5 answers
Priscilla
Student
1
Question
Asked
891 views
What made you want to pursue the Medical field? If this was your first career choice, why? Do you have any regrets about joining that I should know about? What is the best place to work when in the medical field?
I'm starting my trade in CMA soon and I'm a bit hesitant and am wondering if I should pursue it or not. I'm wondering if it's worth the work.
Login to comment
5 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6180
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Priscilla!
ME:-
At 9 years of age my parents had a break and I went to live with my maternal grandparents in an Australian seaside town. I ate a lot of native river oysters. The slow kid labeled as dysfunctional developed academically. Zinc from the oysters! Soon teachers were borrowing me to lecture their class.
When I was a boy of 13 my parents bought me a Christmas present then a birthday present both of them were refractor lens telescopes. I started regularly observing the heavens. I wanted to be an astronomer. I made it to an amateur astronomer anyway. My parents could not afford an eight-inch reflector telescope which was $375 in 1970. I took to grinding my own telescope mirrors. That is the most precise manual skill a human can perform.
In senior high school this course of study towards astrophysics or astronomy necessitated taking really heavy stem subjects like physics. In 1972 the physics teacher taught us computing. Over the next 52 years I have continued studying programming and developing software. I had to repeat grade 11, my parents allowed me to do it in 1973. The idea was to get me into university. In 1974 I was in grade 12 and my 38 year old uncle, my father's brother died of a massive coronary. I could not study chemistry in senior high school because the class was overcrowded. Consequentially I could not study medicine.
I started at a new university, Griffith in Brisbane. Then the weirdest thing happened. My uncle Mike's old supervisor Professor Masters, from 1960 came to lecture in biochemistry at Griffith. I call it "An Act of God." Well yours faithfully changed majors to biochemistry and started reading up on nutrition. After my first degree I went to another university to do fourth year postgraduate biochemistry. I taught first year dentistry and second year medicine.
The topic that really interested me was Californian Professor Linus Pauling's orthomolecular nutrition. This involves the treatment of diseases with select nutrients: God's Pharmacopeia - not man's. I had the good fortune to talk to Lady Dr Phyllis Cilento in 1981. She was recommending me studying orthomolecular nutrition. This involves using 'the right molecules' like amino-acids, vitamins, and minerals to treat illnesses. Phyllis told me to do the postgraduate diploma in Sydney. I did that then worked with natural therapists.
My father died of a coronary at 50 years of age in 1985. I enrolled with a third university and studied to be a dietitian. I had seen enough coronary artery disease in my family. I commenced helping people as a dietitian-nutritionist. I got a job in Dubbo, New South Wales. I covered a large outback swathe, a third of the state. I visited regional rural hospitals and community health centers and consulted patients. Then I moved back to Brisbane and did three years of private practice.
After that I got another job in Western Australia, at Port Hedland. This was a regional dietitian's position covering a fifth of the state, and quite remote. I started a Masters in Public Health by distance education with the University of New South Wales. Then I got my fourth position as a contract dietitian-nutritionist back in Queensland in the outback town of Roma. This was excellent pay at $45 an hour.
I combined the two talents when in 1994 a patient told me that the one-day sample menus were not sufficient to tell her what to eat. This was the nutrition education resource in written form utilized world-wide by nutritionists and dietitians. Then there were the food group selection lists from many dietitians. This resource did not cut the mustard either. Too many mathematical demands on the patient, who was unsure for weeks, whether they were doing this properly.
Well this patient wanted a 14-day food menu! I set about crafting the necessary software to do the job. That involved Equations of Randomized Iterative Complementation {ERIC}. Seven computer languages later I made the Diet Wizard.
NO REGRETS - PEOPLE WERE DYING!
AI:-
Pursuing a Career in the Medical Field
Choosing to pursue a career in the medical field is often driven by a combination of personal passion, interest in science, and the desire to help others. Many individuals are motivated by experiences that highlight the importance of healthcare, such as witnessing the impact of medical professionals on family members or friends during times of illness. The medical field offers a variety of roles, from direct patient care to administrative positions, which can cater to different interests and skill sets.
First Career Choice and Reasons for Pursuing Medicine
For many aspiring healthcare professionals, the medical field is their first career choice due to several compelling reasons:
Desire to Help Others: A fundamental reason for entering this field is the intrinsic motivation to make a difference in people’s lives. Healthcare professionals have the opportunity to provide care, support, and healing during some of the most challenging times in patients’ lives.
