The fascination with medicine

Lisas98 · 25-01-2015 3:24pm #1

I'm in fifth year and thought I wanted to be a doctor but now I'm not so sure. I can't give any reasons as to why I actually want that career.

So many people want to be doctors, but why? What is the fascination with it? People often say they want to help make others better, but is that really true? Is that the only justified answer for studying medicine? I know that that is not the reason I would be choosing to do it. I'm sure some people do it for that reason, but maybe others do it because it is a respected profession and it sounds impressive to say you are a doctor.

I thought I wanted to be a doctor because I loved junior cert science and I knew everything in our science book like the back of my hand, I also knew I wanted to work with people. But I know junior cert science is nothing compared to studying medicine. Do you have to love Biology to be a doctor? Because this year I'm not a massive fan of it.

As a back up plan do people want to do nursing? I know that I don't. Nurses seem to do all the crappy jobs (cleaning up sick etc.) and have no rewards. They are constantly on strike because of pay cuts etc so I have ruled this out as a future career.

But maybe all of this shows that I don't really want to be a doctor?

thelad95 · 25-01-2015 4:34pm

I think a lot of people just do it to challenge themselves in the LC. Then they get to college and realise it's not for them. If there were more than 5 medicine courses and no Hpat, the 'fascination' would dwindle for a lot of students.

Mr_Muffin · 25-01-2015 4:35pm

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Outkast_IRE · 25-01-2015 4:37pm

As said above, a lot of students that are aiming for top marks feel like they have to do medicine when the reality is many of them would be much happier at Engineering or Business/Commerce. Unfortunately alot of them stick it out and are miserable.

You can earn big money by getting to the top of most fields, so i dont see that as the sole reason.

Mr Rhode Island Red · 25-01-2015 5:06pm

Pressure from parents can be a factor sometimes as well so far as I can see, but not always

spurious · 25-01-2015 6:12pm

Never understood the desire for it myself. Far easier ways of making money, or helping people. I can understand why it has one of the highest suicide rates.

It must be soul destroying doing your best to help make people better and they continue to smoke their fags or drink their beer or stuff their faces, nothing you can do.

Something like interventional radiology, I can see the fascination with, but again, you'd only be seeing people at their sickest really, so that would grind you down, regardless of the pay.

NewYork1979 · 25-01-2015 6:33pm

I'm not a nurse nor do I have any family in nursing but I'd disagree with you that there are no rewards in nursing. Currently I'm meeting midwives a lot and I've never met such a lovely, caring, give a damn profession. I'd imagine those nurses get a lot of satisfaction out of their jobs even if some of their tasks are tough going.

I think it's our society that thinks they are worthless which I think speaks volumes about society rather than them.

Lisas98 wrote: »

I'm in fifth year and thought I wanted to be a doctor but now I'm not so sure. I can't give any reasons as to why I actually want that career.

So many people want to be doctors, but why? What is the fascination with it? People often say they want to help make others better, but is that really true? Is that the only justified answer for studying medicine? I know that that is not the reason I would be choosing to do it. I'm sure some people do it for that reason, but maybe others do it because it is a respected profession and it sounds impressive to say you are a doctor.

I thought I wanted to be a doctor because I loved junior cert science and I knew everything in our science book like the back of my hand, I also knew I wanted to work with people. But I know junior cert science is nothing compared to studying medicine. Do you have to love Biology to be a doctor? Because this year I'm not a massive fan of it.

As a back up plan do people want to do nursing? I know that I don't. Nurses seem to do all the crappy jobs (cleaning up sick etc.) and have no rewards. They are constantly on strike because of pay cuts etc so I have ruled this out as a future career.

But maybe all of this shows that I don't really want to be a doctor?

etherealfairy · 25-01-2015 7:06pm

Personally, I want to study Medicine because I am intrigued by people, and cannot think of a career that I would find as dynamic, interesting, rewarding, fulfilling, exciting and varied. I want to do something that will give me fulfilment, to give back to society and humanity, to make a difference. I know the reality isn't as rosy, but after a lot of research (looking into the 'downsides' of medicine) and chatting to people in the profession, I've realised that this truly is the career for me.

I adore getting to know people personally, and helping them through problems. Of course, that's not always going to happen. But that wouldn't alter the vision I would keep in mind, striving for the good of all. I love problem solving and working as a team. I love learning, and studying medicine requires lifelong learning- there's always something more to discover. Moreover, the information you're learning will be used to actually help people and save lives. I would never go into Business/Engineering etc because it doesn't suit my personality. It's all about money, too linear, rigid, boring. (In my opinion).

