<p>"Medicine is a crummy profession to be in now. She's back in her generation - which is fine - but I wanted to do medicine forever (still do, in some ways), but had too many doctors warn me about it. Tuition at med schools alone is about $40,000/year, and then there are living expenses. Compound that over four years, then let the interest accrue during residencies, internships, etc - and it is not uncommon for people to start practicing with over a quarter-million in debt. Now for the fun part: HMOs. They keep cutting the reimbursement prices, so doctors have to see more patients and spend less time with each of them (many HMOs even dictate the amount of time you can spend with a patient). The HMO, not the doctor, will make the decision as to what kind of treatment the patient will get. Malpractice insurance premiums are through the roof - in some places, they are about a half-million per year. Without even accounting for inflation, doctor's salaries are declining every year. Oh, yeah, stable profession!"</p>
<p>Someone posted that in the law section of the site... I dont completely agree, but what do you think.. i mean.. there are risks and benefits associated with every profession right..? All of you who got accepted this year into the combined programs.. if you dont mind sharing.. what was your motivation.. what made you choose medicine over all these other professions, other than the general i wanna help people blah blah...hmm?</p>
<p>anyoneee..?!?! come on GUYS.. all of us on this thread are aspiring doctors.. some of you must have a true reason on why you chose medicine?!?!</p>
<p>ive wanted to be a doctor since middle school...why would i change my dreams just because it comes with challenges? im doing this to help and treat sick people...nothing can stop me</p>
<p>this person most likely was unsure about being a doctor, so he found reasons to sway him out of being one. im sure there is something different out there for him</p>
<p>I want to become a doctor because I think it is one of the most noble professions that exist. In a world of pain and uncertainty, I want to be a person who can provide comfort and soothe the suffering...who is a bastion of tranquility and knowledge. I've been blessed with so many gifts, talents, and skills, and I have been told by many friends (as I'm sure many of you have) "I hope to see you on TV one day for having done something amazing" or "I am so proud to have known you" or "you are going to change the world one day." I deeply feel that I have the responsibility to fulfill their expectations - perhaps not to change the world, but at least to change one person's life. Indeed, often you cannot ignore the money issue, for the medical profession truly isn't as stable as before, but at some point, you have to put that aside and rely on your intrinsic motivation - your deep yearning to help people, to give back to society. </p>
<p>From the bottom of my heart: I love medicine. What other profession allows you to perform such hands-on work that affects so many people's lives and that truly commands so much respect? From a very young age, I was convinced medicine was the path for me, and the fact that this desire has lasted throughout the years means nothing can change my mind. I want to help people, I want to give back to society, I want to pay back for all the blessings that life has given me - an excellent education, a wonderful family, and devoted friends. As everybody knows, medicine is not an easy profession at all, and there will be some days when I may temporarily regret this choice. However, I believe that if you're truly dedicated, you will continue to work towards your goal despite the challenges and obstacles that may block your path. I am determined to be a doctor - a good doctor who provides comfort and care in a world full of fear and uncertainty. "With great power comes great responsibility"...that's a quote from the movie Spiderman that I will never forget and that I quote frequently, even in my graduation speech. My power lies in my intelligence and talents, and I firmly believe that I have the responsibility to use my power to the best of my ability - to make a mark in the world, to change somebody's life for the better.</p>
<p>And nothing can change my mind.</p>
<p>wow. That's really inspiring. Thank you.</p>
<p>I too admire your dedication neom, and I hope you maintain your idealistic approach to medicine in the long run. I'm just scared that all the problems that faithful mentioned in the first post will get in the way of the idealistic goals. And there's really no way to get around those kinds of issues. For now, HMOs, high debt, and malpractice insurance are realities that every doctor is dealing with, not simply obstacles you can overcome.</p>