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If you are an aspiring physician, you might have asked yourself at one point if your dreams are even worth pursuing. It is no secret that the road to becoming a doctor is not easy. It will require you to make a lot of sacrifices along the way. For example, there will be many times when you will not be able to see your friends and family and miss important occasions because you have many requirements to finish, or you are bound to a 24- to 36-hour hospital duty to fulfill your clinical rotations. There are also a lot of hardships you have to overcome in medical school alone. Medical school is just the beginning of a long and arduous journey. In this article, you will find out more about the pros and cons of becoming a doctor to help you decide whether the path to it is the road you should take. 

Is it that hard to become a doctor?

Becoming a doctor is hard. It can take more than a decade of education and training before you get your license, and if you desire to be a specialist, it will take additional years in practice and study. Moreover, the amount of time and money spent on your medical education is also excessive. However, once you start reaping the benefits and recognition for all your hard work, it will be the most rewarding thing ever. 

 

What is the success rate of medical school?

The success rate of medical school is not 100%. Along the way, some students will drop out of medical school for different reasons. Some may think that medical school is no longer for them, and they can no longer take the amount of stress in medical school. In addition, some also decide to put their dreams of becoming a doctor on hold due to financial reasons. Furthermore, after graduating from medical school, not everyone will pass the Physician Licensure Exam immediately. While the passing rate of some schools is high, it is rare for them to achieve a 100% passing rate. 

 

Benefits of Pursuing Medical School and Being a Doctor

High Salaries

Doctors have always been among the highest-paid professionals. Although you might not experience this during your early years of practice, you can earn three-figure salaries with enough time and experience. This is the reward for your dedication and years of hard work in studying. 

Good Employment Rate

The demand for doctors will always be inelastic because patients who need medical attention will always exist whenever and wherever you go. In the Philippines, graduates of Doctor of Medicine usually get employed within four to six months of graduating. Some even get absorbed directly by the hospitals they interned in. This employment rate is exceptionally high compared to graduates of other degree programs. 

Job Security

Compared to other professions where employees face the challenge of remaining relevant and holding on to their current workplace, doctors often do not have the same struggle. This is because it is inevitable that people will get sick or grow old, which means constant work for medical professionals. 

Positively Impact the Lives of Others

Seeing your patients recover from the diseases that affect their quality of life can be immensely rewarding. Medical doctors get to touch the lives of other people through their work and dedication to saving lives. Of course, there may be times that the results of the treatment you gave are not what you expected, but doctors will always have a high value to society. 

Continuous Learning

The medical field is constantly advancing through research and development. This means that doctors will always learn continuously as new methods and knowledge are discovered. In addition, doctors likely find satisfaction in these discoveries. 

Stimulating Work Environment

Aside from continuous learning, doctors work in an environment where they always face different challenges. There are a lot of symptoms, medical conditions, and cases doctors have to treat. While the shift in the hospital can be extremely long, doctors will never be bored due to the highly stimulating work environment. 

Better Career Progression

One of the great things about becoming a doctor is that the possibilities for your career path are endless. There are different sectors and industries medical doctors can enter and still apply the knowledge and skills they have. For example, doctors can enter public health, clinical research, and forensic science, among many others. 

Unique Experiences

As a medical doctor, you will treat people from different walks of life who have different perspectives and stories to tell. You can also create valuable interactions with your patients and forge good relationships with them, especially after saving their lives or that of their loved ones. 

 

The Costs of Going Through Med School and Becoming a Doctor

Time Consuming

It is a well-known fact that it takes a very long time to become a doctor. Aspiring doctors have to complete a four-year undergraduate degree program first then spend another four years in medical school. This period still does not cover the time needed for a post-graduate internship, physician licensure exam, residency, and specialization. As a result, you might feel at one point that you are already getting left behind. Because while your peers are already earning and have stable careers, you are still stressing over the piles of academic load you have to study. 

Extended and Unpredictable Working Hours

Doctors usually find themselves working beyond the typical working hours. They also do not have enough time to spend with their families and friends because they always have to be prepared for on-call responsibilities, attend to emergencies, and respond to calls and inquiries.

High Levels of Stress

Medical students and doctors alike work in a highly stressful environment. They are constantly pressured to make the right calls in all situations because other people’s lives rely on their judgment. As a result, there will be times when doctors have to face unfortunate situations. While it is not unusual to lose a patient in your hands, some medical doctors find this situation distressing. 

Lots of Expenses

Studying medicine is one of the most expensive paths for students. The tuition fees in almost all medical schools are costly, not to mention the other expenses you have to spend on, such as educational materials, board and lodging, and other necessities. While scholarships are available to deserving students, some still do not find these enough to finance their medical school education entirely. 

