Career Day
Become a medical professional
Think back to an experience you’ve had with a doctor. I remember being pressed and examined as a child, when I was once very unwell. However, this person made me better! Thus, I was drawn to the field of medicine.
Medicine is the science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.
Who am I?
I knew from an early age that I wanted to become a doctor. This motivated me to study diligently, earning me a position at the most prestigious secondary school in my country. I pursued studies in the sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) in an effort to ensure my entry into an undergraduate program. After five (5) years, I completed this program and earned the title of “doctor.”
I now work as a doctor and pursue my training in the specialty of general surgery.
What do I do?
When a patient presents to the emergency room, as part of a team, I resuscitate, stabilize and perform investigations in an effort to deduce the best management.
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I perform and assist with planned or emergency surgeries;
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Manage patients on the ward;
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Review patients in the clinic;
Counsel, educate, refer and ultimately discharge patients.
I take part in regular meetings to audit and discuss patient management.
Rewards of Being a Doctor
There is significant job satisfaction. It is very fulfilling to use all the training and critical thinking to solve different cases.
Doctors have the opportunity to restore people’s lives to normalcy and even save some from death. Some doctors see their patients over and over again and can build meaningful relationships with them. Patients share their most sensitive informations with their doctors.
There is never a dull moment and therefore no monotony.
Doctors are always needed and therefore have job security and stability.
Doctors make a good salary; although one can argue that this is not enough to compensate for the many sacrifices.
Difficulties With Becoming a Doctor
Many sacrifices are made to become a doctor. You miss out on family gatherings or parties especially when you have to study for an upcoming examination or prepare for a presentation or meeting. Alot of time is spent training on the wards (in the hospital.) Your friends are likely to graduate earlier than you; start to earn a salary earlier and may be able to start a family and have children earlier.
Apart from the time medicine takes, it also costs a lot of money for tuition and books.
There are many rules and regulations.
Medicine causes alot of emotional, physical and mental STRESS!!!
This picture shows a doctor monitoring his patient after conducting a 23hrs long heart surgery.
On the right, his assistant is seen fallen asleep.
This dedicated doctor conducted the first successful heart transplantation in Poland & 1995 he was the first surgeon to graft a particular type of artificial heart valve.
“Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional.” — Roger Crawford.
Coping Mechanisms
Over the years, many coping mechanisms are developed. I learnt to maximise my time and efficiency by timetabling and planning
The little time I have for hobbies is spent on high yield relaxation activities such as yoga, meditation and gardening.
Continuing & updating medical education allieviates the stress and challenges of new and unique cases.
It is always helpful to have the support of your family and good friends.
Medicine, as an institution, became more accommodating.
- Shift in gender biases
- Support family planning
- Awareness of weekly working hours
- Mindful work activities
Persons from other fields are integrated in the advancement of medicine.
Similarly, there are numerous opportunities available for medical doctors: public health and policy making; hospital administration; clinical basic science research; journalism; and business ventures.
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The following are examples of the traditional specialties in the field of medicine.
- Pediatrician
- Obstetrician and Gynecologist
- Surgeon
- Neurologist
- Dermatologist
- Anaesthesiologist
- Psychiatrist
- Infectious disease physician
If however, you choose not to be a doctor, there are many other health care professions, that can be similarly fulfilling:
- Nurse
- Physician assistant
- Physiotherapist
- Surgical technologist
- Dentist
- Nutritionist
- Pharmacist
- Sonographer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Medical and Health Services Manager
I am a doctor! There’s nothing else I’ld rather be!
“The difference between who you are
& who you want to be,
is what you do.” -Bill Phillips
