6 answers
Joy
Student
Roosevelt, New York
1
Question
Asked
1090 views
What is essential for successfully choosing a career in medicine?
I've always wanted to pursue a career in medicine and that has not changed. But, I want to create a life for myself where I'm financially stable and happy. So, how do you choose a career that makes enough to support your lifestyle while maintaining a happy life.
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6 answers
Yaz M
Recruit
50
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Yaz’s Answer
I think with any career in medicine, you should be able to be financially stable depending on what lifestyle you want.
However, choosing what path in medicine will require some research and deep thinking with yourself.
In medicine, you could decide to be a dentist, but maybe you dont want to look out mouths all day. You could be a brain surgeon, but what might require too many years of school that you dont want to do. Maybe you want to be a pediatrician because you love kids. You should research what exactly in the medical field you like and dont like as that will aid you in narrowing down a choice. I would suggest you pick something that can fulfill you emotionally and that you are passionate about. Some medical professionals work more than others, and some have more highly intensive jobs than others as well. So just research, talk with people and even consider doing an internship so you can see live field work.
However, choosing what path in medicine will require some research and deep thinking with yourself.
In medicine, you could decide to be a dentist, but maybe you dont want to look out mouths all day. You could be a brain surgeon, but what might require too many years of school that you dont want to do. Maybe you want to be a pediatrician because you love kids. You should research what exactly in the medical field you like and dont like as that will aid you in narrowing down a choice. I would suggest you pick something that can fulfill you emotionally and that you are passionate about. Some medical professionals work more than others, and some have more highly intensive jobs than others as well. So just research, talk with people and even consider doing an internship so you can see live field work.
Michel Davis
Medical student
171
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Michel’s Answer
Shadowing is a great opportunity to figure out what you truly enjoy. Other things you can do to get a taste of the different fields in medicine is volunteering. With volunteering you will be exposed to a lot of different jobs that are in the hospital. Finding the right field is hard, but there are a lot of options in the medical field, and each one of those careers and options come with their owns down sides and benefits. Personally i fell in love with becoming a doctor because i really love continuing my education. I know others who love the chemistry about it and love medications and their different effects and they chose pharmacy. Others love helping people and being around the same patients each day and they go into nursing.
Madison Buchman
doctor
112
Answers
West Hartford
Updated
Madison’s Answer
1. Making sure you want to be a doctor 100% and this is the career that would make you the most happy while AT work 2. That you can commit to the years of medical school and residency both time wise and financially understanding that commitment 3. You can absolutely have a happy life and do both but must learn good skills for work life balance skills such as good planning ahead and time management and setting time expectations with people in your life as well
George Ducach
Podiatry
35
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
George’s Answer
Hi Joy. I will try to answer your question based only on my personal opinion and experience. It is safe to say that I had similar goals to you. That is, to work in a field of Medicine, enjoy my work, be financially stable and enjoy a wonderful family life. I was accepted to a very good University that had an excellent Pre-Med program, had a highly rated Medical School and a beautiful campus to live in. I had a great experience there but (sometimes there is a "but") it did not work out for me as I had planned. I did have a chance to attend Medical School in places like Spain (I am fluent in Spanish) but I hesitated about being away from the USA for at least 6 years. I was hired by a very good company shortly after graduation which allowed me to afford a very nice apartment and I enjoyed some aspects of the work. My job brought me to the office of a Podiatric Doctor one day while working in Vermont and my life changed forever. After talking to him for a while, I found out that he was very enthusiastic and proud about his chosen profession and had built a very good life for his family. He had 3 offices at the time and had a busy foot surgery schedule working in 2 hospitals. He encouraged me to research the profession of Podiatry and consider applying for the next year's class. My instincts told me to follow his advise. I had fulfilled all the academic requirements to apply (the same as any Medical School) and only had to take the MCAT (Medical College Aptitude Test). I was accepted to the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM) and truly spent some of the best years of my life studying and training there. Every day I learned something new medically not just about the human foot but about the entire body as well. By the way, this learning environment really continued throughout all my working life. I recently retired after 45 years of practice! To quote your words "I created a life that has been financially stable and happy." My main point is keep your mind opened , study to the best of your ability, research what may interest you (including visiting Doctor's offices, clinics, etc) and stay positive. Joy, you will find your way.
