My Nephew Wants to go to Medical School!

     I am back from a short three day trip to northwest Arkansas to visit family.
     Many of us that have worked in the healthcare field for a period of years might from time to time feel very negative about our experience. We may allow this to rub off on others who may be considering entering training into the healthcare field.  I have found the most effective way to deal with this is to suggest strongly that the individual find someone to shadow for a few days that are currently working in the area they plan to train for.
     This allows them to see for themselves the reality of what an average day is like for that individual. It would even be a good idea for them to shadow more than one person at two different institutions or offices so they get more than one viewpoint. The problem is that very often it is hard to get them to do this. It seems they are so excited about their plans they don't want anyone to spoil their plans with anything negative. This happened to me with a friends son. I offered to let him come and follow me for as long as he would like several times. He always said he would but never did. He did go to med school and became a primary care physician. I finally heard from his mother ( my friend) a few years after he finished residency. He said he should have listened to me as it hadn't turned out to be what he thought it would be at all. He was very unhappy and it was already putting pressure on his new marriage.
       If they want to sit down with you after their experience and ask you specific questions about your specific viewpoint that is fine. I suggest they write their questions down and allow you to review them ahead of time so you will have time time to give them carefully thought out answers without negative emotions. There are so many variables that each of us have experienced in our education, clinics and workplaces that we have to be careful not to apply them generally to all situations.
    I do not want to imply that everyone in healthcare is unhappy or wished they had chosen another field to work in. It can actually be one of the most rewarding jobs out there. The pay is usually good and you have the opportunity, everyday to really touch peoples lives. I just think that it is important that anyone entering the field be as informed and educated as possible, so they can make the best choices along the way for themselves and for the right reasons!!!

    Joke for the day!
                    Why did the 25 watt light bulb flunk out of school?
                      (  He wasn't bright enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)