4 answers
Angelina
Student
Athol, Massachusetts
3
Questions
Updated
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How can I become a medical doctor if I'm scared of people suffering
I don't think I'm brave enough because it's really hard to see my fellow human suffering .I love helping people but I'm scared of losing them no matter who they are.Its going to be difficult for me#Fall24
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4 answers
Josh Matthews
Sr. Human Resources Manager
9
Answers
New Cumberland, Pennsylvania
Updated
Josh’s Answer
Hello Angelina!
I think the fact that you are burdened with this means you will be a good doctor. It’s human to sympathize and empathize when we encounter hurt, death, pain, and a lack of hope. But, you have an incredible opportunity to be there for them. Doctors can heal in more ways than just physical. Just being present, listening, and doing what you can to ensure they know they are not alone.
But in all of this, never stop feeling, whatever that feeling might, recognizing it and work on coping methods to help you make it through. It is okay to feel because that is what makes you human and from my experience, humans make the best doctors.
I think the fact that you are burdened with this means you will be a good doctor. It’s human to sympathize and empathize when we encounter hurt, death, pain, and a lack of hope. But, you have an incredible opportunity to be there for them. Doctors can heal in more ways than just physical. Just being present, listening, and doing what you can to ensure they know they are not alone.
But in all of this, never stop feeling, whatever that feeling might, recognizing it and work on coping methods to help you make it through. It is okay to feel because that is what makes you human and from my experience, humans make the best doctors.
Dilawar Hussain
Veterinarian
22
Answers
Tando Jam, Sindh
Updated
Dilawar’s Answer
Hello Angelina,
Indeed, the path you're on can be challenging, but remember, your desire to help others is a powerful force. Consider exploring fields like business, sociology, or public health to aid the community in your unique way. There's also the option of partnering with NGOs and offering your skills on a voluntary basis.
There are countless ways to make a difference, sweetheart. Being a doctor is not the only route. People face a myriad of struggles, from poverty and illiteracy to a scarcity of food and resources. You have the potential to alleviate these hardships and bring about positive change. Keep going, Angelina, your journey can truly make a difference.
Indeed, the path you're on can be challenging, but remember, your desire to help others is a powerful force. Consider exploring fields like business, sociology, or public health to aid the community in your unique way. There's also the option of partnering with NGOs and offering your skills on a voluntary basis.
There are countless ways to make a difference, sweetheart. Being a doctor is not the only route. People face a myriad of struggles, from poverty and illiteracy to a scarcity of food and resources. You have the potential to alleviate these hardships and bring about positive change. Keep going, Angelina, your journey can truly make a difference.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Angelina
You are most welcome dear
Dilawar Hussain
Sylvia Mum
Registered Nurse
30
Answers
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
Sylvia’s Answer
Hello there,
I once walked in your shoes. In my journey to become a nurse, I found myself stepping away from school each time I was faced with the daunting task of caring for those on the brink of death, only to return after a few years. The fear of using needles on patients was also a hurdle I had to overcome - but with time and practice, it became less intimidating. It's all part of the job.
Remember, you have the freedom to choose a field that aligns with your comfort level. In the realm of nursing, there are areas that are less steeped in suffering. For instance, some nurses find joy in the mother-baby department, where they primarily care for newborns. As a doctor, your choices might be more constrained, just as mine would be as a nurse practitioner. However, for nurses and nurse practitioners, the range of work environments is vast.
Personally, I still find it challenging to work with infants nearing the end of their lives, but I have colleagues who handle it with grace. Over time, I've grown to find comfort in assisting those nearing the end of their journey. It's a profound experience to be their confidant when they can't communicate with their families. As a doctor, unless you're in the emergency room, nurses often handle the more distressing aspects.
There's always an option to choose a field that's less intense, such as preventative medicine. The advent of telemedicine also opens up new possibilities. The key is to find your niche, your area of comfort and passion. Remember, your journey is unique, and it's okay to pave your own path. Keep going, and you'll find your place.
I once walked in your shoes. In my journey to become a nurse, I found myself stepping away from school each time I was faced with the daunting task of caring for those on the brink of death, only to return after a few years. The fear of using needles on patients was also a hurdle I had to overcome - but with time and practice, it became less intimidating. It's all part of the job.
Remember, you have the freedom to choose a field that aligns with your comfort level. In the realm of nursing, there are areas that are less steeped in suffering. For instance, some nurses find joy in the mother-baby department, where they primarily care for newborns. As a doctor, your choices might be more constrained, just as mine would be as a nurse practitioner. However, for nurses and nurse practitioners, the range of work environments is vast.
Personally, I still find it challenging to work with infants nearing the end of their lives, but I have colleagues who handle it with grace. Over time, I've grown to find comfort in assisting those nearing the end of their journey. It's a profound experience to be their confidant when they can't communicate with their families. As a doctor, unless you're in the emergency room, nurses often handle the more distressing aspects.
There's always an option to choose a field that's less intense, such as preventative medicine. The advent of telemedicine also opens up new possibilities. The key is to find your niche, your area of comfort and passion. Remember, your journey is unique, and it's okay to pave your own path. Keep going, and you'll find your place.
Tara Smith
Flight Paramedic
3
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Tara’s Answer
Angelina,
I couldn't have said it any better than Josh did. You are already showing your bravery by sharing this and asking for advice. Humility is one of the strongest attributes a doctor or any healthcare provider can have. I have been working as a flight paramedic for years, and it is never easy when a patient dies. My heart aches for them, and the family they left behind. All you can do is give them every opportunity to survive by providing the best care you can give. I wouldn't be giving you a truthful answer if I said it doesn't hurt. It's okay to feel sorrow for them. It's even okay to cry. All of those things show your level of compassion and it is a testament to why you chose the profession. It's just important to take care of yourself too. You will need healthy coping mechanisms and support networks. You will develop those along the way. All of the positive things you will do - the lives you will touch, will make it all worth it. Follow your dreams! 🙂
Best of luck and may the medical community be lucky enough to have you as a doctor someday!
Tara
I couldn't have said it any better than Josh did. You are already showing your bravery by sharing this and asking for advice. Humility is one of the strongest attributes a doctor or any healthcare provider can have. I have been working as a flight paramedic for years, and it is never easy when a patient dies. My heart aches for them, and the family they left behind. All you can do is give them every opportunity to survive by providing the best care you can give. I wouldn't be giving you a truthful answer if I said it doesn't hurt. It's okay to feel sorrow for them. It's even okay to cry. All of those things show your level of compassion and it is a testament to why you chose the profession. It's just important to take care of yourself too. You will need healthy coping mechanisms and support networks. You will develop those along the way. All of the positive things you will do - the lives you will touch, will make it all worth it. Follow your dreams! 🙂
Best of luck and may the medical community be lucky enough to have you as a doctor someday!
Tara
I really appreciate this.This advice has given me more hope to keep moving.Thank you
Angelina