After the grueling 11 years of school/residency, does it pay off when you finally become a physician?

Dr's earn more but then their liability insurance is a whole lot more (depending on which branch of medicine you get involved in) either way you get to meet a wide variety of people ... downside ... they're all sick :(

30 is young and I hope you never finish learning, then that will make you old. To answer your question. A Physician is a lifestyle choice, the quality most needed is care of person. A Pharmacist supports the physician with medications, Not much people contact, alot of Computer contact. Physiotherapists, Dieticians, Radiologists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, are all professions that support Physicians, each doing their speciality for the care of persons. Physicians typically work 60-80 hours a week,(thats why they alway seem to be on holidays, they need it for their own health).An Intern and Registrar( Doctors in Hospital as Part of Physician schooling, typically work 100+ hours a week) Pharmasist works 40-50 hours a week. Perhaps in your decision you should be deciding how much time you can tolerate to people contact. To Aide your decision. Good Luck, I'm happy to read a young person deciding about how they are going to contribute to our work environment.

For me absolutely not. I dont' like seeing people in pain, and I don't want my life to be about dealing with the stress (I'd have stress) of peoples life in my hands (I guess it depends on what kind of doctor you are though).

I thought about being a MD, I looked at the salary which is about double what I and majoring in, and I decided it definatly wasn't worth it. I'm not passionate about medicine, and it doesn't facinate me. The fact that 11 years of school is requried is a further downside.

This is pretty much something you have to decide on your own. But after seeing tons of happy poorish-middle people you realize that money isn't everything. It really isn't. As long as you have enough to get by (you will by being either a pharmasist or a doctor) then you're doing alright.

On a side note by bro plans on being a pharmacist. He's like 14 or so, and he knows they make ALOT of money without the stress of being a doctor. You can also take a little morphine on the side ;) J/K.

30 is not old...I am 28 years old working on my third career.....I taught for 8 years.....I was a medical assistant for 3 years... now I am back at school getting ready for medical school.........It is good to see a young person like yourself making plans at a n early age......I did the same thing when I was your age.........And yes doctors make a lot of money......rather you are a pharmacist or a family physician.........But think of the two jobs both jobs r different.......A family physician interacts with their patients on a regular basis......Where as a Pharmacist has limited associates with their patients....A pharmacist is usually in the back preparing the medication while their pharmacy assistants are inter acting with the patients.......So if you like to be around people all the time...them a Family Physician is best......But if you rather be stuck in the back office filling prescriptions then become a Pharmacist

Kids at your age are usually fretting about the latest cellphone or the latest game to play....so its def. refreshing to see someone your age already planning his future. Now 13 is pretty young to actually decide yur profession. The word used by you is "narrowed". Thats not always a good thing. You should def. keep your options open and allow for changes to be made later on. But, again if you have decided to do either one, then you must follow what interests you. Do not allow anyone (other than your parents) to influence your decisions. I always wanted to be a perfumer but I ended up doing economics. That kind of change is radical. Medicine is a very respected profession and it will def. help you establish yourself. Pharmacy, according to me is the harder job, because the pharmacist has to dispense medicines sometimes without even looking at the patient. My advice at this time to you is that apply yourself to school fully and not bother with the latest trends, spend these few years studying and you will enjoy your whole life. Good luck and godspeed kiddo.

you may want to consider clinical pharmacy you would have more patient contact the pharmacists that I know work really long hours and so do the MDs. It is easier for the MDs to set his/her hours than it is for the pharmacists. Example, my closest MD bud never has office hours on Friday so he has a 3 day week-end to spend with his family. You have the choice as MD as to whether you work hospital or private. Many docs practice only in hospitals now so that the family doc does not have to make rounds.

people in medical careers are usually happiest if the reasons for going into the profession is to help people, if you want a career that gets you lost of money, you can do this but you won't necessarily enjoy it. you need to enjoy helping people to be happy in medican, the job can be messy and discusting at times,

Being a physician is not about the money. You might wanna rethink your career options if you're only going in for the money.

Well, most doctors that I know drive Cadillacs. BMW's or Mercedes' so it must pay pretty well. Oh! You don't have to rub it in about "old". Just kidding.

if you are really 13 dont think about that now your going to change your mind several times.I you do go medical go with EX-Ray less blood just cold hard pictures no pain.