Studying Medicine would also allow me to travel, and use my skills and knowledge to help those less fortunate. I am incredibly interested in the human body, how it works, what can go wrong.. as well as sociology, psychology and philosophy. Medicine isn't just about anatomy and physiology! It's the merging of the sciences and humanities. This suits me down to a T as someone with a wide range of interests. I wouldn't study something like Occupational Therapy as it's not broad enough for my personality. If you're not going into Med for similar reasons... I would suggest going into a different field of study. A passion for people, for humanity, and the desire, and drive to strive for better human health and a better society as a whole lies at the heart of happy, fulfilled doctors. Those who are unhappy in their careers no doubt went into it for the money. If you're not, however, then Med is your calling. I'm doing my Leaving Cert. this year so please pray that I will get this course! It frustrates me to see so many people going into it for the wrong reasons.

thelad95 · 25-01-2015 7:44pm

If you're a GP, the majority of people you will see are medical card holders and OAPs coming in every second day with stupid complaints. If you're a doctor in a hospital, I could see that being rewarding even with the horrible hours.

spurious · 25-01-2015 8:06pm

thelad95 wrote: »

If you're a GP, the majority of people you will see are medical card holders and OAPs coming in every second day with stupid complaints. If you're a doctor in a hospital, I could see that being rewarding even with the horrible hours.

I don't know, half asleep after god knows how long a shift and knowing any decision you make could kill someone if you get it wrong?
It might be better at consultant level where you might get to see an improvement in someone, but there are only so many consultants.
My hat is off to anyone who sticks it out, wouldn't be my choice at all.

smcgiff · 25-01-2015 8:15pm

spurious wrote: »

My hat is off to anyone who sticks it out, wouldn't be my choice at all.

Exactly, it would be waaaay down my list of desired careers.

Jijsaw · 25-01-2015 9:20pm

I honestly think a lot of people don't realize what they're getting into being a doctor. I'm sure a lot of people apply for it for the 'status' and the 'money' but there is only one girl in my year who wants to do medicine and yet she's afraid of needles.
I read the autobiography of a doctor recently and all the detail of cutting up cadavers, examining peoples faeces and getting up close with body parts- really makes being a doctor sound extremely unattractive to me.

etherealfairy · 25-01-2015 9:41pm

thelad95 wrote: »

If you're a GP, the majority of people you will see are medical card holders and OAPs coming in every second day with stupid complaints. If you're a doctor in a hospital, I could see that being rewarding even with the horrible hours.

Not necessarily! It definitely depends on a number of factors. Most current medical students are looking to emigrate anyways, where opportunities are better.. but that's another debate! Anyways, a good doctor, i.e. one doing medicine for the right reasons, won't be prejudiced and will be emphatic to whoever comes to them for help. And yes, I am aware that things aren't idealistic as this and for some, being a doctor actually serves to do the opposite (develop a distaste for humans and whatnot!) .. which makes it all the more important to realise what studying medicine entails.

TheEdgeofGlory · 25-01-2015 9:44pm

etherealfairy wrote: »

Personally, I want to study Medicine because I am intrigued by people, and cannot think of a career that I would find as dynamic, interesting, rewarding, fulfilling, exciting and varied. I want to do something that will give me fulfilment, to give back to society and humanity, to make a difference. I know the reality isn't as rosy, but after a lot of research (looking into the 'downsides' of medicine) and chatting to people in the profession, I've realised that this truly is the career for me.

I adore getting to know people personally, and helping them through problems. Of course, that's not always going to happen. But that wouldn't alter the vision I would keep in mind, striving for the good of all. I love problem solving and working as a team. I love learning, and studying medicine requires lifelong learning- there's always something more to discover. Moreover, the information you're learning will be used to actually help people and save lives. I would never go into Business/Engineering etc because it doesn't suit my personality. It's all about money, too linear, rigid, boring. (In my opinion).

Studying Medicine would also allow me to travel, and use my skills and knowledge to help those less fortunate. I am incredibly interested in the human body, how it works, what can go wrong.. as well as sociology, psychology and philosophy. Medicine isn't just about anatomy and physiology! It's the merging of the sciences and humanities. This suits me down to a T as someone with a wide range of interests. I wouldn't study something like Occupational Therapy as it's not broad enough for my personality. If you're not going into Med for similar reasons... I would suggest going into a different field of study. A passion for people, for humanity, and the desire, and drive to strive for better human health and a better society as a whole lies at the heart of happy, fulfilled doctors. Those who are unhappy in their careers no doubt went into it for the money. If you're not, however, then Med is your calling. I'm doing my Leaving Cert. this year so please pray that I will get this course! It frustrates me to see so many people going into it for the wrong reasons.