Interest in Science and Medicine: A strong interest in biology, chemistry, and human anatomy often drives individuals toward medicine. The complexity of the human body and its functions can be fascinating and fulfilling to study.
Job Stability and Demand: The healthcare sector is known for its resilience even during economic downturns. There is a consistent demand for healthcare workers, which provides job security.
Diverse Career Opportunities: The medical field encompasses various specialties and roles—ranging from doctors and nurses to technicians and administrative staff—allowing individuals to find their niche based on their skills and interests.
Continuous Learning: Medicine is an ever-evolving field with ongoing research and advancements. This aspect appeals to those who enjoy lifelong learning and staying updated with new technologies and treatments.
Regrets About Joining the Medical Field
While many find fulfillment in their medical careers, some may experience regrets or challenges:
High Stress Levels: The medical profession can be incredibly demanding both physically and emotionally. Long hours, high-stakes situations, and emotional tolls can lead to burnout if not managed properly.
Educational Commitment: Pursuing a career in medicine often requires significant time investment in education and training. Some may regret this commitment if they feel unprepared or if they discover that their interests lie elsewhere after beginning their studies.
Work-Life Balance Challenges: Many roles within healthcare require irregular hours or being on-call, which can disrupt personal life balance.
Financial Considerations: While many positions offer competitive salaries, the cost of education (especially for physicians) can lead to substantial debt that weighs heavily on graduates early in their careers.
It’s essential for anyone considering this path to weigh these factors carefully against their motivations for entering the field.
Best Places to Work in the Medical Field
The best place to work within the medical field largely depends on individual preferences regarding work environment, specialty interests, location, salary expectations, work-life balance, and opportunities for advancement:
Hospitals vs. Private Practices: Hospitals often provide diverse experiences due to exposure to various cases but may come with higher stress levels compared to private practices that might offer more predictable hours.
Research Institutions: For those interested in advancing medicine through research rather than direct patient care, working at academic or research institutions can be highly rewarding.
Community Health Centers: These centers focus on providing care regardless of patients’ ability to pay; working here can be fulfilling for those passionate about serving underserved populations.
Telemedicine Companies: With advancements in technology post-COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has become increasingly popular offering flexibility while still allowing practitioners to provide care remotely.
Government Agencies or Nonprofits: These organizations often focus on public health initiatives or global health issues; they may appeal more if you are interested in policy-making or community health rather than direct patient interaction.
Ultimately, it’s crucial for you as an aspiring Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) student to reflect on your values and what aspects of a workplace are most important for your satisfaction before making any decisions about your career path.
Probability that this answer is correct: 95%
GOD BLESS!
JC.
ME:-
At 9 years of age my parents had a break and I went to live with my maternal grandparents in an Australian seaside town. I ate a lot of native river oysters. The slow kid labeled as dysfunctional developed academically. Zinc from the oysters! Soon teachers were borrowing me to lecture their class.
When I was a boy of 13 my parents bought me a Christmas present then a birthday present both of them were refractor lens telescopes. I started regularly observing the heavens. I wanted to be an astronomer. I made it to an amateur astronomer anyway. My parents could not afford an eight-inch reflector telescope which was $375 in 1970. I took to grinding my own telescope mirrors. That is the most precise manual skill a human can perform.
In senior high school this course of study towards astrophysics or astronomy necessitated taking really heavy stem subjects like physics. In 1972 the physics teacher taught us computing. Over the next 52 years I have continued studying programming and developing software. I had to repeat grade 11, my parents allowed me to do it in 1973. The idea was to get me into university. In 1974 I was in grade 12 and my 38 year old uncle, my father's brother died of a massive coronary. I could not study chemistry in senior high school because the class was overcrowded. Consequentially I could not study medicine.
I started at a new university, Griffith in Brisbane. Then the weirdest thing happened. My uncle Mike's old supervisor Professor Masters, from 1960 came to lecture in biochemistry at Griffith. I call it "An Act of God." Well yours faithfully changed majors to biochemistry and started reading up on nutrition. After my first degree I went to another university to do fourth year postgraduate biochemistry. I taught first year dentistry and second year medicine.