Understand and take what courses are required for you to complete to apply to Medical programs and if you have to have so many hours of "clinical" experience before applying
George recommends the following next steps:
Marlyce Campbell
Respiratory Therapist
42
Answers
WaKeeney, Kansas
Updated
Marlyce’s Answer
Hey there, Joy!
While you're still navigating your way through school, why not connect with your career or student counselor? They can guide you towards job shadowing opportunities, providing a valuable glimpse into the myriad of medical fields out there. Personally, I had always dreamt of being a paramedic, but I found immense satisfaction in becoming a Respiratory Therapist.
The beauty of this profession is the vast range of areas you can choose to work in, from flight and clinic to ICU and teaching - the options are endless. Nowadays, you can even aim for an advanced practitioner role in Respiratory Therapy! This profession truly lets you reach for the stars.
I was fortunate enough to land my dream job in Pulmonary Rehab. I hope you too discover a field that fills you with joy and satisfaction. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination!
While you're still navigating your way through school, why not connect with your career or student counselor? They can guide you towards job shadowing opportunities, providing a valuable glimpse into the myriad of medical fields out there. Personally, I had always dreamt of being a paramedic, but I found immense satisfaction in becoming a Respiratory Therapist.
The beauty of this profession is the vast range of areas you can choose to work in, from flight and clinic to ICU and teaching - the options are endless. Nowadays, you can even aim for an advanced practitioner role in Respiratory Therapy! This profession truly lets you reach for the stars.
I was fortunate enough to land my dream job in Pulmonary Rehab. I hope you too discover a field that fills you with joy and satisfaction. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6183
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Joy!
Deciding to pursue a career in medicine is a big step that demands thoughtful contemplation and strategic planning. To make this journey successful, while also ensuring your financial well-being and personal happiness, you should consider several key factors.
1. Self-Reflection and Passion: Before diving into the medical field, it's important to take a step back and reflect on what truly drives you. Medicine is a challenging profession that demands dedication and commitment. It's essential to evaluate your motivations and ensure that you have a real passion for helping others, solving intricate problems, and lifelong learning.
2. Exploring the Field: Take the time to thoroughly explore the various medical specialties available. This will help you understand the different roles and responsibilities within the field and identify the area that best matches your interests and strengths. Think about aspects like work-life balance, job prospects, potential earnings, and opportunities for growth.
3. Education and Training: A career in medicine requires the right education and training. This usually involves completing an undergraduate degree with pre-medical coursework, followed by medical school. It's important to research reputable medical schools and their admission requirements. Also, consider alternative routes like accelerated programs or combined degree programs for a more efficient path to becoming a doctor.
4. Mentors and Networking: Establishing relationships with mentors who are experienced healthcare professionals can provide priceless guidance throughout your career journey. Mentors can shed light on the realities of the medical profession, give advice on specialty selection, and help navigate the challenges of medical training. Networking within the medical community can also open doors to various opportunities such as research collaborations or job prospects.
5. Gaining Experience: Hands-on experience through volunteering, internships, or shadowing opportunities is crucial for understanding the practical aspects of medicine. This experience not only confirms your interest in the field but also helps you develop vital skills and build a strong resume for future applications.
6. Financial Planning: The financial aspects of a medical career are important for long-term stability. Medical education can be costly, so researching scholarships, grants, and loan repayment options to reduce debt is essential. Understanding the earning potential within different medical specialties can help you make informed decisions about your future career path.
7. Work-Life Balance: Balancing a fulfilling personal life with a career in medicine requires careful planning. Medicine can be demanding, with long hours and high stress levels. Prioritizing self-care, maintaining healthy relationships, and finding joy in activities outside of medicine are important. Developing effective time management skills and setting boundaries can also contribute to a healthy work-life balance.
8. Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Medicine is a constantly evolving field, requiring doctors to stay updated with the latest research, technologies, and treatment methods. Lifelong learning and adaptability are key to success in medicine. Pursuing continuous medical education opportunities and participating in professional development activities will ensure you stay on top of medical advancements.
