Career path?

I really wanted to be a doctor, but I am seeing a lot of corruption in the medical system. I volunteer at a hospital, am in a biomed program, and talk to a few other physicians - some of which have shown me just how problematic the current system is. I am seeing a lot of over-prescription of drugs and medical procedures, a lot of authoritarian responses to patients, little time spent describing to the patient the nature of their problem/ providing them with access to resources to learn more, over-prescription of antibiotics (hence the superbug problem), etc.

I am so disheartened by the current state of medicine that I no longer am sure whether I should give it up, and try to pursue a career path where I can help people in different ways, or try to wade through the pile of bullshit that has been fed to professionals and patients alike in order to provide a quality service.

I'd have to say that I do believe that alternative medicine can be beneficial in some ways (maybe not all), but the same reasoning also applies to modern medicine, which is also good in some ways (but not all). At the very least, most alternative medicines are not harmful to their patients because they are usually performed at a low level of invasion. Also, I think it is high time that modern medicine recognizes that the placebo effect DOES have a positive effect. Over 2/3 of the effects of psychiatric drugs are placebo (and of other drugs on the market), and we are also beginning to discover that some common surgical procedures, when compared to placebos, are not better at all! (You cannot denounce alternative medicine on this aspect- at the very least, for those who refuse to acknowledge anything else about it, alternative medicine is good placebo at low patient cost/consequences.) Also, some alternative medicines, such as chiropractics, are very well established.

you should go with your heart
the profession neds more caring people like you
You can make a difference

First off, I applaude you for wanting to help people and seek higher standards than what the current medical industry provides. I originally wanted to be an RN but changed my mind when I realized that Western Medicine is more about treating the symptom instead of finding and curing the root cause. Western medicine is only about prescribing drugs and learning how to cut people up (surgery). I became really disheartened but then one day I read natural cures they don't want you to know by kevin trudeau and it has changed my life. (You can check out his website at naturalcures.com.) Now I feel inspired to become a holistic doctor. Do some research online and you will discover some really great professions (and schools to attend to learn these skills) in the field of natural and alternative health. Good luck! I hope you will find something that will make you happy and proud of.

As another responder said, you can make a difference. The American system of medicine sucks. Unless we suddenly decide to stop electing rich as$holes, it will continue to suck. Work within it. Once you're a doctor, you can use your skills however you want. You don't have to work at a hospital and you don't have to drive a Mercedes. Even if you do, you can always donate your time and skills. Just because a system is corrupt doesn't mean you have to be.


And to cjoy, the administration of holistic, homeopathic, and many other alternative potions (I will never call them medicine) is done solely on the basis of symptoms. How does it treat the root cause? And how does modern (not western, MODERN) medicine treat symptoms only? If you have a fever due to an infection, they don't put ice under your armpits (unless you're about to cook), they kill the bacteria. If you have a poor coordination, memory loss, and headaches caused by an subdural hematoma, they remove the hematoma. They don't prescribe some magic potion that made normal people forget things. The goal of modern medicine is to treat the disease. It's to use proven treatments, not folk remedies and superstition. Sorry to burst your bubble.

Some good answers there I have to go with the natural healing methods as they are generally derived from plants herbs etc.There is not much respect ,however but the body doesn't seem to reject as easily either.

You know what? I wish that there were more people like you in that industry. Please don't write it off completely. I believe that both conventional medicine and alternative together are very helpful to people now. the fact that the public is more aware of the choices that they have to get well is wonderful and of great benefit. If someone of your character with an open mind were educated in both you would be of tremendous benefit to society. The problem is that too many people get in a field such as that more for monetary benefit. Though it is a free country and people can do as they wish. Something like the healthcare industry is supposed to provided assistance and support to others in their time of need. People are vulnerable when sick and need someone knowledgeable and caring to help get them well. Too many don't care about their patients... though there are a lot that do care but are brainwashed into believing that the only way is conventional medicine. They are simply in it to make money... I say if it is money that you are after why not have a career as a stock broker or banker, because you are dealing with people not thing's. I personally believe that a physician or nurse should be able to use any safe means to help heal their patients. My sister has cancer and the doctor was so cold and uncaring did n't seem to care about her so she is switching doctors, which is really sad. Sorry that this is so long, but i had to get this off of my chest. You CAN make a difference as others have stated. You don't even have to be a doctor(their insurance is super high anyway). You could be a nurse practitioner who is just as knowledgeable as a doctor and in some states they can even write presciptions for patients, then you could study alternative medicine on the side(you'll give your patients the best of both worlds) and wont be in school as long, have to pay a mountain of tuition and will be an asset to society. If you stick to your convictions and have an open mind. I am sure that you would be a success. It takes a person with a golden heart to do this and most important stay true to yourself.