10. You get to do cool things most people will never have the chance to do. No matter what your specialty, you are critical to furthering the life spans of your patients. 9. Your medical training prepared you for a successful life. How self-disciplined were you before you started med school? How about now? You’re also likely to be a good decision maker simply because you must do it constantly in situations where the stakes can be high. 8. You relieve more than just physical pain. Never doubt the effect you’ll have on people who survive and thrive simply because you bother to listen. 7. You have influence. You earn respect in your community. You’re smart and accomplished. People will listen to you, so pipe up. 6. You have actual job security. Employed docs who lose a job don’t stay out of work for long, unless they choose to. There are way more people who need doctors than there are doctors. 5. You’re free to move about the country. The physician shortage means you can decide to work virtually anywhere you want. 4. You can diagnose yourself. You can apply that knowledge to making the best decisions for your own health. 3. You’re never bored. Boy, it’s always something, isn’t it? Remember the time that woman had her baby in your waiting room? Physicians have great stories. 2. You’re always in vogue. No matter how the fashions may change, lab coats and scrubs never go out of style. 1. You make a difference. Despite the specter of denials, malpractice, and overwork, you still have a job that provides a genuine service to the public.
