Deciding on your college major right now seems unnecessary, but it is a big decision and requires a lot of thought, especially for Pre-Med. This major devotes tons of time and a good part of your life to your job. You could miss holidays or vacations with your family. It is essential to understand whether or not you are up to this challenge and if you are becoming a possible physician for the right reasons. Please do not think this is intended to shy people away from becoming a doctor; rather, it is for determining if you can handle it.

The Time

It takes an average of 14 years to become a full-time doctor. That includes four years of undergrad, four years of medical school, and a residency at a hospital (possibly a fellowship). There are also countless tests and exams to ensure every doctor who becomes trained knows what they are doing. This could result in a big missed portion of one's life and resentment. Education during this time is challenging, and stress levels are often high. Additionally, once you finally become a doctor, they work 8-12 hours on average, and during residency, it is expected to work 20 hours in a single shift! If you are one who values a healthy work-life balance, do not even consider it.

Although you spend a lot of time on becoming a doctor, you get to make amazing people along the way. You are learning something new each day and get to help others, even if it sacrifices your time.

The Money

Becoming a doctor is a costly undertaking and often results in a lot of student debt. First, you must find a way to pay for undergrad and medical school, which is the most expensive and grueling. The average cost of student loans after school is approximately $200,000; this is the average many people owe upwards of $300,000 after schooling.

Additionally, once medical school is over, you do not begin earning a high salary right away. On average, a resident doctor makes only $53,983, which is very low for how much they work. Expect to wait to pay off your student loans.

Only when you finally become an Attending doctor will you start making a decent salary. The average doctor makes around $286,589, but this fluctuates depending on what type of physician you become and how long it takes.

Lastly, if you are becoming a doctor just for the money, please rethink your decision. The salary might be excellent, but the reason you should become a doctor is because of a genuine interest in science, school, and helping others, NOT money.

The Uncertainty

With expanding AI models and new technology each year, picking a job in health care can be uncertain. Obviously, there will always be a need for some type of physician, but as time passes, technology is taking more and more jobs. The job you might have in the future could be taken.

Additionally, healthcare is one of the most heavily regulated industries, with a complex web of regulations and guidelines governing everything from patient privacy to billing practices. Doctors must comply with every regulation, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and state licensing requirements. Keeping up with regulatory changes and understanding their implications for clinical practice can be challenging and time-consuming.

Lastly, due to these heavy regulations, it is reported that 1 in 3 doctors are sued during their careers. This is often for violating one of these rules or committing malpractice. It usually ends in extreme expenses by the end of the lawsuit and could happen anytime. You must be very meticulous while performing your practice.

The Why

After all of these reasons, it seems idiotic to even think about becoming a doctor. You become overwhelmed with student debt, the pay is not good for many years, and you could get sued anytime! So what is the reason why people become doctors, and how do you know the Pre-Med track is right for you?

One word.

Help

If you love to help others just for the sake of it, this job is for you. Becoming a doctor means you have the ability to help a new person each day and possibly alter their life for the better. Do not become a doctor for the money or the title. Become a doctor because you love science, you are not afraid of hard work, and you are devoted to helping others.

Works Cited