Doctors, are you happy being a doctor? (Doctors only)?

Question

I am in premedical classes and volunteering so that I can become a physician. I am interested in family practice. Based on the comments of many people on YA! your lives are pill-pushers whose lives are filled with anguish, debt and unhappiness because of long hours and insurance companies. I just want to help people and love learning how the body works. Can you tell me if you are happy in your careers and if your years of med school and residencies were worth it to you? Thanks!

Answer 1

Not always, but in general, I really love my work and can't imagine doing anything else for a living. And I'm in emergency medicine, so if the hospital's giving me too much grief, I can always just go someplace else. In my specialty, I can control my hours to a great extent, and I don't have to worry too much about billing and whatnot, only foolish or short-sighted hospital administrations.

Answer 2

I love the long hours, I love the quiet nights on call and most of all, I love the feeling when someone who's been on the brink of death walks out of the front doors of the hospital.

In the UK, we go through a lot of training, and the two foundation years were a lot of fun because of the rotations.

I've never had a serious, genuine regret because although I am in debt. Not a large amount (unlike you American doctors seem to be). But it's still worth it.

Answer 3

I am not a Doctor, but am glad that there are people like you willing to help and want to help us.  I have a great Internist, and so thank-ful for her.  She cares about all of her patients and sometimes my wait time is about an hour..but who is complaining?  I for one would wait for her all day.  As when she is with me, she spends the same amount of time as she does with the next person.   I for one am glad that you think the way you do.  I wish you the best of luck ahead and you follow your course to become a great physician.  We need so many more doctors with your attitude.