My top post of all time addresses this question – Why become a doctor?

I received a recent email from a 20 year old college student who asked me about this issue.  As I have pondered this email, I searched for the proper words.  Readers know that I love being a physician.  But this student asked a different question.  The problem is the classic one for all who go to medical school – can you and should you delay gratification of need?

Going to medical school and doing residency delays adolescence.  You stay a student for your entire 20s.  Looking back from age 60 this decision seems simple.

I enjoyed the last 2 years of medical school and my residency (readers know that I hated the first 2 years of medical school.)  As a 60 year old, I guess that I missed out on my 20s – but did I really.  What did I miss?

So here is my advice to 20 somethings.  The 20s only represent 10 years of your life.  You have many years after to work and contribute.

As a physician I still feel vibrant at age 60.  I still make an important contribution to patient care.  I still influence students and residents.

I wake in the morning, look in the mirror and have a sense of purpose.

At age 60 I am not worried about employment.  I make a decent living – although have many friends (non-physicians) who make much more money.  I like working – and sometimes wonder if it is really work.

So my simple advice is that medicine is worth it – not for riches – but for the work.  Helping patients feels good every time.

I would always argue that the trade-off in your 20s is paid in multiples.