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Career in Medicine: Which path to take?
09-01-2017, 07:46 AM
I’m a 31 year old doctor in Canada. I previously withdrew from a sub-speciality training program so I’m at a bit of a crossroads in my career with two paths:
- I’m currently working in a clinic job that offers pretty good pay; ~4-6 weeks vacation per year. However, it’s a job and not something that really satisfies me and I won’t be able to take anytime of extended vacation in a year (i.e. 3 weeks or more). The other thing is once you’ve worked in a clinic setting for a certain amount of time, you’ve likely lost your skills to do a hospital job.
- The other option I have is taking extended time off (12-16 months for travel/ self development etc), go back to subspeciality training for a year (make lot less money during the process) and then consider a hospital job (better pay than currently with ~10-12 weeks off per year, but definitely more stressful/ complex work that’s also potentially more rewarding).
What would you guys do/ advise?
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Career in Medicine: Which path to take?
09-01-2017, 08:29 AM
Option 2. Not even a close call.
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Career in Medicine: Which path to take?
09-01-2017, 08:47 AM
Not a doctor but serving as a combat medic in the armed forces(not the US) as part of a conscript army for 2 years. I work closely with my doctors and thus have a general understanding about how the pathways for doctors work. From my understanding, it boils down to a choice of flexibility or money.
Working in family medicine generally wouldn't be as rewarding or pay as much but it does give you the flexibility to work on side projects or to pursue other goals in life. My doctor(who is also serving his national service) is also looking to go and work in an international clinic in Seoul after finishing up here. He would basically be doing the same thing as he would in a clinic back home but in an international clinic where they charge a premium for foreigners who want an english speaking doctor, he gets to earn decent money while also being able to live an expat life.
A specialist or surgeon life is definitely going to be more rewarding both monetarily and also in terms of actual job satisfaction(?) It thus however take up time and it would affect you alot more as a healthcare professional because you would be more likely to directly impact your patients' lives and should things go south, I have heard of doctors who carry the weight with them for years..
I think it boils down to what truly makes you happy. Hey you made it through 7 years of med school, I think you deserve to do what you want to do. My doctor's case is such that he doesnt particularly fancy being a surgeon and he sees his job as a way to supplement his life financially. His goals and ambitions lies outside of the medical field and he makes a comfortable sum each month to ensure his lifestyle remains largely unaffected.
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Career in Medicine: Which path to take?
09-03-2017, 04:13 PM
The only doctor I know well who is happy lives in San Diego. He works in emergency rooms when he needs cash, and spends the rest of his life smoking dope and surfing.
I don't know what you can learn from that, but definitely think about what you want in the future. My friend is 39 and has lived this lifestyle for the past 5 years.
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Career in Medicine: Which path to take?
09-03-2017, 04:24 PM
Travel and self development is a cowardly euphemism for "I don't have a clue what to do with my life."
I have never met anyone who has come close to enlightening me with their "Life Changing Travels."
You're 31 and still have no clue what to do and have to ask strangers on a forum for advice?
See a shrink. I'm not kidding. I have and it was the best thing for me.
A good therapist is just a good listener who lets you make sense of your thoughts...
But this question wreaks of desperation...
But, whatever, listen to whoever you want to listen to. But, the sounds of it, you will not be happy with either choice.
"Grass is Greener" syndrome.
Seems like the going rate with most people these days. Lack of courage, conviction and living with decisions... All traits of boys not Men...
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Career in Medicine: Which path to take?
09-04-2017, 01:17 AM
It's hard to help you with your choice, because you have not defined your goals.
What are your goals? What do you want out of your life? Don't just trudge the medical career path because it's there, you have to take a path because you like the destination.
What are your dreams for yourself? If you can get a handle on that, then it would be easier to advise you what to do.
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Career in Medicine: Which path to take?
09-04-2017, 11:00 AM
Maybe crdr didn't realize the forum was founded by a guy who wrote books about travelling? RIP
I'm not sure anyone here can pretend to tell OP what to do. But having a career in medicine does give you a lot of flexibility to take time off, do extended travelling, try other side businesses etc with almost no downside to your career and future earning potential. There will still be an easily found, well paying job for you when/if you decide to go back. Our friends who went into law/business don't always have the same luxury. This doesn't mean that it's the right decision for you, but it does mean that the risks are a lot less than for just about anybody else.
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Career in Medicine: Which path to take?
09-12-2017, 08:16 AM
I'm not sure why CRDR chose that hill to die on. Either way, Rest in peace and I hope you're alright out there.
I will be checking my PMs weekly, so you can catch me there. I will not be posting.