The struggle after earning a Medical degree whether it’s MBBS,BDS,BUMS or any other healthcare qualification is so real that it sometimes it makes us question our decision we made years ago when we choose this career path.
What surprises me is that very few people talking about it when students are deciding their future.We are never guided about the challenges that come with persuing the degree and difficulties after completion of the degree.
When we decide to enter the medical field,We are thrilled and excited.But once we enter the college,the excitement is often replaced by academic pressure,endless responsibilities and the reality of journey ahead.
And after graduation a different kind of struggle begins.There ia often no or very less guidance of diverse career path we can pursue,limited earning opportunities, expectations to work at little or no pay in the name of gaining experience,overtime being normalised,high investments to open a independent practice,and a constant struggle to meet mental peace and maintain work life balance.
Why aren’t these challenges discussed openly?
Why is only the brighter side of the system shown?
Being a medico is a matter of pride but it is also the journey filled with sacrifices, uncertainty and immense pressure.The struggle is real and I believe many healthcare professionals will agree with that.
I wish more and more parents and school kids get exposed to this side of healthcare education and professions as well so they can make more informed choices.
Because these professions are so glorified in our country that most people have no idea about the disadvantages and how to live with them once we get into the system.
We spend years learning how to treat patients, yet very little time learning how to navigate our own careers. That transition from student to professional can be far more overwhelming than many of us expect.
We should guide our students about both sides of the medical profession so they can make an informed decision before entering the field. It is crucial for everyone to decide only after obtaining complete information. Many of us leave this profession over time because our minds are not prepared for the upcoming challenges.
I agree with you not just 100%, but 200%, as the intense struggles of earning a medical degree are too often hidden behind a curtain while only the glamorous, brighter side is shown to the world. When we first enter this field, we are fueled by pure excitement and a dream to heal, but that thrill is quickly replaced by crushing academic pressure and heavy responsibilities, followed by an even harsher reality check after graduation. With an overwhelming number of qualified professionals competing today, the staggering years of sacrifice and mental pressure are rarely recognized, properly paid, or respected by the industry. If healthcare systems actually rewarded our worth with fair compensation, genuine respect, and adequate employment, it would be a turning point that completely heals the burnout we endured as students.
It breaks my heart to remember a close friend vividly telling me that despite their initial excitement, they are now struggling just to find a job that doesn’t even pay properly or respect their profession—yet, like so many others, they continue to stand strong for their dream despite the immense pressure. Thank you for speaking out on this untold reality; it is high time the system recognizes our sacrifices, not just our certificates.
So beautifully put. The way toxic work hours and working for next to nothing are normalized in healthcare. It’s comforting to see everyone in the comments agreeing, but it really shows how much we need systemic changes so that choosing a medical career doesn’t automatically mean sacrificing your mental health.
Totally agreed. The path we take is completely different from the people of other backgrounds. That’s what makes us standout. Surely, there is more perseverance compared to other professions, but that’s what makes it beautiful. Isn’t it?
Very well written. No one discussed about the struggles of those 5-year medical studies and the challenges after completing the course. Being a medical profession we know how many occasions we have missed and how we have struggled with medical exams. Getting own patients for each subject practical exams was the difficult task. After completing graduation the real struggle is what next post graduation, clinical or non-clinical. The only solution is proper counselling of parents and students before getting admission in the medical field.