5 answers
Ellie
Student
Conifer, Colorado
1
Question
Asked
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Is it worth it to go to medical school and all of the training ?
Is it worth it to go through all the training and schooling to do these jobs. How often do you work and what hours? My dream job is a surgeon I just want free time as well. Thank you&
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5 answers
Paul Treuhaft, MD, MA
Retired surgeon who replaced hips and knees
38
Answers
Santa Rosa, California
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I am a retired orthopaedic surgeon who had the great good fortune to be part of the first group of orthopaedic doctors to be able to do joint replacements. When I finished training I looked for a practice where I thought I could make the most use of the advanced skills I had mastered. I chose a practice in Wisconsin, where there were many people in serious hip and knee surgery, and these were the things I could do best. I could have made more money if I had chosen to practice in a large city, but I could not have helped more people. I worked very hard, but I really enjoyed it, in large part because of the multiple thank-you’s I got from my patients, but also because of the good that I could see I was accomplishing. I could have made more money, but I do not think I could have found more satisfaction. To have the ability and opportunity to study medicine is a blessing in its own right. To learn how to do it and have the opportunity to help people in ways that few others can do is a further blessing. Then add in the respect you earn from others plus a good income. How could you make a better choice about how to spend your life?
Paul S. Treuhaft, MD, MA
Paul S. Treuhaft, MD, MA
Andy Zhang
Healthcare Consultant
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Andy’s Answer
Hi Ellie,
I'm not a doctor and cannot speak to the challenges of becoming a surgeon, but I'll provide a slightly different answer than you might expect: going to medical school does not force you to work as a doctor! Pursuing your medical degree will give you experience on medical practice, public health, scientific knowledge, but leading to and during medical school you can take all kinds of classes on other things you might be interested in. Many medical degree graduates take these skills they learn and enter business, entrepreneurship, nonprofit, and other types of exciting fields of work. If for whatever reason you find in the future that you are no longer interested in becoming a surgeon, there are still many options open to you after medical school.
Best of luck!
I'm not a doctor and cannot speak to the challenges of becoming a surgeon, but I'll provide a slightly different answer than you might expect: going to medical school does not force you to work as a doctor! Pursuing your medical degree will give you experience on medical practice, public health, scientific knowledge, but leading to and during medical school you can take all kinds of classes on other things you might be interested in. Many medical degree graduates take these skills they learn and enter business, entrepreneurship, nonprofit, and other types of exciting fields of work. If for whatever reason you find in the future that you are no longer interested in becoming a surgeon, there are still many options open to you after medical school.
Best of luck!
Susan Burg
Surgical Technician
25
Answers
Torrance, California
Updated
Susan’s Answer
Hi Ellie.
You are the only person who can answer this question. Is it worth it? If it's your dream and your committed, I'd say yes. If your not sure, then maybe. You should talk to a counselor. Try to volunteer at a hospital so you can see, talk to and get an idea of hospital life. It's a career you really need to be dedicated to. Good luck.
You are the only person who can answer this question. Is it worth it? If it's your dream and your committed, I'd say yes. If your not sure, then maybe. You should talk to a counselor. Try to volunteer at a hospital so you can see, talk to and get an idea of hospital life. It's a career you really need to be dedicated to. Good luck.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
5724
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Ellie!
ME:-
The same reason l became a dietitian - to help people with their health. Get empowered and start teaching the teachers who train doctors or nurses that way you are at the top of the information distribution pyramid. What you want to do is divulge information to the gate-holder personnel. Try to start writing nutrition education software, nothing fancy, just basic didacticism that can change life outcomes.
Someone bought me telescopes a long time ago, my mother and father. Suddenly I wanted to become an astronomer. In 1972 I took a physics class in grade 11 high school. The chemistry and biology classes were too crowded for me to enter. The biology and chemistry majors were necessary for me to study medicine. In 1975 I considered a bridging chemistry first-year course at university to get the prerequisites for medicine. But the physics was not a waste of time!
The physics teacher brought out computer cards. They were to be used for programming the PDP-10 computer at Queensland University, which took up a whole floor of the Physics Department! This was before personal computers too! I started my first-year of study at Brisbane's newest university, Griffith. There were only 800 students!
My Uncle had died the year before, in 1974, of familial hypercholesterolemia, a massive heart attack. With a serum cholesterol four times normal. Then his old academic supervisor in biochemistry from 1960, Professor Colin Masters turns up - at our university! He recalled my Uncle fondly. Suddenly I dropped the mathematics and physics majors to study what I had missed out on in senior high school to get me in to study medicine! I started studying biochemistry under Colin, following in my Uncle's footsteps.
Then I developed an interest in nutrition, after reading Doctor Paavo Airola's book "Are You Confused?" - on the mechanics of nutrition. In 1980 I started teaching medical students second-year biochemistry. I did work experience with a natural therapist. He utilized vitamins and minerals to treat disease. In 1981 I commenced a postgraduate diploma in nutritional medicine, a course for doctors to treat diseases with nutrients! With the death of my Dad, from a heart attack in 1985, at 50 years of age; I started studying for a postgraduate diploma in nutrition and dietetics. In 1982 I completed a fourth year, Master's Qualifying in Biochemistry, which was like a deferred Honors Qualification, probably only at level 2B.
