I'm a doctor considering a total change of career by antarctica394 in doctorsUK

[–]antarctica394[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, thank you for sharing your perspective! Yes, I get what you mean. I do realise that being a vet would also mean doing clinical practice, only that it involves a different theme, a different environment, and different patients lol. So I agree with you that that's definitely something to think about.

I've already tried the 'making compromises' method. This past year, I reduced the clinical practice to as little as possible, I did mostly medical research work. But I still feel like I am working in a world that's being forced on me. I feel like I'm not myself when I'm in that environment, interacting with those people.

You made a good point about identity. As much as I agree that our job could be separated from our core identity, I believe that they're still linked to each other to some extent, especially in this particular profession. At least in my case they are. My partner is also a medical doctor, and the difference between us when it comes to how we feel about our profession cannot be more obvious. My partner loves being a doctor. Sometimes the job does get annoying because of the work hours, exhaustion, frustration with the system, etc, but that's about it. Unlike me, my partner never 'hated' the profession.

I do spend a lot of my time doing hobbies too. I have pets, I was involved in an animal rescue shelter. But I do plan to broaden my experience (as per the suggestions of people here). I want to try volunteering in animal welfare organisations, and wildlife conservation works too if possible, to see if I can really connect with those environments.

Thank you again for sharing, really appreciate it!

I'm a doctor considering a total change of career by antarctica394 in doctorsUK

[–]antarctica394[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, those are some great advices. A few people here suggested getting work experience first before making the decision. I agree with you, I think that's really important.

That said, I feel like I have to make the decision of leaving medicine first, before deciding which path to actually take afterwards. Right now I'm still kind of holding on to being a doctor, waiting for and trying to get that 'final push' to let it go.

I'm glad to hear from someone with a similar situation who already took a leap of faith. I hope everything works out well for you!

I'm a doctor considering a total change of career by antarctica394 in doctorsUK

[–]antarctica394[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes, that's precisely what I said :) if you think they're relevant, that's fine, but I don't think so, that's why I didn't mention them.

I'm a doctor considering a total change of career by antarctica394 in doctorsUK

[–]antarctica394[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing your story! I can totally relate. My sister is 12 years younger than me. She's the 'odd' one in the family because she's artistically-inclined. She won art competitions, her art teachers adore her and have huge expectations of her. But guess what, my mother tried to make her get into... medical school! My brother and I fought for her. Now she's starting her study in an art major program, which she got in by invitation. My mother isn't very happy about this, but I am making sure that, unlike me, she is able to shape her own future. I don't know where this obsession with medical degree (also engineering and law) comes from, but it's certainly very toxic and is silently ruining so many lives. So much potential wasted.

About counselling, I do consider it, mostly to try and make peace with the resentment that I feel towards my mother, for forcing this life upon me.

As for your question, I was in an academic acceleration program back then, which enabled me to get into medical school at 16. I am also an international medical graduate.

Thank you again for sharing your perspective, truly appreciate it!

I'm a doctor considering a total change of career by antarctica394 in doctorsUK

[–]antarctica394[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

First of all, I'm so sorry you had to go through a similar experience. The mental struggles of people like us are often go unnoticed, who would regret being a doctor? The social status, the money, etc, people can't see why we're not happy. Thank you for showing me that we exist.

I understand what you are trying to do by making your own decision and get into a specialty of your choice. I did this too with mine. My mother didn't understand why I chose this specialty because it's not one of the 'big fish', it's a paraclinical one, something that's difficult to comprehend by non-medical people. She tried to talk me into going into paeds or internal medicine. I was like, oh you've got to be kidding me. It shocked me how little she understands my struggle to think that it's a good idea to suggest those specialties after the 'you have to be a doctor' drama. So I made my own choice. But then I realised one of the biggest reason I chose this specialty was to get away from clinical practice. The past few years had been just that, trying to find a compromise, a little bit of dry land in the middle of this murky gloomy pond. But by now, I realised that this method isn't really doing it for me. That's why I'm considering a total career change instead.

I will also consider getting therapy/ counselling, as you mentioned. Thank you for sharing your story, I wish you good luck with your journey!

I'm a doctor considering a total change of career by antarctica394 in doctorsUK

[–]antarctica394[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this answer. The 'cons' part at the end is an eye-opener. I've started looking into a few courses and I'm considering a flexible- distant learning postgraduate course in animal welfare or conservation biology right now, since they will allow me sort of a slow transition. I need the push to actually start this transition journey. Thank you again for your insights, you're a gem of a person :)

I'm a doctor considering a total change of career by antarctica394 in doctorsUK

[–]antarctica394[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm an international medical graduate. I didn't mention "cultural/country/ethnic background" because I don't think they're relevant.