The journey to becoming a physician is not an easy or short one. One must be prepared with an upstanding moral compass matched by an insatiable desire for self-improvement and growth. It is of the utmost importance to be fully prepared to handle the rigor and challenges of medical education, the high debt load, and the potential of switching specialties several times before reaching board eligibility.
If you’ve been considering a career in medicine and are a soon-to-be college student, you should read this article. It has some tips that will help you make an informed decision on the career path that is right for you.
It is a Major Educational Commitment
Medical school may be the ultimate investment for a physician and it entails a long-term educational commitment. Medical education in the United States takes four years of premedical studies (and in some cases, PhD. programs), four years of medical college, and three to eight years of internship and residency.
Total years of training go above 12 in most cases! And as candidates make a thorough decision on pursuing the medical profession, they should fully understand the commitment that lies ahead.
The Education is Not Cheap
Earning the degree to become a Medical Officer or Physician Assistant is not cheap. You are going to be required to invest more than $100,000 if you want to be a medical doctor. This is not something that can be achieved without proper planning, the tutors at sqadia explain. Medical school will require you to have a healthy bank account so that you can meet all of your financial obligations.
However, some institutions, if you can get into them, will not charge tuition fees straight for the four to eight years. Some institutions, including non-traditional ones, will offer scholarships for excellent scholars. No matter the price tag, it is worth every single penny.
It is a Profession in High Demand
The ever-growing population of the world today has created a significant demand for qualified medical practitioners. As it grows, so does the expectation and need for members of the medical field to take on an increased workload in terms of patient treatment.
Increasing technological advancements are another factor that is driving the need for more individuals to practice medicine as a career. So with this being such a desirable profession, you may work long hours under stressful circumstances, but if money is one of your major concerns in life, this job will take care of that for you.
It’s Becoming a Women-Dominated Field
According to a study from the Association of American Medical Colleges, 46,878 medical school students (50.5%) are women and 45,855 (49.4%) are men in 2019. (AAMC). In recent years, the enrollment ratio has shifted in favor of women. With more and more women deciding to pursue medicine as a career, it’s becoming a completely women-dominated field. While men are still allowed and encouraged to pursue a medical degree, women have taken over in the past decade.
It’s a High-Stress Job
Becoming a doctor is faint of heart. You have to be in peak physical and mental condition to handle all of the stresses that come with the job. You will likely be performing surgeries and procedures (although there are other branches of medicine) daily, which can be very taxing. You must know all of these details before making the decision to pursue medicine as a career.
You Need Plenty of Motivation
If you want to study medicine, you need to have some very important qualities. You must be determined and motivated, as exams can be hard and the training, rigid. It is also vital that you are prepared to do anything it takes to achieve your goals. If you have no interest in becoming a doctor, you may not have the motivation required for this career. If you do enjoy helping others, then medicine could be perfect for you.
Asking for Help Isn’t a Sign of Weakness
Swimming against the tide is never an easy task. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness it is a sign of strength. Being able to admit that you need a little help can put you on the right track to being a successful doctor and a successful human not only in medicine but also in life. You don’t have to do everything on your own. Your friends family and possibly future employers will see this as a sign of strength, not weakness.
Are you a medical student who’s looking to examine career opportunities in the healthcare field? The field of medicine is shrouded with mystery and confusion especially to a freshman. Therefore, for one to pursue a career as a physician, he or she must be aware of these important details before pursuing medicine as a career.
