“It’s a lot.”
- Ashira Agarwal
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
When people hear that someone wants to pursue medicine, the response is often the same. “That’s a lot.” A lot of school. A lot of stress. A lot of money. What usually goes unsaid is why so many people still choose it anyway.
Medicine is not appealing because it is easy. It is appealing because it matters. It is one of the few careers where the work directly affects people every single day. Patients are not assignments or numbers. They are individuals with fears, families, and stories, often meeting a doctor during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Being trusted in those moments carries weight, but it also gives the work meaning that goes beyond grades or titles. For many students drawn to medicine, the motivation is not just an interest in science, but a desire to apply that knowledge to help others. Donny Baek, a radiologist, described it clearly, saying, “I can’t think of few careers in which all these principles and ethical values are more in synchrony than in the practice of medicine.” That balance between skill and values is what sets medicine apart. It demands intelligence, but it also requires empathy, patience, and responsibility.
The long path to becoming a doctor forces growth. The workload is heavy, and the pressure is real, but those challenges shape how future physicians think and act. Learning to manage stress, accept mistakes, and keep going even when things feel overwhelming is part of the process. These experiences build resilience and humility, qualities essential to caring for others.
Medicine also does not look the same for everyone. There are countless directions within the field, from patient care to research, education, and public health. This flexibility allows individuals to find a role that fits their strengths while still contributing to something meaningful. Medicine is a lot. It asks for time, energy, and commitment. But in return, it offers the chance to be genuinely helpful in a lasting way. For those who want a career that challenges them while allowing them to make a remarkable difference, the effort required is not wasted. It is what makes the journey worthwhile.
Thank you for reading,
Ashira Agarwal
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