 

Is it Worth it Becoming a Doctor or Not? Hear from Others’ Experiences

L.C. of Our Lady of Fatima University Class of 2011

“Medicine is one of the hardest and most expensive courses; it requires a lot of time, money, and effort. I was just lucky that my husband supported me financially and morally. I advise those who intend to take up this course to consider all the factors and requirements before enrolling. Once a student starts this course, they have to finish it to the very end.”

C.D. of Angeles University Class of 2006

“Taking up Medicine or becoming a doctor for me first and foremost is a calling. If you are called to become a doctor, no matter what happens, you will become one. It is such a demanding course that will test its students to their limits physically, mentally, and emotionally. The first three years are purely academic; you have to read a lot and memorize a lot. The last year was the baptism of fire wherein you have to endure one year of rotating duties in different departments in different hospitals. Here, doctors are tested and made. It brings out the best and worst qualities one has, and those who endure will be awarded the coveted M.D. insignia after their name.

Is it interesting: Let me put it this way, you get to study the best creation. Human life! And yes, once you graduate (although learning never stops at graduation), you become a partaker or, should I say, an instrument of God’s healing. Isn’t that interesting?

It isn’t easy. You have to read a lot, memorize a lot, and sacrifice a lot of time with family, friends, and even loved ones. But, just thinking of being able to help alleviate the pain and disease of other people will already give joy to your heart. That alone makes it enjoyable. You handle life itself. Although medicine is never an exact science, thinking that you hold the other person’s health (or life) in your hand makes you want to do everything you can; there lies the challenge.”

M.N. of the University of Sto. Tomas Class of 1995

“The course of Doctor in Medicine is one of the most difficult courses. It takes a lot of patience and determination to finish this course. However, once a student becomes a doctor, all the efforts and expenses will be generously rewarded with an excellent income.”

C.E. of De La Salle University Class of 1996

“Although the study of medicine is a very tedious and repetitive task, the journey is attainable. However, reading plenty of 3000-page books is, most of the time, boring and exhaustive, too. That is why diligence, obedience, focus, and determination are the key characters that one must possess so that they may become a doctor.”

C.G. of University of the Philippines – Manila Class of 1988

“In the school, the students are given practical training in surgery and medical diagnosis, handling patients, prescribing drugs, etc. The subjects were not difficult, and I did not fail in any. I do not know if anyone in my class failed, but it is expected that some would fail due to the high standards that this school would like to maintain. Only by constantly reading, studying, and doing the assignments could one succeed in this course. There is no room for laxity and laziness.”

D.R. of University of Perpetual Help Class of 1991

“The Medicine course is pretty demanding. I don’t recommend this to anyone who thinks it’s a status symbol to get in or was forced by their parents to study it. Some former classmates strut their stuff (cars, luxury stuff, good looks, lovely girlfriends/boyfriends) to show off. Sadly, they’re the first to go. It’s about what you are made of and not what you have to make you a good doctor. It takes a certain type of individual to be a doctor. If you don’t have that” x-factor” or calling, you won’t graduate nor be a full-fledged doctor. Currently, I’m earning modestly enough to support my small family (a son and wife) and, at the same time, allow me to indulge in my hobbies and other outside interests.

 

Tips That Can Help You Figure Out Whether Medical School is Worth Pursuing

Choosing a career is one of the most meaningful decisions a person has to make in his life. However, there are more things at stake if one aspires to become a physician. To guide you with your decision, here are five tips you have to consider to figure out whether medical school is worth pursuing:

You have a complete understanding of the commitment. 

Medical school is not a walk in the park. It demands unparalleled dedication and commitment. Understanding the field you are entering can help you better face the challenges medical school will throw at you. 

You need to have the right motivation.

Without the right motivation, it will be challenging to succeed in medical school. If you only want to become a doctor because your parents told you to do so, you are more likely setting yourself up for the possibility of failure. Ensure that your primary motivation for becoming a doctor is not to impress others but to be of service to others. 

You have a robust support system. 

Support from your family and friends is one of the ways for you to survive medical school successfully. Without it, it will be challenging to overcome the stress and challenges medical school will throw at you. Having a solid support system allows you to draw in strength to continue the path you chose despite the difficulties you are facing. 

You have already considered all other options. 

If you aspire to work in the medical sector, ensure that you have considered other potential careers available in the field, such as medical technologists, nurses, or research jobs. This way, you will be able to personally evaluate whether becoming a doctor is the path you want to take.