Deciding the field of further study, can be confusing as the field of study will eventually narrow down for the students to gain specific expertise. Choosing a career in the medical field is one of the best options available for most people these days because  medical occupation is one of the very few occupation that meet all the standards like job security, possible career advancement, opportunity to serve, excitement, flexibility and other intangible factors for job satisfaction.

Pros of being Doctor:

1. There are better options if being a doctor to you is just about money. But, good salary is definitely a pro of choosing your career in medicine.
2. Some people will argue that its like just any other job but still you will dedicate your life in healing, saving and changing lives of others. This job rewarded Shaman doctors with respect, good social status and prestige in olden times and so will reward to you now.
3. Better job opportunities as you are in demand wherever you choose to live.
4. Gives you lots of career options from the same education base.
5. The satisfaction you earn by helping others and saving lives
6. In this era of expensiveness, you will save yourself from medical costs of you and your family.

Cons of being Doctor:

1. You need to spend atleast 4-6 years in medical school followed by 1 year of internship and then 2 years of Post graduate (PG) programme. And then you may still want to go for super specialization.
2. You’ll study more than ever you have in your life.
3. Depending upon your speciality, you may be working nights and days for long hours.
4. You will be a student for life as you need to keep yourself updated by acquiring information from variety of sources.
5. You will get driven into legal issues by the patients even when you aren’t wrong.
6. The course is too expensive, if you’ll go under self-finance.

What after studying medicine?

1. Work at clinics, hospitals, health centers, etc.
2. Share your skills and knowledge by teaching in medical schools
3. Research about human body, diseases, developing new treatments, etc.
4. Work with NGOs, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, health insurance companies.

Ask yourself to make decision

1. Do I enjoy helping people with my skills and knowledge?
2. Am I interested in how the human body functions?
3. Am I prepared to consistently study and work for long hours?
4. Am I ready to be a perpetual student and keep myself updated?
5. Can I dedicate myself over years of education and training?
6. Can I or my parents can afford the education (if I cannot secure scholarship)?

Answers to these questions will automatically answer your question “Is career in medicine for me?” Always remember to choose a career based on your interests, skills, work-related values, and personality so that you can avoid dissatisfaction with your job or switching career in near future.

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” ― Confucius

Tags: career in medicine, medical school

Last updated: May 7, 2012

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