debt repayment can still be substantial. It's important to have a financial plan in place, live within your means, and consider options like loan forgiveness programs or income-driven repayment plans to manage the debt effectively.
Novelty and stimulation: The medical field offers a vast range of specialties and patients, which can bring novelty and stimulation to your work. While certain routine aspects exist, each patient and case is unique, and you will continually encounter new challenges, learning opportunities, and advancements in medical knowledge. It's up to you to keep the passion and curiosity alive throughout your career.
Final advice: Shadowing and volunteering in healthcare settings, talking to practicing physicians, and gaining exposure to different specialties can provide valuable insights into the medical field. Take your time to explore different areas of medicine, understand the commitment required, and consider your own passions and strengths. It's important to be sure that medicine aligns with your personal and professional goals before embarking on this career path.
Ultimately, being a physician requires dedication, lifelong learning, and a genuine passion for helping others. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the profession and reflecting on your own aspirations and values, you can make an informed decision about whether medicine is the right choice for you.
Working in medicine can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path, but it also comes with its own challenges. Here are some insights to help you understand what it's like:
Quality of life and social life: During medical school, residency, and fellowship, the demands on your time and energy can be significant. It often requires long hours of studying, clinical rotations, and being on-call. This can limit your free time and impact your social life. However, it's important to maintain a balance and prioritize self-care and personal relationships to avoid burnout.
Ideal characteristics/personality traits: Successful doctors often possess traits like empathy, compassion, resilience, intellectual curiosity, good communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure. Being a team player, having a strong work ethic, and being open to lifelong learning are also important.
Who should not pursue medicine: While there is no specific type of person who should not pursue medicine, it's important to consider your own interests, strengths, and values. If you are not genuinely passionate about healthcare, lack the desire to continuously learn, or find it difficult to handle stress and long working hours, medicine may not be the right fit for you.
Life as a practicing physician:
A. Free time/energy for hobbies: As a practicing physician, your schedule may vary depending on your specialty and practice setting. It is possible to have free time and energy for hobbies or personal projects, but it may require good time management and work-life balance.
B. Quality of social life: Building and maintaining a social life outside of work can be challenging due to the demanding nature of the profession. However, with proper planning and prioritization, it is possible to maintain meaningful relationships and engage in social activities.
C. Work hours: Work hours can vary depending on the specialty and practice setting. Physicians often work long hours, including evenings, weekends, and being on-call. The specific hours can vary widely, but it's important to consider the potential for irregular and demanding schedules.
D. Relationship/family: Balancing a relationship or family life with the demands of being a physician can be challenging. It requires effective communication, understanding, and support from your loved ones. Flexibility and finding ways to prioritize quality time together are essential.
Student loan debt: Student loan debt can have a significant impact on a physician's lifestyle, especially in countries like the United States where medical education can be expensive. While a physician's salary is generally higher, the debt repayment can still be substantial. It's important to have a financial plan in place, live within your means, and consider options like loan forgiveness programs or income-driven repayment plans to manage the debt effectively.
Novelty and stimulation: The medical field offers a vast range of specialties and patients, which can bring novelty and stimulation to your work. While certain routine aspects exist, each patient and case is unique, and you will continually encounter new challenges, learning opportunities, and advancements in medical knowledge. It's up to you to keep the passion and curiosity alive throughout your career.
Final advice: Shadowing and volunteering in healthcare settings, talking to practicing physicians, and gaining exposure to different specialties can provide valuable insights into the medical field. Take your time to explore different areas of medicine, understand the commitment required, and consider your own passions and strengths. It's important to be sure that medicine aligns with your personal and professional goals before embarking on this career path.
Ultimately, being a physician requires dedication, lifelong learning, and a genuine passion for helping others. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the profession and reflecting on your own aspirations and values, you can make an informed decision about whether medicine is the right choice for you.
Rita Chuang
Physician
206
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
1. How was your quality of life / social life during medical school, residency, and fellowship (if applicable)?
I think this depends on how quick you learn. I am a slow learner but I don't mind spending time learning. During this time of learning, it depends on which rotation you are on. The quality of life was poor and you will need moral support. When your previously nonmedical friends want to do something, you will need to tell them that you are studying.
2. What type of people, or what type of characteristics/personality traits, tend to be the best fit for medicine?
I think this depends on which field you decide. I'm in family medicine so you need to deal with lots a personalities. You need to learn how to handle "difficulty patients." You need to be kind, efficient and smart.
3. What type of person would you recommend not peruse medicine?
If you don't like people, you can still be in medicine but maybe do research, radiology or pathology.
4. How is your life now as a practicing physician?
I don't know how many people are happy but that's not just in medicine. I think it's every field. I think medicine has been very kind to me in terms of financial but it's not easy. I am looking at retiring next year at age 53 which is considered young.
A. Do you have any free time/ energy for hobbies or personal projects unrelated to work?
I do but I don't have my own family. To raise kids is a lot of work.