In a nutshell, to successfully embark on a medical career while maintaining financial stability and personal happiness, it's important to reflect on your motivations, thoroughly research the field, get the right education and training, build a supportive network, gain practical experience, plan financially, prioritize work-life balance, and commit to continuous learning.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names:
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - AAMC offers extensive information on medical education, including admission requirements, career guidance, and resources for aspiring doctors.
American Medical Association (AMA) - AMA provides valuable resources for physicians at all stages of their careers, covering topics like professional development, practice management, and advocacy.
Medscape - Medscape is a leading online resource for healthcare professionals, offering medical news, educational materials, and career guidance specific to various medical specialties.
Don't forget to check out the About James section to learn more about my autobiography. It includes details about nutrient-rich foods that are beneficial for brain health during academic and intellectual work and study.
Stay Blessed,
James.
Deciding to pursue a career in medicine is a big step that demands thoughtful contemplation and strategic planning. To make this journey successful, while also ensuring your financial well-being and personal happiness, you should consider several key factors.
1. Self-Reflection and Passion: Before diving into the medical field, it's important to take a step back and reflect on what truly drives you. Medicine is a challenging profession that demands dedication and commitment. It's essential to evaluate your motivations and ensure that you have a real passion for helping others, solving intricate problems, and lifelong learning.
2. Exploring the Field: Take the time to thoroughly explore the various medical specialties available. This will help you understand the different roles and responsibilities within the field and identify the area that best matches your interests and strengths. Think about aspects like work-life balance, job prospects, potential earnings, and opportunities for growth.
3. Education and Training: A career in medicine requires the right education and training. This usually involves completing an undergraduate degree with pre-medical coursework, followed by medical school. It's important to research reputable medical schools and their admission requirements. Also, consider alternative routes like accelerated programs or combined degree programs for a more efficient path to becoming a doctor.
4. Mentors and Networking: Establishing relationships with mentors who are experienced healthcare professionals can provide priceless guidance throughout your career journey. Mentors can shed light on the realities of the medical profession, give advice on specialty selection, and help navigate the challenges of medical training. Networking within the medical community can also open doors to various opportunities such as research collaborations or job prospects.
5. Gaining Experience: Hands-on experience through volunteering, internships, or shadowing opportunities is crucial for understanding the practical aspects of medicine. This experience not only confirms your interest in the field but also helps you develop vital skills and build a strong resume for future applications.
6. Financial Planning: The financial aspects of a medical career are important for long-term stability. Medical education can be costly, so researching scholarships, grants, and loan repayment options to reduce debt is essential. Understanding the earning potential within different medical specialties can help you make informed decisions about your future career path.
7. Work-Life Balance: Balancing a fulfilling personal life with a career in medicine requires careful planning. Medicine can be demanding, with long hours and high stress levels. Prioritizing self-care, maintaining healthy relationships, and finding joy in activities outside of medicine are important. Developing effective time management skills and setting boundaries can also contribute to a healthy work-life balance.
8. Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Medicine is a constantly evolving field, requiring doctors to stay updated with the latest research, technologies, and treatment methods. Lifelong learning and adaptability are key to success in medicine. Pursuing continuous medical education opportunities and participating in professional development activities will ensure you stay on top of medical advancements.
In a nutshell, to successfully embark on a medical career while maintaining financial stability and personal happiness, it's important to reflect on your motivations, thoroughly research the field, get the right education and training, build a supportive network, gain practical experience, plan financially, prioritize work-life balance, and commit to continuous learning.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names:
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - AAMC offers extensive information on medical education, including admission requirements, career guidance, and resources for aspiring doctors.
American Medical Association (AMA) - AMA provides valuable resources for physicians at all stages of their careers, covering topics like professional development, practice management, and advocacy.
Medscape - Medscape is a leading online resource for healthcare professionals, offering medical news, educational materials, and career guidance specific to various medical specialties.
Don't forget to check out the About James section to learn more about my autobiography. It includes details about nutrient-rich foods that are beneficial for brain health during academic and intellectual work and study.
Stay Blessed,
James.