The topic that really interested me was Californian Professor Linus Pauling's orthomolecular nutrition. This involves the treatment of diseases with select nutrients: God's Pharmacopeia - not man's. I had the good fortune to talk to Lady Dr Phyllis Cilento in 1981. She was recommending me studying orthomolecular nutrition. This involves using 'the right molecules' like amino-acids, vitamins, and minerals to treat illnesses. Phyllis told me to do the postgraduate diploma in Sydney. I did that then worked with natural therapists.
My father died of a coronary at 50 years of age in 1985. I enrolled with a third university and studied to be a dietitian. I had seen enough coronary artery disease in my family. I commenced helping people as a dietitian-nutritionist. I got a job in Dubbo, New South Wales. I covered a large outback swathe, a third of the state. I visited regional rural hospitals and community health centers and consulted patients. Then I moved back to Brisbane and did three years of private practice.
After that I got another job in Western Australia, at Port Hedland. This was a regional dietitian's position covering a fifth of the state, and quite remote. I started a Masters in Public Health by distance education with the University of New South Wales. Then I got my fourth position as a contract dietitian-nutritionist back in Queensland in the outback town of Roma. This was excellent pay at $45 an hour.
I combined the two talents when in 1994 a patient told me that the one-day sample menus were not sufficient to tell her what to eat. This was the nutrition education resource in written form utilized world-wide by nutritionists and dietitians. Then there were the food group selection lists from many dietitians. This resource did not cut the mustard either. Too many mathematical demands on the patient, who was unsure for weeks, whether they were doing this properly.
Well this patient wanted a 14-day food menu! I set about crafting the necessary software to do the job. That involved Equations of Randomized Iterative Complementation {ERIC}. Seven computer languages later I made the Diet Wizard.
NO REGRETS - PEOPLE WERE DYING!
AI:-
Pursuing a Career in the Medical Field
Choosing to pursue a career in the medical field is often driven by a combination of personal passion, interest in science, and the desire to help others. Many individuals are motivated by experiences that highlight the importance of healthcare, such as witnessing the impact of medical professionals on family members or friends during times of illness. The medical field offers a variety of roles, from direct patient care to administrative positions, which can cater to different interests and skill sets.
First Career Choice and Reasons for Pursuing Medicine
For many aspiring healthcare professionals, the medical field is their first career choice due to several compelling reasons:
Desire to Help Others: A fundamental reason for entering this field is the intrinsic motivation to make a difference in people’s lives. Healthcare professionals have the opportunity to provide care, support, and healing during some of the most challenging times in patients’ lives.
Interest in Science and Medicine: A strong interest in biology, chemistry, and human anatomy often drives individuals toward medicine. The complexity of the human body and its functions can be fascinating and fulfilling to study.
Job Stability and Demand: The healthcare sector is known for its resilience even during economic downturns. There is a consistent demand for healthcare workers, which provides job security.
Diverse Career Opportunities: The medical field encompasses various specialties and roles—ranging from doctors and nurses to technicians and administrative staff—allowing individuals to find their niche based on their skills and interests.
Continuous Learning: Medicine is an ever-evolving field with ongoing research and advancements. This aspect appeals to those who enjoy lifelong learning and staying updated with new technologies and treatments.
Regrets About Joining the Medical Field
While many find fulfillment in their medical careers, some may experience regrets or challenges:
High Stress Levels: The medical profession can be incredibly demanding both physically and emotionally. Long hours, high-stakes situations, and emotional tolls can lead to burnout if not managed properly.
Educational Commitment: Pursuing a career in medicine often requires significant time investment in education and training. Some may regret this commitment if they feel unprepared or if they discover that their interests lie elsewhere after beginning their studies.
Work-Life Balance Challenges: Many roles within healthcare require irregular hours or being on-call, which can disrupt personal life balance.
Financial Considerations: While many positions offer competitive salaries, the cost of education (especially for physicians) can lead to substantial debt that weighs heavily on graduates early in their careers.
It’s essential for anyone considering this path to weigh these factors carefully against their motivations for entering the field.
Best Places to Work in the Medical Field
The best place to work within the medical field largely depends on individual preferences regarding work environment, specialty interests, location, salary expectations, work-life balance, and opportunities for advancement:
Hospitals vs. Private Practices: Hospitals often provide diverse experiences due to exposure to various cases but may come with higher stress levels compared to private practices that might offer more predictable hours.
Research Institutions: For those interested in advancing medicine through research rather than direct patient care, working at academic or research institutions can be highly rewarding.