B. How is the quality of your social life outside of work?
I think I'm not a good person to answer this because I don't have kids and I'm not married but you really need to juggle.
C. How many hours a day do you work? From what time to what time?
This will depend on your field. I work about 8 hours a day. When I owned my own practice, I was working longer hours and on the weekends. Many of my friends are working longer hours.
D. How is it like being in a relationship/ having a family as a physician with your lifestyle assuming you work so many hours?
5. A lot of people online warn about the amount of student loan debt you accumulate on your way to becoming a doctor, as someone who is now dealing with that debt while earning a physician's salary, how big of an impact does it actually affect your lifestyle? I feel like if you are financially responsible and you set a plan to paying that debt off and you stick to it, it shouldn't be that bad when you are bringing such a good amount each month, what are your thoughts? (This is more directed for doctors within the U.S or any other country that has similar salaries to U.S physicians)
The costs of schooling are unbelievable compared to my time. I think you need to live frugally.
6. From the novelty aspect of your work, how stimulating is being a doctor? Does it become to feel just like a routine, or does every day feel new?
I think you will never learn all of medicine so you can always learn but it's difficult and when you have free time, I don't feel like reading a medical journal. I think many times, it's overwhelming. Patients come in with multiple problems and expect you to fix everything in 15 minutes. There are also difficult patients that are demanding. They don't ask you your opinion but treat us like Amazon--I want this and this and this.
7. Anything else that you want to share about being a physician or any advice on how to know for sure that medicine is the right choice for me
I advise every person interested in medicine to work as a scribe. This is the best way to live the life of a physician, get paid and learn. If you work as a scribe, you actually see what a doctor does, you get paid, and hopefully you can talk with them about their experience. If you decide to pursue medicine, medical school will be much easier.
I think this depends on how quick you learn. I am a slow learner but I don't mind spending time learning. During this time of learning, it depends on which rotation you are on. The quality of life was poor and you will need moral support. When your previously nonmedical friends want to do something, you will need to tell them that you are studying.
2. What type of people, or what type of characteristics/personality traits, tend to be the best fit for medicine?
I think this depends on which field you decide. I'm in family medicine so you need to deal with lots a personalities. You need to learn how to handle "difficulty patients." You need to be kind, efficient and smart.
3. What type of person would you recommend not peruse medicine?
If you don't like people, you can still be in medicine but maybe do research, radiology or pathology.
4. How is your life now as a practicing physician?
I don't know how many people are happy but that's not just in medicine. I think it's every field. I think medicine has been very kind to me in terms of financial but it's not easy. I am looking at retiring next year at age 53 which is considered young.
A. Do you have any free time/ energy for hobbies or personal projects unrelated to work?
I do but I don't have my own family. To raise kids is a lot of work.
B. How is the quality of your social life outside of work?
I think I'm not a good person to answer this because I don't have kids and I'm not married but you really need to juggle.
C. How many hours a day do you work? From what time to what time?
This will depend on your field. I work about 8 hours a day. When I owned my own practice, I was working longer hours and on the weekends. Many of my friends are working longer hours.
D. How is it like being in a relationship/ having a family as a physician with your lifestyle assuming you work so many hours?
5. A lot of people online warn about the amount of student loan debt you accumulate on your way to becoming a doctor, as someone who is now dealing with that debt while earning a physician's salary, how big of an impact does it actually affect your lifestyle? I feel like if you are financially responsible and you set a plan to paying that debt off and you stick to it, it shouldn't be that bad when you are bringing such a good amount each month, what are your thoughts? (This is more directed for doctors within the U.S or any other country that has similar salaries to U.S physicians)
The costs of schooling are unbelievable compared to my time. I think you need to live frugally.
6. From the novelty aspect of your work, how stimulating is being a doctor? Does it become to feel just like a routine, or does every day feel new?
I think you will never learn all of medicine so you can always learn but it's difficult and when you have free time, I don't feel like reading a medical journal. I think many times, it's overwhelming. Patients come in with multiple problems and expect you to fix everything in 15 minutes. There are also difficult patients that are demanding. They don't ask you your opinion but treat us like Amazon--I want this and this and this.
7. Anything else that you want to share about being a physician or any advice on how to know for sure that medicine is the right choice for me
I advise every person interested in medicine to work as a scribe. This is the best way to live the life of a physician, get paid and learn. If you work as a scribe, you actually see what a doctor does, you get paid, and hopefully you can talk with them about their experience. If you decide to pursue medicine, medical school will be much easier.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Abdulaziz,
##1. The Exciting World of Medicine: A Day in the Life of a Doctor
Embarking on a journey in the field of medicine is both challenging and rewarding. It's a career that calls for unwavering dedication, a heart full of passion, and a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others. As a doctor, you'll meet a diverse range of patients, each with their unique health concerns. Your main role? To diagnose, treat, and offer support that enhances their overall well-being.
