Comments on: College Girl: In Defense of Pre-Med Students

By: the Editor

the Editor — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:04:08 +0000

Pia, I have to take up for you a bit on this one. It was popular during my childhood to tell young people not to worry about practicalities but to follow their dreams where ever they led. I think this advice may be appropriate for some, but not all. Sometimes following your dreams can be a path to very predictable disappointment.

It really kind of depends — what kind of person are you? Are you practical to a fault? Or so whimsical that you sometimes run out of gas in the car? People who are obsessively practical need to be told to lighten up and follow their inclinations more, while those who are impractical need to be told to pull their head out of the clouds and look at things honestly.

As always, I appreciate your contributions, and support you 100 percent.

By: Pia

Pia — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:36:47 +0000

Well said, GF. I suppose I should have talked about that aspect more. I think you give a thorough explanation. I think I walked into my own trap here…

By: brand frentz

brand frentz — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:51:04 +0000

I think that liking the job is important, but not the whole issue. It goes further, to getting satisfaction from the job. Being a doctor (clinical) means helping people in trouble, advising people who need it, being responsible for major decisions in patient’s lives — I think the best doctors are motivated by a real concern for the well-being of their patients and that they are rewarded in large part by the feeling that they have used their talents and abilities well. To help other people. I have great respect for some doctors; they are the finest kind of people. Money truly is secondary. GF

By: Pia

Pia — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:54:52 +0000

Thanks for the comment!

Yeah, I’ve wanted to be a doctor ever since I was about seven years old, so I’ve never had the indecision problem. However, it does contribute to living in a pressure-cooker…this too shall pass, though, and I shall be on to where I want to be (or at least a lot closer than I am now).

By: Pia

Pia — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:53:21 +0000

Yeah, the whole thing just got me thinking and I wanted to write about it to sort my thoughts. I’m glad you agree

By: Iris Geffner

Iris Geffner — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:01:49 +0000

It’s very difficult to know who you are and what you want in life, but it sounds like you’re there. Many young adults today are not able to identify any career and they are unable to find a job. I think you figured it out. I’m a therapist and a coach and have only met women doctors who have loved their choice. Enjoy and always remember your priorities in life.

By: Ochoa

Ochoa — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:22:56 +0000

I totally agree. Thank you so much for justifying my point(not that you had to, or that you did it because of me, but it does justify it anyway). I will enjoy being a Doctor, but moreover, I WILL enjoy making all that money WITH the enjoyment of the health profession!