I was lucky enough to talk to Lady Dr Phyllis Cilento, who was a medical practitioner in Brisbane. She had been knighted by Queen Elizabeth the Second for her work with mothers and children. She was known as "the medical mother." She didn't believe I should study dietetics and become a dietician. She passed away in 1987. I did the postgraduate diploma in "orthomolecular nutrition" as she advised. But I also did nutrition and dietetics. Being a glutton for punishment I also studied a postgraduate diploma in public health.
In 1994 I brought the two talents together - computer programming and nutrition. I started writing nutrition education software! That was the beginning of Diet Wizard!
I always say - if you cannot help people - what is the good of you?
AI:-
Is It Worth It to Go to Medical School and All of the Training?
Deciding whether to pursue a career in medicine, particularly as a surgeon, is a significant choice that involves weighing various factors including personal aspirations, financial implications, lifestyle considerations, and the demands of the profession. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of these aspects.
1. The Commitment to Education and Training
Becoming a surgeon requires extensive education and training:
Undergraduate Education: Typically, aspiring medical students complete a four-year undergraduate degree with a focus on science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
Medical School: This is generally another four years. The first two years are primarily classroom-based learning about medical sciences, while the last two years involve clinical rotations in various specialties.
Residency: After medical school, you must complete a residency program in surgery which can last anywhere from 5 to 7 years depending on the surgical specialty (e.g., general surgery vs. orthopedic surgery).
Fellowship (Optional): Some surgeons choose to further specialize by completing a fellowship which can add an additional 1 to 3 years of training.
In total, this path can take over a decade from undergraduate studies through residency.
2. Financial Considerations
The financial investment in medical education is substantial:
Tuition Costs: Medical school tuition can range from $20,000 to over $60,000 per year depending on whether it’s public or private. Total debt for graduates can exceed $200,000.
Earning Potential: Surgeons typically earn high salaries; according to recent data, average annual salaries for surgeons can range from $300,000 to over $500,000 depending on specialty and location. However, it may take several years post-training before reaching these earning levels due to student loan repayment obligations.
3. Work Hours and Lifestyle
Surgeons often work long hours that can vary significantly based on their specialty and practice setting:
Typical Work Hours: Surgeons may work anywhere from 50 to 80 hours per week. This includes time spent in surgery as well as pre-operative and post-operative care.
On-call Requirements: Many surgeons are required to be on-call for emergencies which can disrupt personal time and lead to unpredictable schedules.
Work-Life Balance: Achieving work-life balance can be challenging due to the demanding nature of surgical practice. While some surgeons find ways to manage their time effectively, others may struggle with limited free time especially during the early years of their careers.
4. Personal Fulfillment vs. Sacrifice
Ultimately, whether pursuing this path is “worth it” depends on individual values:
Passion for Medicine: If you have a strong desire to help others and are passionate about medicine and surgery specifically, this career can be incredibly rewarding despite its challenges.
Job Satisfaction: Many surgeons report high levels of job satisfaction due to the impact they have on patients’ lives and the intellectual challenges presented by complex cases.
Personal Sacrifices: It’s essential to consider what you might sacrifice in terms of personal time with family or friends during your training and early career stages.
Conclusion
In summary, pursuing a career as a surgeon involves significant educational commitments, financial investments, long working hours with potential sacrifices in personal life balance. However, if you are passionate about medicine and willing to navigate these challenges for the sake of your dream job in surgery, many find it ultimately rewarding both personally and professionally.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
American Medical Association (AMA) - Provides comprehensive information about medical education pathways.
Medscape Physician Compensation Report - Offers insights into physician salaries across various specialties including surgery.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - Supplies data regarding medical school costs and financial aid options available for students pursuing medical degrees.
God Bless You!
JC.
ME:-
The same reason l became a dietitian - to help people with their health. Get empowered and start teaching the teachers who train doctors or nurses that way you are at the top of the information distribution pyramid. What you want to do is divulge information to the gate-holder personnel. Try to start writing nutrition education software, nothing fancy, just basic didacticism that can change life outcomes.
Someone bought me telescopes a long time ago, my mother and father. Suddenly I wanted to become an astronomer. In 1972 I took a physics class in grade 11 high school. The chemistry and biology classes were too crowded for me to enter. The biology and chemistry majors were necessary for me to study medicine. In 1975 I considered a bridging chemistry first-year course at university to get the prerequisites for medicine. But the physics was not a waste of time!
The physics teacher brought out computer cards. They were to be used for programming the PDP-10 computer at Queensland University, which took up a whole floor of the Physics Department! This was before personal computers too! I started my first-year of study at Brisbane's newest university, Griffith. There were only 800 students!
