Have you read that doctors feel overworked and undervalued—that they have never been more discontented? Did you know that although doctors in training work shorter hours than ever before, their duties have never been more arduous? Have you heard that many doctors take a break after their first few posts and that not all return to medicine? Promotion is faster than it used to be, but this means that consultants find themselves doing front-line work at unsocial hours formerly done by senior trainees. General practitioners are harassed by demanding patients and submerged in paperwork. Doctors are retiring earlier—tired out, burnt out, or browned off.
On the other hand, everyone from time to time needs a caring and competent doctor—someone honest, kind, and committed to putting patients first. Most doctors enjoy doing this—most of the time. They cannot escape the reality that roses also have thorns. Medicine is not everyone's cup of tea—why should it be? If you want to be realistic about whether or not you are able to give what medicine takes, read on.