Anyone a doctor?

I'm currently a junior in high school. I play 3 sports and make straight A's. I'm looking to become a doctor, a physician. I know it's a lot of school, but I was wondering if anyone is a doctor. If so, is it unbelievably hard to become one? Just put all the negative things about becoming one and being one. Thanks for the info!!!

 

might wanna try the land rover forum.....

 

When you have a goal, especially a long-term goal like becoming a medical doctor, there will always be negatives, periods of doubt, naysayers, jealousy, and even downright ridicule. Ignore all of it. Do your thing.

Young people often wonder what career will bring the most money or bring the most prestige, but the real question should be whether the career brings you any sense of happiness. I am not a medical doctor, but my M.D. friends seem pretty content w/ their work. You will generally find work quickly in any town, get paid fairly well (unless you're out on your own having to pay your own malpractice insurance...but this is something you can remedy by working under a larger umbrella for a while), and enjoy tons of respect and admiration from the community.

You can specialize in almost any area you can imagine (just be a general practitioner if you prefer to make people feel better without watching patients die in front of you), go into surgery (various kinds) if you have the skills and want to be able to possibly save a life that would not be saved without your skill (and be prepared to have to give bad news to families when things don't go well), work in Psychiatry (if you want to help people with mental health issues), etc. <Note: some don't know the difference, but a Psychiatrist is an M.D....it's a specialty you go into after medical school, while a Psychologist is a PhD or PsyD...they talk about your issues with you as a therapist, but they do not prescribe medicine // both professions are valuable and in demand>

In America laws are changing that will affect the way we do healthcare (how health insurance works, how governments handle things, etc), but the one thing that is certain: there WILL be a shortage of doctors in the coming years and decades, especially those that specialize in the care of elderly patients. Just something to consider!

 

dammit, i was hoping for another i think i have tapeworms thread

 

^ Note the section where this is posted:
Tacoma World Forums > Off-Topic > Jobs & Careers

 

If you don't mind examining people's mouths every day, look into dentistry. Pay is good and the schooling is shorter. You also get to play with power tools all the time.

 

i dont read too good haha seriously though see if you can shadow doctors at the local hospital if not see about doing an ems ride along or take an emt basic class to get a feel for it and make sure its something youd enjoy

 

It is doable but you have to be dedicated. I would not want to squash your dreams but Obamacare is going to greatly affect the health professions. Specialty care is where the money is at, but takes more schooling and money. Also, choose the field that matches your philosophy. Are you into drugs and surgery or are you into health and wellness. If it is the latter, you may want yo look into more holistic fields like Chiropractic.

I agree with dentistry, I would have gone into orthodontics if I could do it again. No competition and parents seem willing to pay whatever it takes. Few have insurance so you set your prices.

 

I'm in the medical field, but not a doctor. I do consulting for doctors, hospitals, nursing facilities and business owners(rx and medical equipment).
The major issues and concerns for private practitioners nowadays is the healthcare coverages and reimbursements for services. Significantly less coverage and if you choose a specialty that's covered today it may be gone next year. The reimbursements have been cut up to 45%...a lot less money to go around.
If you don't mind working for a hospital or a medical clinic as a salaried employee then I'd say go for it. Because of major changes in our healthcare coverages, emergency room visits are, and will continue to rise. This is creating a large demand at the hospitals.
I would recommend you stay away from private practice because it just isn't what it once was. A lot more work at significantly less pay. Insurance companies are getting stricter with documentation and its a nightmare.
Hope it helps and if you have any other questions feel free to pm.

 

HAHAHA I almost spit my cereal out.

I'm currently in my JR year in college, general Biology and so far it's pretty intensive in studying and doing homework. Next semester isn't looking too pretty and I know for sure that Med school won't be any easier. In the end it will be well worth it. Look forward to studying Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights!

 

Ahahahaha! Nice!

 

i'm not a doctor.... But I play one on TV

 

I'm not a provider but I work in a medical group......I'm looking for work elsewhere with my schooling and certifications.

Although its more of WHO I work for than WHAT work I do. But Obamacare has my Urgent Care F'ed UP, and it isn't even in affect yet.

You will see more and more people thinking they have a RIGHT to FREE healthcare, which they do but not in a privetly owned facility.

 

Do some research on doctors and the military/medical school

 

I'm currently becoming an emt, and I plan to get a job as an ER assistant as soon as I'm done. Or working on a BLS unit of some kind. Just want to try different options and see what I like. I want to become a full time firefighter, but maybe I will discover I want to work in a hospital instead of something.

 

I have a couple of friends in med school now.

I rarely hear from them but most of their comments have to do with being well organized as well as being a capable student. It's a lot of work but definitely doable. If you're not into that, you will struggle.

Someone mentioned the military. I don't know how that works but usually, there's a commitment after your schooling for some number of years which could make it years before you see the inside of a private practice. On the other hand, it could be a great way to go and is definitely worth looking into.

Good luck with your decision.

 

trust me I'm a doctor lol... Anyone seen the Dr.pepper commercials thats what I'm referring to

 

I'm not a doctor but am relatively familiar with the pre-med path. It's a good thing that you're only in HS and already interested. Once you're in college, the first two years are typically lower-division courses with an emphasis on general education.
The most essential thing to do is to get to know your professors early in your college career and possibly earn your way into a research opportunity with a professor and also if possible, volunteer your time at a local hospital (some have programs exclusively for college students). The same professors/doctors who you've been working with and getting to know, will most likely be the ones writing your letters of recommendation for your med school applications. Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

My wife is a Chiropractor, and to be honest...I wish she never went into it. The school cost just as much as traditional med school, there are very few opportunities out of school to work for someone. The only way you can make any DR money is to open your own practice and good luck doing that when your deep into student loans. Most of her friends make under 40k out of school and work shitty hrs for shitty chiros. I have a poli sci degree and make more than anyone she went to school with. If you can make it on your own, you can be golden though. Problem is that every town already has 100 chiros and most barely made it through undergrad but since chiro school is private they will take any idiot that can sign a student loan.

Military is an excellent option. Not exactly sure how it works but basically after youre done with school, you become a Military Officer and depending on your skill, determines your rank. You get reimbursed for loans, bonus pay on your skill ect....You will finish your time in service with a crap ton of experience and can most likely walkin anywhere you want to go. A former USAF anesteologists lives near my parents. He's set up pretty nicely.

 

Straight A's in high school mean nothing in college. Get a couple years of a Bio or Chem degree under your belt before committing to anything