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Is medicine the right track for me if I'm passionate about it but I also want a political career on the side ?

Hi ! I'm a high school student, and my goal in life is to leave an impact on the world. I want to change big systems, but also help people through medecine. Do doctors have the time to be activists in fields unrelated to med ? When I think about med school, I'm excited, but I also have a big lump in my stomach. I'm unsure if this is due to a fear of not succeeding or reluctance to get into the field...

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Subject: Career question for you
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Kathleen’s Answer

Hi, Sarah! Your career goals are admirable, but if your first priority is being a doctor, that's going to take 100 % commitment. There are other careers in the medical field that would be a better fit for political advocacy at the same time. Laboratory medicine is rewarding and has many opportunities to be involved in initiatives to improve processes for the health and safety of patients. Consider where your first desire and drive are leading. If you feel led to politics, go for it. There could be time to turn to medicine later.
Best to you!
Kathie
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Paul’s Answer

Sarah, if you have a strong desire to study and work in medicine, then you really need to have it as your top priority. Why, you might ask? The reason is simple. Any practice of medicine involves caring for the welfare of others. You need to be able to make a 100% commitment to caring for your patients as your first and highest priority. If you do this and become a good doctor as a result, you might then find a situation where there is an opportunity for you in some aspect of politics. It could be getting involved in the management of the institution you work for, or it could be something else. The important thing is that if you want to practice medicine, you must begin by making a complete commitment to doing the best you can, because the welfare of others will depend on what you do. After you become the best doctor you can, you can consider getting involved in management, politics, or something else. If you find yourself more drawn to management than practice, you should consider changing careers, or cutting your practice down to the simplest and easiest practice possible to give you time to do other work without compromising your quality of care.
Paul S. Treuhaft, MD, MA
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Charanpreet’s Answer

Hello Sarah
The lump in your throat and the fear of failure are experiences that many students face. Yet, within this uncertainty lies an extraordinary power—the power to change your world and the world around you.

Medical school might be different in Lebanon, so the cost and timeline may differ from those in the USA. You may have different challenges and barriers there. Take a moment to write down your fears and begin seeking solutions. Remember, every great achievement starts with overcoming doubt. You have the strength to soar!

Your question is not just a simple inquiry; it’s a profound exploration of who you might become in ten years. The choices you make today will shape your future self and influence how you navigate the complexities of life. Consider this: system change and advocacy are not limited to a specific profession. Whether you're drawn to social work, nursing, administration, or politics, each path offers a unique opportunity to make a difference. Imagine being a college student actively participating in a committee dedicated to transforming your campus. This hands-on experience will immerse you in the realities of bringing about change, teaching you to face challenges head-on, collaborate with diverse teams, and engage with differing perspectives.
If you aspire to transform larger systems, remember that real change requires more than vision; it demands power, financial resources, and a vibrant network.
Embarking on a career in medicine is a bold commitment, often years of intensive education, depending on your chosen specialty and whether you pursue a fellowship after residency. Many aspiring medical professionals encounter daunting challenges—student loan repayments and workplace politics can feel overwhelming, and dreams can be sidelined. Yet, instead of being discouraged, understanding these hurdles equips you for success.
Here’s the exciting part: Once you establish yourself—armed with influence, financial security, and a strong network—you will have the power to tackle the very issues that ignite your passion. We need dedicated medical professionals like you, who are ready to dream big and drive impactful change in the healthcare landscape.
Your journey is just beginning and you can turn your vision into a powerful reality!
Embrace these elements, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a catalyst for change.
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