I'm an inspiring Doctor too!( LC 2016) and you've literally articulated all the reasons why I want to be a Doctor in your post. I wish people would recognise that not everyone wanting to study medicine is eager for the status/money. It's a nice bonus alright but some of us actually care about humanity and have an aptitude for science and problem solving and most importantly making profound impact on the health and well being of others. There's other professions which do that of course but I don't believe to the same extent/ degree of responsibility. A Doctor's course of action or decision is respected and more vitally has potentially grave consequences daily. Good luck with the Leaving and HPAT! :pac:

DublinArnie · 25-01-2015 9:44pm

There are many careers relating to medicine. Not many people are educated, and just presume being a doctor would be the best bet.

I'm more interested in the research aspect of medicine. I'd love to dive into immunology and try cure diseases, or maybe revolutionise the methods and technology of surgery through bibiomedical. I'll still be working in medicine, just in different aspects.

Being a 'doctor' isn't the only way to help change lives and work in medicine.

AulBiddy · 26-01-2015 2:26am

I think a lot of people go in with different intentions. I think one of them is people going in thinking that their profession is going to be helping people. Of course it is but nobody tells them the gory details that is involved with medicine as mentioned a few posts above. I was put off by the opposite - I would love to do all the gory bits of medicine, but I feel that I would not be a good people person which I think is essential for being a good doctor you know, good bedside manner.

ballsymchugh · 26-01-2015 2:33am

AulBiddy wrote: »

I think a lot of people go in with different intentions. I think one of them is people going in thinking that their profession is going to be helping people. Of course it is but nobody tells them the gory details that is involved with medicine as mentioned a few posts above. I was put off by the opposite - I would love to do all the gory bits of medicine, but I feel that I would not be a good people person which I think is essential for being a good doctor you know, good bedside manner.

you sound like you'd make an excellent surgeon, dealing with people when they're knocked out!

the bedside manner thing though.... you do have to keep a distance with patients, get too emotionally involved and you'l screw with your own sanity too. it's probably why most people think consultants are dicks.

smcgiff · 26-01-2015 3:03pm

ballsymchugh wrote: »

you sound like you'd make an excellent surgeon, dealing with people when they're knocked out!

the bedside manner thing though.... you do have to keep a distance with patients, get too emotionally involved and you'l screw with your own sanity too. it's probably why most people think consultants are dicks.

That's Mr Dicks to you!

EoghanIRL · 26-01-2015 5:47pm

I think it's fair to say that health sciences are vocations .

The whole idea of people not giving smoking up when you advise someone to shouldn't be a problem to a health care professional. That's why you study behavioral science and get taught to distance yourself from your patient.Old habits die hard . You can't make someone change .

If you get into it because it is high points or want to make big money then you are in for a shock .

They assign you a mentor in your 5 years to help you deal with the stress.

Beca19 · 26-01-2015 9:41pm

To the OP if you're considering medicine at all I think you should definitely definitely try and get work experience and see what it's like.

I've been intent on doing medicine for the last 2 years but I have no real experience. I have it organised for March though (going to a hospital for a week) who knows maybe I'll decide it's not for me at all?

DublinArnie · 26-01-2015 9:50pm

Beca19 wrote: »

To the OP if you're considering medicine at all I think you should definitely definitely try and get work experience and see what it's like.

I've been intent on doing medicine for the last 2 years but I have no real experience. I have it organised for March though (going to a hospital for a week) who knows maybe I'll decide it's not for me at all?

Props to you for organising something like that. You know someone or just contacted the place?

Beca19 · 26-01-2015 9:52pm

DublinArnie wrote: »

Props to you for organising something like that. You know someone or just contacted the place?

Know someone! I emailed loads of places and people originally but to no avail hahha, it seems near impossible to get into a hospital if you don't know someone

randylonghorn · 26-01-2015 11:05pm

Beca19 wrote: »

Know someone! I emailed loads of places and people originally but to no avail hahha, it seems near impossible to get into a hospital if you don't know someone

It is, they have more than enough work to do without looking after people on work experience from school, plus there are insurance issues, etc.

You're very lucky if you've managed to organise it through a contact!

ChrisBarrett7 · 19-02-2015 6:07pm

It's exclusive.

Seanf999 · 21-02-2015 1:53am

ChrisBarrett7 wrote: »

It's exclusive.

