Читать книгу Acing the Medical School Admission Process - Dr. Paul Toote - Страница 4

What do you want to do with your life?

You probably didn’t expect that question – because, in your mind, you’ve already decided to be a doctor. Otherwise, why would you be interested in this subject matter?

The question, however, has to be asked and this is the time to ask it – because, before you go any further, you need to be sure this is what you want to do.

There are many reasons people want to become a doctor. To be honest, the top four highest-paying jobs in America are all in the medical field, according to a CNN Money study. That means money is frequently a motivator.

There’s also the prestige factor. Others are impressed by doctors – according to a national survey, it’s the second most-respected profession in America. Number one is “astronaut,” and that’s not really a realistic ambition in this day and age.

So, yes, the potential prestige and money are certainly attractive. At the same time, however, the road to becoming a doctor can be long and difficult. It requires a tremendous investment of time, effort and financial resources on your part.

If you’re only after the superficial rewards that come with being a doctor, and don’t really enjoy what the job demands, you could easily decide down the line that the struggle just isn’t worth it and give up. That would mean your tremendous investment would have all been for nothing.

This is why the very first step you need to take is to be sure that being a doctor is what you want. You can do this in three phases.

1.KNOW YOUR “WHY”

Start with the core question: WHY do you want to become a doctor? What are your motives? Is there any other profession that you have a real passion for that you’re not considering?

Again, it’s incredibly difficult to become a doctor. And it’s a sad thing to sacrifice so much in pursuit of this objective, only to feel like you have no choice but to quit before you’ve achieved your goal - because you discovered it isn’t what you really want.

That’s why this is the time for a great deal of self-reflection, in which you ask yourself the tough questions – such as:

•Am I ready to make this kind of major commitment?

•Would I be good at this? Does it play into my natural talents?

•Am I willing to do what it takes to become a doctor?

•Can I picture myself doing this for the rest of my life?

If you don’t feel you have the proper enthusiasm, passion and drive to become a doctor, it’s better to rethink your goals at this point, rather than later on, when you’ve already put a great deal into this effort. Your “Why” of wanting to become a doctor will be extremely important in the years to come.

2.TALK TO OTHERS IN THE MEDICAL FIELD

If you believe you really do want to become a doctor, the next important step to take is to give that belief a reality check.

To do that, try to find friends, family members and acquaintances who are either in the process of becoming a doctor or are already doctors. See if they’d be willing to allow you to “interview” them, so you can get a good insight into their experience.

Ask them questions like:

•What was/is your biggest challenge in becoming a doctor?

•What do you enjoy most about being a doctor?

•What do you enjoy least?

•Do you feel the struggle to become a doctor is worth it?

•What regrets do you have about your decision to become a doctor, if any?

•What advice would you give someone who wants to be a doctor?

•Are you happy with your choice to become a doctor?

Having as big a cross-section of medical professionals to interview will give you the widest possible viewpoint of how difficult it is to become a doctor and what it’s like to actually be a doctor.

You will undoubtedly encounter those who are overly-negative about the process, as well as those who are overly-positive. That’s why a balance of opinions will help you achieve something close to the truth of the situation.

Compare the answers you get to what you know about yourself, in order to further examine if this is what you really want to do with your life. Every profession has its pluses and minuses – just make sure that a doctor’s are ones that you feel you can comfortably live with.

3.MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE DRIVE TO BE A DOCTOR

You will need to be extremely motivated to get through the arduous process to become a doctor. That motivation can only come from deep inside you – from the core of your “Why”.

In this final step, list all the reasons you want to become a doctor – and don’t be afraid to include prestige and high pay, the benefits I mentioned before. There’s nothing wrong with wanting those things, as long as that isn’t all you want out of your goal. List as many reasons as you can think of – keeping in mind the ones that you may have stumbled across when you interviewed other medical professionals.

When you’re finished, examine these reasons that define your “Why.” Take note of how those reasons make you feel. Do they make you excited to achieve your dream of being a doctor? Do they create the “fire in the belly” you’ll need to get through difficult medical school classes and long, endless hours as an intern?

The abstract goal of becoming a doctor isn’t going to be enough to drive you forward – the benefits of that goal are what will do the trick. Whether your objective is to help people, earn a good living, learn as much as you can about medicine and health, or some combination of all of these, it must inspire you and excite you enough so that you continue to move forward.

If you truly believe your “Why” is strong enough, you can move on to the second step. You should, however, keep that list of reasons you want to become a doctor in a safe place, so you can refer to it in the future when the going might get tough. Your “Why” will help you over the rough spots.