This is my first time here and I am desperately looking for advice. I'm 36, a radiologist in private practice for 4 years, mother to a wonderful 7 year old boy, and stuck in a career I'm not sure I ever really wanted to be in.I'm over the CYA studies repeatedly ordered on young people and they get younger and younger. All during residency and in my first few years out, I fought to do what was right for the patient. I have no fight left in me. I figure if I can no longer do what I feel is best for the patients I serve, I really shouldn't stay. I want very badly to leave medicine completely but as with most other physicians who want out, I don't really have skills outside of medicine to get me a good job. Fortunately I haven't really stepped up my lifestyle and spending tremendously. Unfortunately, half of what I earn goes to support my disabled mother. I'm worn out. I've neglected my son for a career, job and life I no longer enjoy. I hope someone can help.

donewithit,
Why do you say you neglected your son? Is he ok? I am asking because I am a new mommy trying to get into med school.
Thanks!

Dear donewithit,

It sounds like you are very frustrated and tired. I believe no matter what kind of job we get into, there will be times where we just can't take it anymore. It can be due to the place we work at, or the people we work with/deal with. Sometimes, we just need to take a break and re-evaluate things. If this is the career that you have chosen because you enjoy to help people from your HEART, then I believe that you are in the right field. Your fight will win, don't give up. I believe anyone who does try to help and/or help people, will be rewarded. I hope that makes sense.

Yes, this is so true. I had to quit my old career after feeling that way.

Hi I'm new here myself the only difference being Im planning to get into the field of medicine. Anyway,I read your comment re being stuck in your career and that you want to change (believe me I do understand your dilemma very well).

You have a lot of skills as a physician you can apply without practicing medicine. Have you ever thought to work for a Pharmaceutical / Biotech or Medical Device company? They are always looking for people with a medical background, training for instance to act as Project Manager for Clinical Studies or a Consultant for Product development. The salaries are quiet well - you wouldn't practice medicine but leverage your education and knowlegde and most of all you could still support your Mom and of course wouldn't be as stressed out as you seem now - your boy will thank you for it.
I work as Project Manager & Coordinator for Pharmaceuticals and wished sometimes I had the medical background.
Please think about it - if you have questions - don't hesitate to get in touch with - Cheers Latifa

One more thing I want to add.
Take the time to re-evaluate why you have chosen Medicine in the first place, what was your motivation. You seem to be a caring and dedicated physican who wants to do the right thing. Believe also in other professions not necessarly medicine, but when you care about people - you get immensly frustrated - that's reality. Take the time to lean back - think about what you like about being a physician - and only if you see no way out other than to quit practicing Medicine than you have to make a decision.

Hey, I just came across the forum and it looks very informative. I am 26 years old and a second year medical student. I plan on doing a family practice residency. I have been married for 2 1/2 years to my high school sweetheart. For the past year or so, I hear my biological clock ticking so loud it keeps me up at night! I really want to have a baby before age 30 to reduce any difficulty getting pregnant. All I think about is having a baby and it drives my husband crazy. I think I am ready for the challenge and I would have time for a baby now. (Many days classes end at 12.) The only thing that is holding us back is no money. My husband is a lawyer by trade but has taken a low paying job so that we could move here for medical school. My question is, when do you all think is the best time to have a baby through medical school and residency? Sometimes I wish I had done something different than medicine, something less demanding so that I could focus on my family more one day.

I'm new too. I am 32 years old and I am a mother of 3 (boys age 6 and 1 and a girl 3). I have been a teacher for the last 8 years. I reside in Michigan, and for the second time in my career I have been laid off. And, as you all know, Michigan is going through it, so I'm am positive that I am not going back. Teaching has been more of a nightmare for me, so I take being laid off as a blessing. I attempted to do premed back in 2003. My husband was somewhat supportive. I quit, because he convinced me that med school was too much of a sacrifice. Well, now here I am 6 years later and I am still thinking about it. I have looked into PA and Nurse Practitioner (I'm interested in working with kids/women). However, every time I convince myself to be a nurse, the word doctor keeps coming up in my mind. I am aware of what it entails to be a doctor, because I have many friends who are docs. I don't want to shortchange myself. In my mind I feel that the sacrifice now will benefit me in the future. I have no real reason not to pursue medicine. It's not like I have no support (my dad is retired and my mom will be retiring and I live in the same city as my in-laws). Plus I'm not tempted to stay in education for the money because I'm no longer making any!!! I just need to grow up and do it!!!! All I have is time. The way the economy is looking, I won't be retiring until I'm at least 65 (enough time to pay back loans and have a little retirement money).

Hello buzymom, I want to encourage you, perhaps you have been laid off so that you can pursue your dream in the health care field! Med school is definitely something you can do. I am second year medical student. My first year was very hard, my grandfather died of cancer and my father passed away a year later. Although I have no kids yet and am married, I am able to get all my studies done by never procrastinating and always staying on top of studying. Many days I get out of class by 12 and the latest days are 3 or 4 PM.

Medicine CAN suck the life out of you and make you really jaded. The one million work-up for CYA purposes is just pure exhausting/stupid/asinine and some do it for "academic" reasons whatever....a mental masturbation. If you really hate your job right now take a BREAK. There is nothing that prohibits you from just spending some time with your family and to the hell to your work. Of course loans are there so not sure if this is possible for you but still....Good luck!