I'm an aspiring surgeon, and honestly I can see why people think 'what the hell is wrong with you!?' When I say I want to be a surgeon.
The strange thing is that neither me nor any of my relatives can comprehend is that I like everything that others find repulsive about being a surgeon!

As a kid I liked seeing the inside of an ER and looking at cuts and bruises or looking at a old medical book in our house.
I like the long hours, dealing with people who may or may not like my existence.
I like dealing with people from all walks of life even if I don't particularly agree with their beliefs and I enjoy the possibility of being pulled into hospital at all hours to help others simply because I want to help. I want to put myself in the best possible situation where I have the ability to help.

I'm by no means the 'sharpest tool in the shed' but I'm the hardest working (see because tools work?) all horrible jokes aside I intend on becoming a surgeon it just depends when..

leitrimlad1996 · 21-02-2015 2:25pm

I think the main reason for the popularity of medicine is the huge opportunities it gives you in the future. You could work as a GP in your local town, a neurosurgeon in Dublin, a radiologist in a top of the range x-ray department in New York, an infectious disease specialist with MSF in Sierra Leone fighting Ebola, a psychiatrist working for the CIA...the possibilities really are endless. I can think of few other degrees that offer such variety!

dalta5billion · 21-02-2015 3:53pm

leitrimlad1996 wrote: »

I think the main reason for the popularity of medicine is the huge opportunities it gives you in the future. You could work as a GP in your local town, a neurosurgeon in Dublin, a radiologist in a top of the range x-ray department in New York, an infectious disease specialist with MSF in Sierra Leone fighting Ebola, a psychiatrist working for the CIA...the possibilities really are endless. I can think of few other degrees that offer such variety!

Anyone who worked in such a role would be in violation of the Hippocratic oath. While TV dramas like Homeland glorify such activity, it's essentially torturing humans. Psyops is not an area any human should aspire to be in.

Yes Medicine opens up these opportunities but many more degrees and years of experience are required to actually qualify in one of these fields, not to mention the huge financial costs.

You'd be surprised at the range of careers other degrees open up - ask someone in a job today what they did in college and it might surprise you how little relevance it has to their job today.

leitrimlad1996 · 21-02-2015 4:19pm

dalta5billion wrote: »

Anyone who worked in such a role would be in violation of the Hippocratic oath. While TV dramas like Homeland glorify such activity, it's essentially torturing humans. Psyops is not an area any human should aspire to be in.

Yes Medicine opens up these opportunities but many more degrees and years of experience are required to actually qualify in one of these fields, not to mention the huge financial costs.

Still, it's an option!
www. cia .gov /careers/opportunities/support-professional/psychiatric-officer. html

Yeah, I get that but in order to get into all those other degrees and to get the experience, you need the degree in medicine! Didn't mean to suggest that you do the five years and you're free to do whatever you like!

Seanf999 · 22-02-2015 12:24am

One thing I've noticed as a secondary school student is that between 5th year and leaving cert of my school the number of people wanting to do medicine is 1 out of 100(ish) I'm that 1 single person.
That being said the vast majority of posts in this section (the ones posting asking for help/tips etc) are posted by people hoping to study medicine. Chances are they are asking because they aren't entirely sure if they will get into medicine, they really have to aim for top marks and while others may say 'sure we all are' most people are working from :their preferred courses points: upwards while medicine works on a different point system so you really need top marks to maximize the chance of you getting into medicine

spurious · 22-02-2015 11:24am

Seanf999 wrote: »

One thing I've noticed as a secondary school student is that between 5th year and leaving cert of my school the number of people wanting to do medicine is 1 out of 100(ish) I'm that 1 single person.
That being said the vast majority of posts in this section (the ones posting asking for help/tips etc) are posted by people hoping to study medicine. Chances are they are asking because they aren't entirely sure if they will get into medicine, they really have to aim for top marks and while others may say 'sure we all are' most people are working from :their preferred courses points: upwards while medicine works on a different point system so you really need top marks to maximize the chance of you getting into medicine

They won't all get in. That's the one thing you can be sure of.

Plenty of other related careers in the medical field, if that is what people find attractive, or careers helping people, or indeed careers perceived as ways to make lots of money, which for a number of people is why they do it.

Seanf999 · 22-02-2015 1:04pm

spurious wrote: »

They won't all get in. That's the one thing you can be sure of.

Plenty of other related careers in the medical field, if that is what people find attractive, or careers helping people, or indeed careers perceived as ways to make lots of money, which for a number of people is why they do it.

Agreed, there are those too who do get in but for the wrong reasons, ie they just liked the idea of becoming a doctor

The fascination with medicine

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