##2. Balancing Life and Work during Medical School, Residency, and Fellowship
The journey through medical school, residency, and fellowship can be demanding, often impacting your social life and overall quality of life. You might find yourself juggling long hours, intense study periods, and barely having time for hobbies or relaxation. But don't worry! Many doctors manage to find a balance, connecting with peers who share the same interests and goals, creating a supportive and encouraging community.
##3. The Key Traits for a Successful Career in Medicine
To shine in the medical field, you'll need more than just knowledge. Strong communication skills, empathy, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience are all crucial. Plus, an openness to lifelong learning is vital, given how quickly medicine advances and evolves.
##4. Who Might Find Medicine Challenging?
Medicine might not be the best fit for everyone. Those who find stress management challenging, have trouble working in teams, or lack the necessary dedication and compassion for patient care might struggle. Also, if personal interests and leisure activities take precedence over professional responsibilities, maintaining a career in medicine could be tough.
##5. The Life of a Practicing Physician
As a practicing physician, your quality of life and social life can vary greatly, depending on your specialization and personal circumstances. Some doctors may enjoy more free time for hobbies and personal projects, while others might find themselves working longer hours with little time for personal pursuits. Your social life outside work also depends on your ability to connect with colleagues and sustain relationships with friends and family.
Physicians often work long days, starting early in the morning and ending late at night. Balancing work, personal relationships, and family life can be tough, but with good time management and prioritization, it's certainly achievable.
##6. Navigating Student Loan Debt and the Financial Journey of Becoming a Doctor
The topic of student loan debt is a common concern for many aspiring doctors. While the financial burden can be hefty, it's important to remember the long-term advantages of a career in medicine. As a practicing physician, you have the potential to earn a higher salary and enjoy job stability, making it possible to pay off your debt and lead a comfortable life.
In summary, a career in medicine is demanding yet incredibly rewarding. It requires certain personality traits and a deep commitment to helping others. The work can impact your quality of life and social life, but with good time management and dedication, you can strike a healthy work-life balance. While student loan debt may be a concern, the long-term benefits of a career in medicine often outweigh the financial challenges.
Don't forget to check out my autobiography in the 'About James Constantine' section! It's packed with information about foods rich in nutrients that boost brain function, academic performance, and physical activity.
God Bless You,
James.
##1. The Exciting World of Medicine: A Day in the Life of a Doctor
Embarking on a journey in the field of medicine is both challenging and rewarding. It's a career that calls for unwavering dedication, a heart full of passion, and a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of others. As a doctor, you'll meet a diverse range of patients, each with their unique health concerns. Your main role? To diagnose, treat, and offer support that enhances their overall well-being.
##2. Balancing Life and Work during Medical School, Residency, and Fellowship
The journey through medical school, residency, and fellowship can be demanding, often impacting your social life and overall quality of life. You might find yourself juggling long hours, intense study periods, and barely having time for hobbies or relaxation. But don't worry! Many doctors manage to find a balance, connecting with peers who share the same interests and goals, creating a supportive and encouraging community.
##3. The Key Traits for a Successful Career in Medicine
To shine in the medical field, you'll need more than just knowledge. Strong communication skills, empathy, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience are all crucial. Plus, an openness to lifelong learning is vital, given how quickly medicine advances and evolves.
##4. Who Might Find Medicine Challenging?
Medicine might not be the best fit for everyone. Those who find stress management challenging, have trouble working in teams, or lack the necessary dedication and compassion for patient care might struggle. Also, if personal interests and leisure activities take precedence over professional responsibilities, maintaining a career in medicine could be tough.
##5. The Life of a Practicing Physician
As a practicing physician, your quality of life and social life can vary greatly, depending on your specialization and personal circumstances. Some doctors may enjoy more free time for hobbies and personal projects, while others might find themselves working longer hours with little time for personal pursuits. Your social life outside work also depends on your ability to connect with colleagues and sustain relationships with friends and family.
Physicians often work long days, starting early in the morning and ending late at night. Balancing work, personal relationships, and family life can be tough, but with good time management and prioritization, it's certainly achievable.
##6. Navigating Student Loan Debt and the Financial Journey of Becoming a Doctor
The topic of student loan debt is a common concern for many aspiring doctors. While the financial burden can be hefty, it's important to remember the long-term advantages of a career in medicine. As a practicing physician, you have the potential to earn a higher salary and enjoy job stability, making it possible to pay off your debt and lead a comfortable life.
In summary, a career in medicine is demanding yet incredibly rewarding. It requires certain personality traits and a deep commitment to helping others. The work can impact your quality of life and social life, but with good time management and dedication, you can strike a healthy work-life balance. While student loan debt may be a concern, the long-term benefits of a career in medicine often outweigh the financial challenges.
Don't forget to check out my autobiography in the 'About James Constantine' section! It's packed with information about foods rich in nutrients that boost brain function, academic performance, and physical activity.
God Bless You,
James.