<p>I have been floating around all the boards because I am unsure of my future career, and medicine is always a good option. </p>
<p>I like a lot of things in medicine, I like microbiology and related subject, I like helping people and I like rush it must give.</p>
<p>But I have a problem....A guilt complex per say...I don't want to hold the life and death in my hands alone.
If any has watch Scrubs "My Fallen Idol" where Dr. Cox has 3 patients die and take leave and drinks constantly....That would be me.
Not to mention, </p>
<p>I mean I have other things, but is there anything I could do in medicine?<br>
Like research work or something?</p>
<p>Most doctors rarely make life and death decisions. You can predict the fields in which this is common, and those in which it is unlikely. As you move through medical school, if you continue to feel this way, then go into a happier specialty.</p>
<p>If you do not want to be facing Life & Death situations daily but overall enjoy Science, you can pursue other avenues that are medically related without having a doctor's responsibility.</p>
<p>Research careers are definitely a great option. Consider Pharmaceutical Research. One can fit into any of the below careers.</p>
<p>Chemist (who synthesizes the new chemical entity)
Preclinical toxicologist
Preclinical pathologist
Preclinical Pharmacologist
Preclinical PK/PD/ADME expert
Preclinical Analytial Chemist
Preclinical Pharmaceutical Chemist (who works on optimizing formulations)
Translational Medicine researcher
Clinical Pharmacologist (oversees all Pharmacology studies/usually half the content of a package insert)
Clinical Pharmacokineticist
Clinical Researcher (Phase 2 and 3- the other half of the package insert)
Clinical Statistician
Medical Writer (who helps Project teams with compiling IND and NDA submission documents)
Regulatory Specialist - Preclinical, or Clinical, or Chemical Manufacturing and certification area
Phase 4 Clinical researcher (research new indications and Investigator initiated studies)
Marketing Specialist - (conduct focus group studies to help optimize total product profile and conduct competitive landscape for each indication, each mechanism of action, assist the project manager to optimize/facilitate the final product)
Project Manager - who oversees all of the above processes to ensure seamless transition, continuity and manages/leads the entire Global Project Team.</p>
<p>All fine careers, but do not rule out medicine on this basis. Pediatricians rarely have patients die. It does happen, but not one can go for years without this taking place. Same for reproductive endocrinology, sports medicine, psychiatry, ophthalmology...</p>