Is It Worth It To Become A Doctor?

Hello.

I am 20 years old. Male. I live in Texas. I am currently getting close to being finished with my Associate's of Science Degree in Life Science. Next month, I will be taking an EMT-B class to see if I like working with patients, basically seeing if I like working in the medical profession at the end of it all, really (or at least the idea of it).

My mother has been an RN for quite a while, and she loves her job. Both of my parents recommend that I pursue a career in the medical field, specifically something like a more specialized nurse, such as a nurse practitioner or flight nurse. Personally, I'm not sure what to think of either of these career options, they both seem okay, but not something that I am very interested in.

When I was about 8 years old, however, I became quite interested in being a doctor after something that happened to me personally. For many years, the idea of being a medical doctor has lingered at the back of my mind, yet I am not so sure if being a medical doctor is necessarily something I'd want to do with my life 100%. I am not sure why that is. For some reason, like every career option I've ever thought of, being an MD hasn't really grabbed my attention that much. Although, an MD has however been on my mind as a possible career option longer than any other career option.

My parents have enough money to reasonably pay for my university, as I have attended community college this entire time that I've been pursuing my Associate's Degree. However, the amount of debt from medical school in order to become a medical doctor is staggering.

My parents won't be able to help me pay for medical school at all, which is understandable. Although, I'm not so sure what my life would look like under 10-15 years (!!!) of medical school if I had so much debt. I mean, how do doctors such as cardiologists who have lots of debt pay off all that debt (besides their great salary)? Are there grants out there or certain hospitals out there who will pay for your student loans?

I'm very good at remembering things (at least now, while I am still young) and I always have been. I'm a straight-A student, too (Anatomy & Physiology-I was very easy for me last semester and I was always interested to learn). I'm quite physically active, as well. I've never taken drugs or been in trouble with the law or anything like that, either.

My question is: How would I know if I would want to become a medical doctor? Is becoming a doctor too competitive that I wouldn't even get accepted into/make it in medical school? And more than that, is it worth it to become a medical doctor anymore?

I have more details to write, of course, but they aren't totally necessary.

I'd appreciate any input from people who know doctors,work in the medical field or even are doctors (that'd be the best) regarding whether or not becoming a medical doctor is worth it anymore because of all the debt and time in school, as well as how I could know if it is the right career for me, granted it is a giant decision to take.

Thank you so much, I appreciate any input, advice or assistance.

 

Dear Transcendent,

Thank you so much for replying! I can't believe someone who's actually in med school would reply on the same day. Thank you so much for the reply, I appreciate that you took the time to reply, Transcendent.

In regard to the question: "Do you like to study?", I suppose that depends on what I am studying. As I stated previously, when I was studying Anatomy and Physiology-I last semester, I very much enjoyed it, and I did very well in that class, too. I'm fascinated by the human body and how the human body functions, cliché as it may sound. Maybe it could get boring or tiresome after a while...maybe, that's me being realistic.

In regard to the separate question: "Are you prepared to live a life based on your profession?", that I don't have a problem with (at least in theory). You mention that you study A LOT (wow!). I think that would eventually exhaust me, yes. However, being a medical doctor means helping people who are sick. Therefore, like you wrote, the studying would make it worthwhile.

Just so I can get an idea, if it's not too much of a bother- what exactly do you study from and how do you study (highlighters, flash-cards, etc.) and when do you begin studying medicine essentially all of the time?

One last thing- I've also heard (several times from different people) that getting into medical school is the most difficult part in becoming a medical doctor. Is this true?

Thanks so much, Transcendent. I really appreciate your reply.

 

I know what you mean. Goldman Sachs doesn't seem to think that curing diseases is worth it. It's all about the money, it seems.

See for yourself:

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/04/11/goldman-asks-is-curing-patients-a-sustainable-business-model.html

 

Thank you for your reply, Transcendent. I appreciate your helpful, first-hand information.

I'm still not 100% sure if medicine is something that I want to pursue as a career. I've got a ride along for an air ambulance program upcoming in a few weeks, not to mention the EMT-B program, perhaps those will solidly determine whether or not medicine is really my passion or not in life, because everything else in my life I've looked into thus far doesn't really interest me that much for very long.

Likewise, I understand that I will have to make medicine my life if I do desire to become a doctor. I'm curious to find out if helping sick people is something that I would enjoy. Of course, if one man can do it, so can another man. I need to know if I have an actual desire to help the sick, though.

Thanks again for your input, Transcendent. I appreciate your help. I wish you the best in becoming a doctor in whatever your specialty may be.