Medicine: A Career

Working in the field of medicine is one of the most traditionally sought-after careers by both college applicants and those returning to their education alike, but it’s not for everyone. There are many factors to be considered for a discipline that is known to be especially advanced and rigorous.

Advantages

Above all things, those working in the medical field experience a high level of job satisfaction. Being able to specialize in one of the countless areas of medicine means that one can find their own niche, suitable for their own skills and interests. Many find pleasure in the intellectually challenging environment that doctors, surgeons, and other professionals experience on a day-to-day basis. In addition, there is gratification to be found in playing a role in saving a life or a livelihood.

Among other benefits is a higher degree of job security, with numerous opportunities for physicians and assistants. Employment in healthcare occupations is expected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, and has had a history of rising over the years. On the material side, healthcare workers also typically enjoy relatively high salaries and social statuses.

Drawbacks

Despite the benefits, a job in the healthcare industry can have certain disadvantages that can make the profession unappealing to some. For instance, attending medical school is a big financial investment, and paying back loans can be a large burden after many years - even considering the salary most clinicians are paid.

Long hours and little work-life balance are also common in this area. Having less time to spend with family and friends and having an unpredictable work schedule is the reality for many clinicians, especially those working in neurosurgery, emergency medicine, and critical care.

Lastly, a large number of healthcare workers spend extra hours on documentation and administrative work (as much as 15 hours per week on average) which leaves less time for them to interact with patients. Though a monotonous task, this may not seem to be a significant disadvantage, but it has led many to job dissatisfaction or burnout.

Schooling

Those looking to become doctors and surgeons must complete a four-year undergraduate program, with an additional 4 years in medical school and 3-7 years in a residency program to learn their chosen specialty. Medical residencies are known to be extremely rigorous, and students often have to work remarkably long hours. Fortunately, the workload decreases once an individual begins practicing officially.

In total, it takes 10-14 years (and a lot of dedication) to become a fully licensed medical professional.

Compensation

Medical professionals are known to be paid well, as the profession is always in demand and requires many years of education. The median annual salary for doctors was $237,000 USD in 2019, followed by $414,000 for surgeons and $115,390 for physician assistants.

However, it’s worth mentioning that this should not be the sole factor in choosing medicine as a career, as one must complete years of education unpaid, and have the commitment to complete demanding coursework without becoming unmotivated.

With all things considered, medicine can be a difficult profession, but it is extremely rewarding for those who choose to accept the challenge.