The second difference is one of decision-making. In government, decision-making is much more diffuse. Should a bill become a law, it frequently must be implemented by a state agency whose rules and regulations can actually change it further. My point is that this long process allows many people to affect the final outcome. The third, and most striking, difference between politics and medicine is one of trust.
People trust their doctors.
It always amazes me to meet a laboring patient at 3 a.m. With an expectant mother in a lot of pain and an anxious father listening, I introduce myself and explain the procedure, side effects and possible complications of a labor epidural. Almost without exception, the parents accept the risks and ask very few questions. On the other hand, when people meet me as a politician, their attitude is evidently different. As one might imagine, making the change from medicine to politics and back can bring on a few headaches.