Community Health Centers: These centers focus on providing care regardless of patients’ ability to pay; working here can be fulfilling for those passionate about serving underserved populations.
Telemedicine Companies: With advancements in technology post-COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has become increasingly popular offering flexibility while still allowing practitioners to provide care remotely.
Government Agencies or Nonprofits: These organizations often focus on public health initiatives or global health issues; they may appeal more if you are interested in policy-making or community health rather than direct patient interaction.
Ultimately, it’s crucial for you as an aspiring Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) student to reflect on your values and what aspects of a workplace are most important for your satisfaction before making any decisions about your career path.
Probability that this answer is correct: 95%
GOD BLESS!
JC.
Rachel Gilmer
RN, Labor & Delivery; College Faculty
20
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Making a career choice is difficult especially if you are receiving pressure from family and friends. Starting as a medical assistant or nursing aide can give you an introduction to the nursing and medical field without a huge financial investment.
As you start your training assess your feelings about the work. Does this bring you joy or anxiety? Do you feel a sense of accomplishment or are you dreading everything about your training?
Remember in nursing/ medicine we are generally caring for people when they are sick, anxious, worried, and scared. They may not be the best human they can be, so we have to come to work everyday with a renewed spirit of compassion and empathy.
The reason I chose to answer your question in this manner is because I sensed in your question you are wondering if this is the right field to get into. If you decide to move forward in your training and complete it, remember you can change your mind and choose something else completely. If you work in a doctor's office you will have exposure to medical billing, pharmacy personnel, and pharmaceutical companies. If your work in a hospital setting, you will have exposure to so many other personnel as mentored by someone else earlier. You DON'T have to choose between a nurse or doctor only, there are so many professions where you can be helping people directly and indirectly.
I hope this was helpful, good luck!
As you start your training assess your feelings about the work. Does this bring you joy or anxiety? Do you feel a sense of accomplishment or are you dreading everything about your training?
Remember in nursing/ medicine we are generally caring for people when they are sick, anxious, worried, and scared. They may not be the best human they can be, so we have to come to work everyday with a renewed spirit of compassion and empathy.
The reason I chose to answer your question in this manner is because I sensed in your question you are wondering if this is the right field to get into. If you decide to move forward in your training and complete it, remember you can change your mind and choose something else completely. If you work in a doctor's office you will have exposure to medical billing, pharmacy personnel, and pharmaceutical companies. If your work in a hospital setting, you will have exposure to so many other personnel as mentored by someone else earlier. You DON'T have to choose between a nurse or doctor only, there are so many professions where you can be helping people directly and indirectly.
I hope this was helpful, good luck!
Kathleen Rezek
Laboratory and compliance
62
Answers
Stanwood, Michigan
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
Hello! What an interesting question! I'm sure there are many different answers; mine is multi- faceted. I grew up on a small lake in Michigan and was fascinated with all the different lake creatures. I used to catch tadpoles, keep them in a bucket and watch them become frogs. That fostered a love for science and biology. I also liked experimenting in high school chemistry. When I had to have some blood work done, I fell in love with labwork and the fact that without the lab, doctors are just guessing. I worked over 40 years in medical labs and never had any trouble finding a job when we moved or I felt the need to be more challenged. There are many opportunities in Healthcare and as a CMA you will have exposure to a lot of them. Find one that suits your interests and abilities and you can enjoy a long satisfying career! Best to you!
Kathie
Kathie
Hailey Hamilton
Nurse
96
Answers
Canton, Georgia
Updated
Hailey’s Answer
Being a nurse is what I’ve always wants to do. I never even gave any thought to their career paths until much later. The only regret I have is the year I took off after high school. Had I not taken that off, I could have gotten an RN by the time I finished my LPN. There are so many options in the medical field. If you find one setting isn’t suiting you, you can change departments, office types, etc.
Bailey BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC
Registered Nurse
76
Answers
Updated
Bailey’s Answer
It was not worth the time or money for me to become a medical assistant. I wish I would have gotten my CNA license instead, which was cheaper by thousands of dollars. When I decided to go to nursing school it was very challenging to complete courses while working 8-5 Monday-Friday. If I was a CNA I could have worked 3 days 12hr shifts. I had to quit my job as a medical assistant and start working as a patient care tech in the hospital. I was still paying on my student loan for medical assistant when I was in nursing school.
If you want to advance your career, I advise against medical assistant.
If you want to advance your career, I advise against medical assistant.