<p>I am a female and ever since i can remember i wanted to be either a doctor or a veterinarian...now i solidly want to become a doctor. However,..i would also like to have a family, and children, and i dont want to do those things too old. </p>
<p>I think there use to be a doctor on this site, so from your opinion, do females in this industry usually end up on the lonely route or starting families very late. And please answer if you know doctors or are familiar with things like this.</p>
<p>On average, how many hours a week would i be working in a hospital setting?</p>
<p>In terms of how many hours a week you would work, it all depends on what specialty you go into. Surgery, for example, would take up a lot of your time and energy. Other specialties may allow more flexible hours (I've heard radiology and dermatology are two that are good for this).</p>
<p>For starting a family, I think most people wait until after they are done their residency because the residency can be kind of stressful and hectic. (so 8 years undergrad and med school, then 2-6 for residency)</p>
<p>My wife and I were married when she was a 2nd year resident and I a 3rd year med student. We went through pretty intense pgms-- 6 yrs of post-MD training each-- and found time to have our 2 kids during the process. Co-operation from the training pgms and a good marriage will see you through.<br>
In the end, we both chose to subspecialize in rheumatology (we've been partners now for 15 yrs!), which has afforded us a nice lifestyle with tons of time to be very "hands-on" parents.
If medicine is what you want to do, just do it.</p>