<p>When you applied for medical school, was there ever a part of you that thought you couldn't do it? It appears like so many people are 150% sure they want to be doctors...
A majority of the things I hear about medical school are very negative or pessimistic, but it would be nice to hear about some good things/experiences. Is it really as bad as people make it out to be?
Another concern of mine is that I want to have a family, but I am afraid the years I have spent in school and the demanding job afterwards will discourage me to have kids because I feel like I won't have the time to be the "parent" I want to be. Have you been able to balance a career in medicine with being a parent as well?</p>
<p>you will most probably find better answers on this forum:</p>
<p><a href="http://forums.studentdoctor.net/%5B/url%5D">http://forums.studentdoctor.net/</a></p>
<p>All I have so say is that I share the same concerns as you do.</p>
<p>FourTwentyEight first I think that you shouldnt listen to other people ("medical school are very negative or pessimistic"), if you are sure about becoming a doc than try it and dont let other alienate you coz negative AND positive experiences belong to your study.
("I want to have a family") My personal meaning is that you have to decide what you want more! A family with many kids or a career and a study. Surley many women manage or belive to manage a family and their job, but what if you cant? You will be unhappy all your life or what? So every woman have to have a big thought about what they want more and if they really could and want manage bouth things!
But at all I dont think that you will not have the chance "to balance" these things, probable if you dont want a biiiiiig family AND the perfect career...
Good luck with your decision!
PS: I think everybody have some doubts (me too) so dont despair! =)</p>
<p>This is a dilemma most women face when considering Medicine for a career. Although I am not a Physician myself, being just as committed a Clinical R&D Scientist as any of the Neurologists in our R&D team, I will take a shot at answering your questions.</p>
<p>If you are passionate about your field of interest, you will find a way to balance work and home. The key to finding balance is one golden word "compromise". Compromise is an alien word for most teenagers but one gets introduced to it as we traverse down the path of life..... How do women in Science compromise? Some women decide to have only one child vs having a big family of 3-4 kids. Or give up some of your independence and have an older parent live with you to help you with kids when they are young.....or cut down the number of work hours when the children are young. You will loose some pay but you are able to balance work and home better with such compromises. I have seen many women go back to work full time after kids go off to middle school and they are happy campers as before.</p>
<p>I have seen more women choose Psychology, Internal Medicine, Derm etc as options than men possibly because the work hours are far more defined.</p>
<p>Of course, another essential element that helps in achieving this balance is 'an understanding, kind, and supportive husband' too. This one is by far tougher than everything else in this American Macho world.</p>
<p>Other alternatives include being a Researcher in Medicine. There are several different research oriented paths one can choose in Medicine beyond MD. When you have made up your mind, IM me, I could email you more granular details.</p>
<p>First you have to find out how determined you are and how passionate you are about Medicine. If you are determined and committed to your goal, you will find a way that works for you.</p>