How can I achieve a balance of a successful medical career and a happy family life?

I am 16 years old and soon to be a junior in high school. I get mostly A’s and I am taking several AP classes. I want to get into a good college and be successful in life. I don’t really know what I want to do, honestly. However, recently I became interested in pediatric oncology (kids’ cancer doctor). I don’t know for sure if that’s what I would like to do. Perhaps I would also like to work at a general pediatrician, or pediatric surgeon. I never really knew what I wanted to do, or even if I wanted to do something in a medical career. However, I really want to do something that helps people, and I know I would enjoy working with children, so I am thinking about this field.

However, I also am aware that to be a doctor, it takes 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, and several years of residency. I always wanted to get married and have kids and have a happy family life. I know being a doctor would take up most of my time.

I would like to know what options I have in my future, where I can have a successful career and also always be there for my kids. I don’t want a babysitter to raise my family. What other careers should I consider?

1 comment to How can I achieve a balance of a successful medical career and a happy family life?

  • holey moley

    Being a medical doctor isn’t an occupation; it’s a life-long commitment to a vocation, and the studying never ends. The hours suck, the training is BEYOND rigorous, and even when that formal training is over, your family life can easily take a back seat to your profession.
    You don’t meed to be a medical doctor in order to work in medicine with kids.
    All the physical rehabilitation therapies require a master’s degree; you wouldn’t need 4 years of medical school plus a residency to become a speech pathologist, occupational therapist or physical therapist. All allow for part and full-time employment, which can be ideal when one values a family life.
    All pay very well. Investigate pay on salary.com.
    Also visit the wensites of the American Speech Language Hearing Association, the American Physical Therapy Association, and the American Occupational Therapy Association for more info.

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