Is it worth it to be a doctor?

[matchitisiw]

Between medical school and residency is it worth being a doctor? I love learning about the human body and think I want to be a doctor. However between medical school expenses and malpractice insurance is it truly worth it? I know I can get through everything I have determination, but is it worth it? Should I just be a pharmacist or something?

[gilleabart]

I've been through this debate with myself before in the past. For a while, I was really gung-ho about becoming a doctor and going to medical school. The ideas of workload and stress really weren't something that bothered me.

What ended up becoming the deciding factor, for me, was the idea of the change in lifestyle that I would have to go through. It really is a paradigm shift from one life to another. For me personally, I really do value my free time. Now that is to say that those in the medical field don't ever get any time to themselves, but your life essentially becomes your jobs. For many, this challenge and environment are what they seek. Me personally? Not so much so.

This is looking at a practicing perspective. I really can't speak for the research side of the MDs. Since I thoroughly enjoy working in a lab and the idea of great prospects in science, I decided instead to go more into chemical research in the biomedical industry. While the pay isn't anywhere near the level that a board-certified radiologist would make, I still get to have my weekends and evenings (my "me" time... well... Usually).

Most of my friends who are doctors said that the whole malpractice thing has never factored into the equation for them. If you're at a well established hospital, it's usually covered by the hospital anyway. This also depends on where you're working and what you're doing.

[croslea]

Only if you can get into a surgical subspecialty like orthopedics, ENT, plastic surgery, etc. Radiology and Anesthesiology are good too. DO NOT GO INTO PRIMARY CARE OF ANY KIND!!!!

[karlitis]

It was worth it for me, but I can't speak for you.

I love what I do.