Why I No Longer Want To Be A Doctor
Tags: Medicine, Career Change, Physician Burnout, Doctors, Medical School

Then, I gave up my childhood dream.

I’m convinced I wouldn’t have made the same decision had I not gone to a career seminar titled “What it’s REALLY like to be a doctor”.

My inspiration to be a doctor was that I truly felt connected with those who are working in the field, their personalities matched up so well with mine I knew I would enjoy life as a physician. I’ve never felt so connected with a group of people before. I was sure medicine was my calling because I felt strangely at peace when I’m volunteering at a hospital with a room full of physicians. I felt like I get them and they get me. I felt like our personalities were so similar that there’s no doubt this is what I should be doing when I’m older. On top of that was my affinity for the sciences and desire to help others. I wanted a job where I can freely be compassionate and gentle.

At the seminar, someone pointed out that the insurance alone for a doctor to practice could be as much as 60,000$ a year. A physician with his or her own practice would also need to consider the rent, utility cost, personnel cost, equipment cost, and paying back their student loans. There would also be a standardized test to take every few years for the physician to continue her licence. Hence, even though a doctor may on paper earn a lot of money much of it is used to pay for necessities. Compare to a student fresh out of university and started working at their entry job getting paid 50,000$ a year. That’s at least $200,000 a medical school student is missing out on while incurring debts through their years of med school. By the time such people finish paying back their student loans (for undergrad and med school), they would be in their 40s or 50s. This is why they said do not go into medicine for the money. It’s not worth it. Sometimes during residency, one might be expected to work 120 hours per week while earning 50k per year. That’s less than the minimum wage if you break it down by the hour! While I never wanted to become a doctor solely for financial compensation, the high-income potential was a motivator for me. Seeing them break down a doctor’s operating expense and how much they would actually be paying back opened my eyes. And for the first time, I started to really think about my choice.

In addition, many aspired to become a doctor because they want to help others who are sick and ill feel better. However, the untold truth is countless deaths that the physician has to witness and hopefully recover. In many cases, they will have to see sick, dying, miserable patients day in and day out. It can be extremely unpleasant to watch your patients die while You couldn’t do anything about it. Sadly, many patients perish because modern medicine could not comprehend their diseases. These are all possibilities a doctor has to face on a daily basis.

I also started to consider the time I would be missing if I want to become a doctor. I would be missing my prime years. While my friends may be getting into long-term relationships, getting married, and having kids I would be stuck at a flat I share with roommates studying for an upcoming exam. I would be missing out on a lot of fun social events with family and friends as well.

Whoever thought about buying a property someday? I know I have. If I pursue the route of becoming a doctor, it would mean that I would have to put my dream of homeownership on hold. Considering the pace at which property value goes up where I live, it would be more and more unattainable as time passes. Sure there may be some up and down in the housing market but over the long term at least in big cities, the prices tend to be persistently increasing (17% increase per year). My friend who buys a property while I am still in residency might be able to sell it at a higher price with a large gain in net worth a few years down the road while I was still struggling to pay back my student loans.

The biggest factor that deterred me from becoming a doctor is the cost of the medical degree. I want a life of more freedom. To not be confined to a desk or space. A large student loan would certainly keep me chained up in a practice I may find repulsive and unsatisfactory years down the road.

Even though I still do love helping people, I know there are other ways to do so beyond a career in medicine. I could help feed the homeless for instance.

Maybe you think this is the right career for you. I’m glad to hear it. However, you must also know the truth about becoming a physician. It’s a whole lot of sacrifice, your youth, the income you could be earning, energy, time with friends and family, starting a family, vacations, becoming a homeowner sooner, etc.

50% of physicians would not choose to go down the same career path again if they could choose again. Most of us would love to say we love our jobs. People would rather reason for a choice they already made rather than stating their regrets, hence, that number should be higher than 50%. Most of us would hate to think we made the wrong choice especially if such a choice costs us our time, energy, money, and happiness, thus, we would be motivated to justify our choices and think that it is the right one. The fact that 1 in 2 doctors wouldn’t choose to be one if given the choice is alarming. It’s certainly not an easy career. This is something to note for those of you interested in becoming a doctor. Regrets are not uncommon.

Lastly, ask yourself this question. Are you doing this for yourself or for others? Doctors are admirable characters. We look up to them for their vast array of knowledge and a keen interest in helping those in need. Some of your parents might even have persuaded you that it is a good career to pursue. You know how proud they would be if you become a doctor. Perhaps you already told someone else of your dream and you’re afraid to back up now. I know I was in that boat. I didn’t want to go back to high school reunion not having achieve my goals. But remember, this is your life. You don’t get to live in one more time. You only get one shot at this life. Make sure you are making these choices for yourself. Families are important but if you are forced into doing something you don’t love, the ultimate resolution would be quitting years into the game costing you hundreds of thousands and elicit unnecessary disappointment in yourself for what you might think is a failed potential. Or, you might decide to push through it. Essentially, choosing to live a nightmare you can’t wake up from.

If it's the recognition you want, there’re other jobs out there that give you as much valour and admiration ex. Software engineer, lawyer, dentists, teachers, psychologists, entrepreneurs, etc.

Do not go into medicine for the money. You will be disappointed. Go into it because you cannot think of anything else you rather be doing. Keep in mind everything you are sacrificing. If it sounds good to you after hearing all of this, then go do it! It’s clearly a career meant for you! I’m proud of you.

If after reading this, you realized this may not be a career for you. There’re many other options. Become a nurse, optometrist, dentist, pharmacist, veterinarian, naturopathic doctor, chiropractor, occupational therapist, rational therapist, computer programmer, accountant, author, teacher, etc. The possibility is endless. You can be happier doing something else. There’s no shame in changing your career goal. It’s your life, not anyone else’s. Don’t be stuck in a career just because you’re afraid of the shame of an unfulfilled childhood dream.

There are many noble careers in and out of medicine. As a pre-med student, you should know what it’s really like to be a doctor before you get there. I hope this article sheds some light on the truth.

If you are curious, I have chosen to become an entrepreneur instead. I own and operate two brands as of now. I’m a blogger, business owner, and artist. I’m much happier now that I’m being fully honest with myself about what I want. I’m sure a life being my own boss would make me happier than being a doctor. But that’s just me. How about you? 🙂