We see doctors portrayed all the time on television. You have the serious doctor shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, and then you have the more comical doctor shows such as the Mindy Project and Scrubs. All of those shows are great for entertainment and also depict real-life aspects of what it’s like to be a doctor, but they don’t really give you the full effect of it all.
In the real world of medicine, there’s no room for entertainment like you see on TV. In the real world as a doctor, you could be the one factor between someone living to see their family again, or having to be the one to go speak to the family about making funeral arrangements. Not all doctors have to deal with situations like that, but those are situations that certain doctors deal with, and it’s something you need to be prepared for if you’re thinking about entering the world of healthcare as a doctor.
Figuring out your future profession is a big decision to make. You will definitely need to do your research on the particular area of medicine you’re considering pursuing, see how long of a time frame it will be to receive your degree, and overall determine if this is truly the route you want to take because the road to becoming a doctor does have its advantages and disadvantages. In knowing that, take a look at the pros and cons of being a doctor. Hopefully, this will help you in determining the route you want to take.
Pros
The Field of Medicine is Educationally Satisfying
If you’re someone who enjoys learning, then the medical field is perfect for you! It is in medical school where you will get your first encounters of new technologies, treatments, and uniques situations. It has been said by doctors that the medical field is one of the most intellectually satisfying fields… if that’s how you feel, then hey… give it the old college try!
You Will Always Have a Job
Over the decades, there have been jobs and positions that have been rendered obsolete due to the advancements in technology. A lot of positions have simply been replaced by robots! Well, as a doctor, job security will be the least of your concerns.
Pretty much, as long as you have your credentials and your licenses are up to date, nor have you lost your license, you will always have a job. Whether you’re the physician at a nursing home, hospital, or at a clinic, there will always be a need for your medical attention.
Enjoy the Perks of the Pay
Before you become a doctor, you’ll go through an extensive amount of education and training before you’re able to practice. Having all that experience means that you will be one of the highest compensated members of the workforce.
Not that you will go around spending your money like crazy, but it’s not uncommon to see doctors enjoying the luxuries of their extensive salaries, whether it be with a nice car, a gorgeous home, or frequent all-inclusive vacations. That just goes to show you that all that hard work really does pay off!
Rewarding Feeling
For a lot of doctors, the ability to change people’s lives for the better was the driving motivation behind their decision to become a doctor. It’s the overwhelming feeling of knowing that you’re making a difference in the world, and to be able to put a smile on someone’s face in the process makes it even better.
As a doctor, it’s very humbling to be able to help those in need but to be a surgeon involved in transplant procedures, there’s no feeling to match it. The ability to see a heartbeat for the first time inside the recipient of a donor is a moment you just can’t put into words… there truly is no greater gift than the gift of life.
Cons
Piles of Medical School Debt
There’s no denying the fact that to become a doctor, it requires a substantial financial investment. Now, just because there’s a large financial responsibility, that doesn’t mean that it should stop you from pursuing your career dreams, but you do need to be realistic with yourself as soon as you make the decision to pursue medical school.
You will need to ask yourself how you will pay for school. If you don’t know the answer to that question, then you need to look at all your options. There are different types of reimbursement options and government programs out there for you to consider, you just have to do your research.
Higher Risk of Work-Related Injuries
Being in the medical field as a doctor, you’re more at risk of being susceptible to infectious diseases, but that aspect of the field comes with the territory of being a doctor. That’s why you have extensive training in that area.
Because you’re exposed to so many risks in the medical field, it’s very important that you plan for the unexpected. The medical field is definitely an adventure, to say the least, and you never know what you’re going to encounter, so that aspect can be looked at as a con, but as with any occupation, there’s going to be something you’ll encounter that’s not exactly favorable, but wouldn’t that unfavorable moment be better experienced doing something you love to do?
Tons of Sacrifice
Being in medical school means that you will be making a lot of sacrifices. You can expect to work long hours, nights, weekends, and sometimes on holidays, but if becoming a doctor is truly what you want, then missing a few weddings and baby showers will totally be worth it.
The Constant Change of Rules and Regulations
The stakes are high in the world of medicine, and the tiniest of mistakes can impact your license and your career severely, so it’s important that doctors follow the very specific formalities. These formalities include maintaining the confidentiality of medical records, keeping up with the constant changes in insurance, and the ever-changing world of medication, including what and how much to prescribe per the condition.
