3 answers
Ava
Student
Hamburg, Pennsylvania
3
Questions
Asked
1472 views
Is the medical field an interesting field to work in? Is it worth it?
For years, I have been set on a career path in the medical field. I have done research on different positions and even looked into the timing and effort it takes for them. It seems awfully stressful to work in any of those positions and it seems like you can not live a life outside of work. If I want to have a family but work in the medical field, will I be able to balance it? Please fill me in on how it was as an experienced person. Thank you!
3 answers
Nina Current, MS, RD, LD, CNSC
Clinical Dietitian
6
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Nina’s Answer
To build off of what the other two people have said, I would also encourage you to look at ancillary services and providers.
So things like lab technician, imaging technician (X-ray/CT/MRI), respiratory therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, registered dietitian, dietetic technician, dental assistant. The medical field is quite vast and you don't have to spend 12 years in school becoming a doctor or dentist to enter the field. Some people really want to become doctors, and I very much appreciate those people because they are important for managing healthcare at the highest level. But healthcare is provided by more than just doctors - and all of us in these varying roles help complete multidisciplinary teams that provide healthcare for the whole person.
I'm a RD (registered dietitian) in a hospital. It can be stressful at times, but I don't find it any more stressful than jobs I had in corporate work, market research, data analysis, or the education field. It took me awhile to find what I liked. And I believe that I handle the stress in my position much better because I love my role in healthcare and I love what I do to help other people.
So, my advice if you're interested in a job in healthcare: shadow different types of healthcare jobs. Ask the people you shadow why they got into their field. Consider how much time you're willing to spend in school, but balance that with what seems like areas you'd enjoy. (Sometimes it's worth it to spend a little extra time in school if you find a role you really enjoy but is a bit longer in school than you'd like.) Find jobs in the healthcare system that don't require special training in school, like HUC (hospital unit coordinator), call center staff (answering the phone to take orders for meals at a hospital), admin assistant in a clinic, etc. These jobs expose you to the system and what the work environment would be like.
I find healthcare to be an extremely rewarding field to work in. And I love working in the nutrition part of healthcare team. I hope you find your own niche within the vast field of healthcare that you can enjoy and thrive within.
So things like lab technician, imaging technician (X-ray/CT/MRI), respiratory therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, registered dietitian, dietetic technician, dental assistant. The medical field is quite vast and you don't have to spend 12 years in school becoming a doctor or dentist to enter the field. Some people really want to become doctors, and I very much appreciate those people because they are important for managing healthcare at the highest level. But healthcare is provided by more than just doctors - and all of us in these varying roles help complete multidisciplinary teams that provide healthcare for the whole person.
I'm a RD (registered dietitian) in a hospital. It can be stressful at times, but I don't find it any more stressful than jobs I had in corporate work, market research, data analysis, or the education field. It took me awhile to find what I liked. And I believe that I handle the stress in my position much better because I love my role in healthcare and I love what I do to help other people.
So, my advice if you're interested in a job in healthcare: shadow different types of healthcare jobs. Ask the people you shadow why they got into their field. Consider how much time you're willing to spend in school, but balance that with what seems like areas you'd enjoy. (Sometimes it's worth it to spend a little extra time in school if you find a role you really enjoy but is a bit longer in school than you'd like.) Find jobs in the healthcare system that don't require special training in school, like HUC (hospital unit coordinator), call center staff (answering the phone to take orders for meals at a hospital), admin assistant in a clinic, etc. These jobs expose you to the system and what the work environment would be like.
I find healthcare to be an extremely rewarding field to work in. And I love working in the nutrition part of healthcare team. I hope you find your own niche within the vast field of healthcare that you can enjoy and thrive within.
Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to respond to me. The advice you give me really means a lot and I will definitely remember it as time goes on! Once again well appreciated.
Ava
Patricia Berrios
Registered Nurse
13
Answers
Spokane, Washington
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
Ava, you're showing great wisdom by taking the time to consider if this is the right direction for you. Pursuing any degree can be a substantial investment of time, effort, and money in today's world. The specifics of these commitments will depend on your chosen field. For instance, if you're aiming to become a physician, you're looking at a 12-year journey post high school.
I'm not sure which areas you've delved into during your research. Mid-level providers, who operate under the guidance of physicians and sometimes independently in clinics, are worth considering. These roles include Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Nurse Practitioner, or Physician's Assistant.
There's also a range of auxiliary medical fields to explore, such as radiology, which includes MRI and CT technicians, as well as sonography or ultrasound. If direct patient care appeals to you, nursing is a fantastic option. Other auxiliary health care roles include Respiratory Therapist, Speech Therapist, Physical Therapist, and Occupational Therapist.
Striking a balance between work and personal life can be quite the challenge. I'd recommend seeking out job shadowing opportunities in your area or volunteering in student programs at local hospitals. Only you can truly know what you're passionate about and what will be worth your time and effort.
As a nurse, I've found a fulfilling balance of good pay, valuable experience, and a flexible work schedule. Some auxiliary positions offer similar benefits.
The life of a physician can be both exhilarating and demanding. With time and experience, you'll gain confidence and become adept at handling emergencies and complex situations. Many people grapple with work-life balance, but remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving your professional goals.
I started my family while attending college part-time and later enrolled in a full-time nursing program when my children were in preschool and elementary school. I've seen female medical students navigate their residency while pregnant. The key is to ensure you have the right support system in place.
Best of luck on your journey, Ava. Remember, it's okay to change your mind. There's always another path waiting for you.
I'm not sure which areas you've delved into during your research. Mid-level providers, who operate under the guidance of physicians and sometimes independently in clinics, are worth considering. These roles include Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Nurse Practitioner, or Physician's Assistant.
There's also a range of auxiliary medical fields to explore, such as radiology, which includes MRI and CT technicians, as well as sonography or ultrasound. If direct patient care appeals to you, nursing is a fantastic option. Other auxiliary health care roles include Respiratory Therapist, Speech Therapist, Physical Therapist, and Occupational Therapist.
Striking a balance between work and personal life can be quite the challenge. I'd recommend seeking out job shadowing opportunities in your area or volunteering in student programs at local hospitals. Only you can truly know what you're passionate about and what will be worth your time and effort.
As a nurse, I've found a fulfilling balance of good pay, valuable experience, and a flexible work schedule. Some auxiliary positions offer similar benefits.
The life of a physician can be both exhilarating and demanding. With time and experience, you'll gain confidence and become adept at handling emergencies and complex situations. Many people grapple with work-life balance, but remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving your professional goals.
I started my family while attending college part-time and later enrolled in a full-time nursing program when my children were in preschool and elementary school. I've seen female medical students navigate their residency while pregnant. The key is to ensure you have the right support system in place.
Best of luck on your journey, Ava. Remember, it's okay to change your mind. There's always another path waiting for you.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question it means a lot to me. Thank you so much!
Ava
Nicolas McKissack
Independent artist
72
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Nicolas’s Answer
I know families that have three kids and are in medical school. Personally I was never encouraged or had the opportunity to benefit from that type of support, but it is possible. I started as a PE major and was planning to take the MCAT in 2016. After some initial hesitation and getting discouraged from my peers I found myself falling back on PA studies. When I became graduated and COVID hit I didn't complete the mission due to various other factors, but I still teach and that was the initial plan before knowing my full potential throughout college. I was ambitious and now it's like a walk in the park.
Wait for a family upon completion
Don't go overboard with responsibilities
Pace yourself
Figure finances out first
If you are lucky to have that income base your life on that income/debt ratio and not providing yet
Nicolas recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Ava
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