<p>Hey all,</p>
<p>I'm currently in high school, so a bit young to be thinking on these terms (as some of you will undoubtedly assert). But, I'm genuinely curious about a few things concerning medicine as a career. I'll admit that I'm not the most benevolent individual by any stretch but, as most humans do, I also feel compassion for others who suffer. I volunteer in the oncology and radiology departments of a local hospital, so I have seen many people suffering and I actually do feel their pain (and especially when I realize that they are truly 'good' people and how much they have contributed to the world). And, though it may sound like BS to some cynical people, I assure you I'm speaking the truth. However, as most other humans are, I am overly superficial by nature. Achieving the pinnacle of material wealth (for me, the 'pinnacle' is defined as nice house, exotic car, expensive everything else) is a primary ambition. And then comes the age-old contradiction. Is it proper for people to engage in the practice of medicine for the money? Is it right to make money off of the suffering of others?
I'm the type of person who loves science (and therefore, clearly sees himself a doctor sometime in the future). I have dedicated my years of high school almost wholeheartedly to in-school and extracurricular activities centered around science. I love learning and value continuing to learn. Of course, high school never decides anything in terms of careers and it's not unlikely that students will come to change their minds. If I were to somehow decide against a career in medicine, I'm sure I could easily transition into business (I would never consider law, engineering, architecture, or any other lucrative or somewhat lucrative profession). But how would that look to (top) business schools? Is it possible to major in something business-related while going the traditional premed route?
And then, the dilemna arises. I have a relative who's in radiology and lives in a big-ass home, drives nice cars, and is extremely comfortable with his lifestyle (a 50 hour work week). To quote his wife when he was five years out of residency: "The money is just rolling in." He's been to so many exotic places, having gone on vacation once every year. He's only in his late forties now and has fully paid off all his debts and is just making raw salary now. And, he's considering retiring sometime in the not-so-distant future. And, here's the interesting part: he went to med school in India. (Yeah I'm Indian in case you couldn't infer it from that last bit). So when I read certain threads on this forum bashing medical professions for their insubstantial income and tough labor, I inevitably compare these stories to the situation of this relative and encounter a dilemna. So, either some people around here are lying to cover up the hidden riches associated with medicine or those same people don't consider radiologists. In any case, I'm leaning towards radiology as a career and don't see why people should discourage individuals from pursuing their passion just because they are in it for the money. A) I want to always learn new things. B) I don't ever want to be bored with what I do. C) I want to make good money and live a cosy lifestyle. So, somebody tell me why I SHOULDN'T choose medicine.</p>