I just completed an online survey about my career. One of the questions was whether, had I to do it all over again, I would choose to be a physician and whether I would choose my same specialty. I have to admit, these are questions I ask myself not infrequently.
I just completed an online survey about my career - the hours I work, my salary, how many patients I see, etc. One of the questions was whether, had I to do it all over again, I would choose to be a physician and whether I would choose my same specialty. I have to admit, these are questions I ask myself not infrequently.
My answer changes from day to day and moment to moment. Right after I have delivered a baby and am on that post-delivery high of all being right with the world, I do not hesitate to reaffirm both my choice to be a physician and my choice to be a family physician. At the end of a busy clinic session where I feel that I have only served to frustrate myself, my patients, and my nurse, other careers look appealing - lawyer, daycare worker, teacher, trophy wife.
Most often, I hover somewhere on the “yes” side of being a physician and fluctuate back and forth about my choice of family medicine.
It leads me to think about my ideal job. Here is a list of the qualities that make up a perfect career for me (at this moment – it may change tomorrow):
1) My career would allow me to pursue a personal passion.
2) At the end of the day, the world would be a better place because of the work I did.
3) I would make a comfortable salary - nothing too grand but enough to live on without worrying about paying for college or an unexpected car repair.
4) OK, if I’m dreaming, I would like to be able to take the day off on a whim if it is very beautiful weather outside and I feel like it.
5) I would not ever have to get up at 3 a.m. on a snowy, freezing cold night and go somewhere to do my job.
6) I would be able to be creative and spontaneous.
7) My job would involve writing - I love to write.
8) There would be an element of the unexpected, surprising, or challenging every day.
9) I would be able to work with people I like and respect.
10) I would have energy left over at the end of my workday to spend on my husband and children.
There, I think that just about sums it up. Looking over this list, I have to say, that aside from No. 4 and No. 5 and sometimes No. 10, my job often meets those requirements. Maybe I am in the right specialty after all. Or maybe I was really meant to be a famous novelist.
The Role of Third-Party Financing in the Health and Wellness Payment Landscape
April 17th 2025"How patients access and seek out health and wellness care continues to evolve amid growing costs and a changing healthcare landscape – and communication around payment options continues to impact how patients select their provider. In this whitepaper, Synchrony shares new data on the vital role alternative payment options have on patient decisions, and how providers can strengthen their financial offerings. Learning Objectives: • Learn the current trends impacting the ability of in-house financing plans to meet patient demands. • Understand patients’ financing preferences and how it directly impacts behaviors when pursuing care and choosing a provider. • Discover how third-party financing can support practices to meet patients’ needs, help relieve administrative burdens, and stay competitive within an ever-evolving healthcare industry. "