My Uncle had died the year before, in 1974, of familial hypercholesterolemia, a massive heart attack. With a serum cholesterol four times normal. Then his old academic supervisor in biochemistry from 1960, Professor Colin Masters turns up - at our university! He recalled my Uncle fondly. Suddenly I dropped the mathematics and physics majors to study what I had missed out on in senior high school to get me in to study medicine! I started studying biochemistry under Colin, following in my Uncle's footsteps.
Then I developed an interest in nutrition, after reading Doctor Paavo Airola's book "Are You Confused?" - on the mechanics of nutrition. In 1980 I started teaching medical students second-year biochemistry. I did work experience with a natural therapist. He utilized vitamins and minerals to treat disease. In 1981 I commenced a postgraduate diploma in nutritional medicine, a course for doctors to treat diseases with nutrients! With the death of my Dad, from a heart attack in 1985, at 50 years of age; I started studying for a postgraduate diploma in nutrition and dietetics. In 1982 I completed a fourth year, Master's Qualifying in Biochemistry, which was like a deferred Honors Qualification, probably only at level 2B.
I was lucky enough to talk to Lady Dr Phyllis Cilento, who was a medical practitioner in Brisbane. She had been knighted by Queen Elizabeth the Second for her work with mothers and children. She was known as "the medical mother." She didn't believe I should study dietetics and become a dietician. She passed away in 1987. I did the postgraduate diploma in "orthomolecular nutrition" as she advised. But I also did nutrition and dietetics. Being a glutton for punishment I also studied a postgraduate diploma in public health.
In 1994 I brought the two talents together - computer programming and nutrition. I started writing nutrition education software! That was the beginning of Diet Wizard!
I always say - if you cannot help people - what is the good of you?
AI:-
Is It Worth It to Go to Medical School and All of the Training?
Deciding whether to pursue a career in medicine, particularly as a surgeon, is a significant choice that involves weighing various factors including personal aspirations, financial implications, lifestyle considerations, and the demands of the profession. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of these aspects.
1. The Commitment to Education and Training
Becoming a surgeon requires extensive education and training:
Undergraduate Education: Typically, aspiring medical students complete a four-year undergraduate degree with a focus on science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
Medical School: This is generally another four years. The first two years are primarily classroom-based learning about medical sciences, while the last two years involve clinical rotations in various specialties.
Residency: After medical school, you must complete a residency program in surgery which can last anywhere from 5 to 7 years depending on the surgical specialty (e.g., general surgery vs. orthopedic surgery).
Fellowship (Optional): Some surgeons choose to further specialize by completing a fellowship which can add an additional 1 to 3 years of training.
In total, this path can take over a decade from undergraduate studies through residency.
2. Financial Considerations
The financial investment in medical education is substantial:
Tuition Costs: Medical school tuition can range from $20,000 to over $60,000 per year depending on whether it’s public or private. Total debt for graduates can exceed $200,000.
Earning Potential: Surgeons typically earn high salaries; according to recent data, average annual salaries for surgeons can range from $300,000 to over $500,000 depending on specialty and location. However, it may take several years post-training before reaching these earning levels due to student loan repayment obligations.
3. Work Hours and Lifestyle
Surgeons often work long hours that can vary significantly based on their specialty and practice setting:
Typical Work Hours: Surgeons may work anywhere from 50 to 80 hours per week. This includes time spent in surgery as well as pre-operative and post-operative care.
On-call Requirements: Many surgeons are required to be on-call for emergencies which can disrupt personal time and lead to unpredictable schedules.
Work-Life Balance: Achieving work-life balance can be challenging due to the demanding nature of surgical practice. While some surgeons find ways to manage their time effectively, others may struggle with limited free time especially during the early years of their careers.
4. Personal Fulfillment vs. Sacrifice
Ultimately, whether pursuing this path is “worth it” depends on individual values:
Passion for Medicine: If you have a strong desire to help others and are passionate about medicine and surgery specifically, this career can be incredibly rewarding despite its challenges.
Job Satisfaction: Many surgeons report high levels of job satisfaction due to the impact they have on patients’ lives and the intellectual challenges presented by complex cases.
Personal Sacrifices: It’s essential to consider what you might sacrifice in terms of personal time with family or friends during your training and early career stages.
Conclusion
In summary, pursuing a career as a surgeon involves significant educational commitments, financial investments, long working hours with potential sacrifices in personal life balance. However, if you are passionate about medicine and willing to navigate these challenges for the sake of your dream job in surgery, many find it ultimately rewarding both personally and professionally.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question
American Medical Association (AMA) - Provides comprehensive information about medical education pathways.
Medscape Physician Compensation Report - Offers insights into physician salaries across various specialties including surgery.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - Supplies data regarding medical school costs and financial aid options available for students pursuing medical degrees.
God Bless You!
JC.
Jessica Gonzalez
Medical Assistant
5
Answers
San Bernardino, California
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
They say if you love what you do then you don't mind. Working as a surgeon is an investment in yourself, your future and potential. You will spend a lot of time and hard work, but you will also be entitled to take time off and have a balance. I worked with a physician who three weeks a month, and took one week off every month for family and time to unwind. Remember when you start off you will not be able to do this, but once you are established, you will be able to make your own schedule.