Entering into medical school and becoming a doctor can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in one’s life. The path to becoming a doctor is long and oftentimes arduous. Upon becoming a doctor, the tension and work only intensifies. Because of this, it is important to identify and understand the reasons for wanting to become a doctor. Here are five of the worst reasons for wanting to become a doctor.
In it for the money
Perhaps the worst reason for wanting to become a doctor is for the large amount of money that the career can lead to. It is often true that doctors earn a lot of money in their profession, but this should not be one’s driving force for becoming a doctor. There is much more to being a doctor than working long hours and making large sums of money.
Doing it for others
Another common reason for becoming a doctor mentioned in sample medical school personal statements is because of the influence and pressure from others to enter into medicine. Many parents and guardians would love for their children to become doctors, and many students seek to enter into the profession because of this reason. Becoming a doctor should be one’s own aspiration rather than someone else’s.
The promise of admiration and respect from people
Doctors often receive much respect and admiration from others, because of the career path that they choose. Some people want to become doctors for this reason. While gaining the respect and admiration of others is a good thing, it should not be the main inspiration for becoming a doctor.
Loving the subject
Many sample medical school personal statements mention that the writer’s reason for wanting to become a doctor is they enjoy the academic discipline of medicine. The knowledge and intellect that one can gain from medicine is abundant and perhaps even inexhaustible. Still, there is a side of being a doctor that is far detached from the lessons and knowledge that you can gain from the subject. Being a doctor requires interpersonal skills and a sensitivity toward the human being that far exceed those required in other careers.
Anything aside from a vocation
Most people who are happy with and truly love being a doctor cannot explain their reason for wanting to become a doctor. This is because it is often a vocation of theirs, a calling that comes from a longing to better one’s self in order to aid others in need. Perhaps the best reasons to want to become a doctor have something to do with being selfless and centered on an interest toward the human being.
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