If you could do it over would you?

[BS464]

HI

I frequently hear practicing physicians, even the ones who somewhat enjoy what they do, say that they would not do it again if given the chance. Im currentlyin the process of deciding wether or not to go to med school. I was just wondering how you residents feel about this, would you do it over again
thanks

[Jeepers]

Residency is definitely tough and I think that if my entire career was like this that I would not do it again.  However, I know that when I get out of residency, life will be MUCH better.  That keeps me going...

[Dannon]

The reason I entered medical school was to truly help people.  However, I'm convinced that my ideal of practicing medicine no longer exists in today's health industry.  If my only options were long work hour residency and fields like internal medicine, I don't think I'd do it over again if I had the choice.  However, we do have options (derm, rads, optho, etc.) and I'm choosing to excercise those options.

BS464:  I think you are just kidding yourself if you think that life will get any better after residency.  If you are surgery or IM, your life will be work until the day you have your first MI at age 45 or the day you retire.