Advice to the Next Generation
Questions from Our Readers, Answers from Physicians
One of the most important ways of improving the medical field is to have a direct exchange of knowledge and advice between multiple generations of physicians and today's students. The Next Generation is pleased to present this forum for your questions and the answers that medical students, residents, and practicing and teaching physicians graciously provide.
Ask the questions that are important to you, and send them to us! Please follow the model provided by the questions asked below (a one sentence summary question, and a longer descriptive question with background and context). We will be updating this section of the site between new issues, so please send your questions and visit often!
Updated: March 1, 2006
Questions Answered
- Which specialties in the practice of medicine have the best job prospects?
- Other than "helping people," what are some other aspects of a doctor's job?
- I cannot handle the idea that I - even out of good intentions - may possibly kill someone. Can I still be a doctor?
- How serious a problem is doctor burnout?
- Are 24-hour rotations still the norm for residents and interns?
- Does being a doctor mean sacrificing your personal life?
- If I am interested in several possible specialties, how ethical is it to emphasize one with Medical School A and a different one with Medical School B, if each school has a bias toward students in that particular field?
- Is it possible to practice family medicine without doing obstetrics?
- What would be some reasons to pursue an MD/PhD degree rather than just an MD degree?
- What are some things to look for when choosing a medical school?
Questions Asked
- How has the increased role played by insurance companies affected your life as a doctor?
- What is the difference between an MD and a DO?
- How do you express your interests in medicine beyond "I want to help people"?
- Why is so much attention given to grades/standardized tests when applying to medical school?
- Is it harder to be an D.O. in the U.S. than an M.D.? How do the experiences of these two types of physicians differ?
- What are some advantages and disadvantages to doing research as a premedical activity?
- What is the field of anesthesiology like?