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Doctor
Bioethics Humanity Medicolegal Professionalism Division
2017
Perseverance. Expense. Time. Family.
Weigh the factors that go into your decision to become a doctor
Valerie M. Harrison
According to Carl Bianco, MD, there
are three cornerstones of a
successful career in medicine:
(Bianco)
For centuries, the physician has been one of the most respected
members of society.
The family doctor often treated patients for their entire lives and
was called upon not only to assist in births and deaths, but for
advice and guidance as well.
•Doctors are not heartless, their failures weigh heavily on them. Yet
neither are they perfect, and often we expect too much from them.
Today you may find an Ophthalmologist selling cars, or a Neurologist writing
textbooks. Hardest hit may be the specialty of OB/GYN, whose malpractice
insurance can be upwards of $200,000 per year ( US )
Many good doctors are leaving the profession, citing rising malpractice costs and a
lack of respect from their patients. Pressure from powerful HMO's and the public
to keep costs to a minimum is greatly decreasing the earning potential of solo
practitioners.
Consequently they must work longer hours and see more patients to make ends
meet.
One Family Practice physician recently complained that her net take-home pay
after all expenses (including malpractice and student loans) is approximately less
than her husband's salary as a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy.
You find many doctors leaving their practices for jobs with pharmaceutical
companies, hospital administration, and research. Positions with high salaries,
better work hours, and less stress.
While physicians' incomes in Asia vary based on their specialty and
on their location, they still averaged incomes/salaries remain
among the highest of all professions.
You will sacrifice your time and energy for the care of your patients,
often forsaking your family and yourself. Most doctors will tell you
they can't imagine doing anything else.
Being a doctor is simply who they are, not just what they do.
"It concerns us to know the purposes we seek in life, for then, like
archers aiming at a definite mark, we shall be more likely to attain
what we desire." -- Aristotle