Overrated Career: Physician 2009

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This article, and these comments are very interesting. I recently graduated with a 4-year, science-heavy, pre-medical bachelor's degree. I have been unsure about medical school since the beginning, because I want to be sure I am doing it for all the right reasons. It is a huge, lifelong commitment, but for the right people (those choosing this career for right reasons), the commitment will be worth it. I am just having a hard time evaluating if this is a good career choice for a 22-year old, recently married gal? My husband is 23 and in graduate school, and very soon, will also be entering medical school. I have considered MD/DO, but also PA, and even an accelerated nursing program that will allow be to get CRNA licensure to practice as a Nurse Anesthetist. I received a 4.0 in undergrad, so I feel that I am competent and able to do medical school... The question is, should I?! I'm in a difficult place right now, and need to make a decision. Any informed suggestions?? Thanks!

Kristen of WV 11:45AM February 15, 2011

I earn close to $200K/year as a psychiatrist.
The job opportunities are endless. I could literally throw a dart at a U.S. map and have a job w/in 50-mile radius within days. (I've done this, btw. I wanted to do some locums work in Virginia, put out a few 'feeler' e-mails on a Sunday night, and by Monday morning I had multiple voice-mails and e-mails offering me positions.)
Anyway, with the demand for physicians increasing (population increasing faster than production of physicians), the outlook is only getting better.
I'm surprised that, in this economy, US News and World Report would be dissuading its readers from such a stable, rewarding and lucrative career.

Kevin N. of HI 1:24AM October 11, 2010

One does not need to do " four years of science-heavy college coursework", a pre-med requisiute is required and you can major in anything and still get into medical school.
"49% of the 12,000 respondents said they would seriously consider leaving medicine within the next three years if they had an alternative"
"there's usually the ongoing stress of managing your office, trying to care for noncompliant patients, giving unsuspecting patients bad news, and seeing some get sicker and die."
Ok this is part of having a career in medicine. Not every medical doctor runs their own practice. Not every doctor's office I've been in is chaotic.Thats why there are hospitable adminstrators, managers and receptionists to manage the office. Certainly the health field since the human population is constantly growing.

Pulisetty of MO 8:51AM June 21, 2010

Expensive tests are ordered which may not be needed. Another factor is the right of the patient to demand expensive tests even when the case is hopeless and there is no standard of living. It would be difficult to reduce the cost of healthcare without address these issues.

the cost of medical care of LA 8:51AM June 21, 2010

As a surgeon, I loved what I did. I fixed people they led productive lives. I treated patients who saw me as god to a little joke. You and George Bush put our pant leg one at a time.
I left surgical practice as fast as I could, six years ago at age 55. Surgical reimbursements were 25% less than in 1985. I was working 60-70 hour work weeks.
I would definitely NOT recommend medicine as a career choice!

Dr. David J. Widom of FL 8:51AM June 21, 2010

One does not need to do " four years of science-heavy college coursework", a pre-med requisiute is required and you can major in anything and still get into medical school.
"49% of the 12,000 respondents said they would seriously consider leaving medicine within the next three years if they had an alternative"
"there's usually the ongoing stress of managing your office, trying to care for noncompliant patients, giving unsuspecting patients bad news, and seeing some get sicker and die."
Ok this is part of having a career in medicine. Not every medical doctor runs their own practice. Not every doctor's office I've been in is chaotic.Thats why there are hospitable adminstrators, managers and receptionists to manage the office. Certainly the health field since the human population is constantly growing.

Pulisetty of MO 8:44AM June 21, 2010

Expensive tests are ordered which may not be needed. Another factor is the right of the patient to demand expensive tests even when the case is hopeless and there is no standard of living. It would be difficult to reduce the cost of healthcare without address these issues.

the cost of medical care of LA 8:44AM June 21, 2010

As a surgeon, I loved what I did. I fixed people they led productive lives. I treated patients who saw me as god to a little joke. You and George Bush put our pant leg one at a time.
I left surgical practice as fast as I could, six years ago at age 55. Surgical reimbursements were 25% less than in 1985. I was working 60-70 hour work weeks.
I would definitely NOT recommend medicine as a career choice!

Dr. David J. Widom of FL 8:43AM June 21, 2010

One does not need to do " four years of science-heavy college coursework", a pre-med requisiute is required and you can major in anything and still get into medical school.
"49% of the 12,000 respondents said they would seriously consider leaving medicine within the next three years if they had an alternative"
"there's usually the ongoing stress of managing your office, trying to care for noncompliant patients, giving unsuspecting patients bad news, and seeing some get sicker and die."
Ok this is part of having a career in medicine. Not every medical doctor runs their own practice. Not every doctor's office I've been in is chaotic.Thats why there are hospitable adminstrators, managers and receptionists to manage the office. Certainly the health field since the human population is constantly growing.

Pulisetty of MO 8:43AM June 21, 2010

Expensive tests are ordered which may not be needed. Another factor is the right of the patient to demand expensive tests even when the case is hopeless and there is no standard of living. It would be difficult to reduce the cost of healthcare without address these issues.

the cost of medical care of LA 8:43AM June 21, 2010