Why Doctors Choose Their Noble Profession
Choosing to become a doctor is a personal decision that requires a strong motivation, personal interest, and occasionally, family pressure. For me, the journey to become a doctor began with a desire to provide care and relieve suffering. Every night, when a doctor has treated a patient’s pain or saved a life, that sense of satisfaction cannot be put into words. It is deeply rewarding.
Why Being a Doctor is So Interesting
The field of medicine is not only interesting but also vastly different from many other professions. Doctors balance between outpatient clinics in the morning and emergency rooms later in the day. Can you think of another job with such strong job security and variety? Even in emergency settings, doctors encounter a variety of cases like delirium tremens, panic attacks, bipolar affective disorder, cannabis or opioid and alcohol addiction. There are also cases of myocardial infarction (MI) and cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) which are common in a typical emergency setting. This diversity in patient encounters makes the profession fascinating and engaging.
Motivations to become a doctor can vary. Some choose it because of job security, others because of the varied and interesting nature of the job. Medication can be frustrating due to the variety of reasons, but it is never boring. The experience of applying medical skills in real-life situations is incredibly fulfilling. It is a field where you can truly make a difference in people's lives on a daily basis.
The Personal Narratives of Choosing Medicine
Moreover, during my third year of medical school, I faced the reality of earning potential compared to peers who had chosen engineering. While many of my friends were earning handsome salaries, often ranging from 15k to 75k, I was focused on studying hard for my exams. This realization pushed me to reflect on my choice. Even then, I could not imagine myself doing anything other than medicine.
A personal experience during a family trip to a hilly area called Susunia illustrates the impact of medicine. On the journey, I encountered a situation where a woman fainted due to a hypoglycemic attack. Despite my young age and lack of significant experience, I stepped forward to help, and I managed to save her life. That experience was a defining moment for me, highlighting the profound impact a doctor can have on a patient's life.
Why Become a Doctor Remains Worth It
Being a doctor means job security, as there is a guaranteed placement in the field after graduation. There are only around 9 doctors per 10,000 patients in India, indicating a constant need for doctors. Additionally, starting salaries can range from 40,000 to 1.5 lakh, though this varies by region, with South Indian and West Bengal hospitals paying lower salaries compared to those in Delhi.
The field of medicine is also about changing lives on a daily basis. People spend their entire lives trying to change the lives of others, but as a doctor, you can do it every day. The respect that comes with being a doctor in society cannot be understated. Not only do you save lives, but you also become an inspiration to many, including aspiring medical students.
Conclusion
If you are an NEE (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) aspirant, keep hustling, don't listen to the negativity surrounding this profession, and work hard so that you can inspire others. Doctors, especially those working tirelessly every day, deserve our sincere appreciation. Happy Doctors' Day to all the doctors out there, and remember, the profession of a doctor is one of the noblest indeed.