Navigating Mental Health and Career Choices in Medicine

Please have the doctor respond to me?

Hello Dr.
Tang: This incident happened yesterday, and it could be considered karma! ...
Yesterday, I was missing a clothes hanger, and I was really angry at that moment! Later, when I was hanging the clothes, I was still fuming, muttering to myself, "Why is it that the weak are always preyed upon by the strong in this society? Why do some people never face consequences?" Then, while I was hanging the clothes, I heard a thud.
I rushed over to check, and it turned out my roommate had fallen to the ground, gripping his foot tightly, which was bleeding, and he looked extremely pained.
I then realized that he might have taken my hanger, and when I went to the dorm room, one of his hangers did indeed look like mine! I was just upset about my belongings being taken, but I truly did not wish for him to be hurt as a result of karma! I did not intend to harm him; at the time of the incident, the dorm supervisor was also present, and I helped out.
Although I don't have first aid training like the supervisor, I was really shocked by this sense of karma and my roommate's injury! When I asked others for tissue to help stop his bleeding, the supervisor said it wasn't a lot of blood and that it wasn't necessary.
I then asked the supervisor if we should call an ambulance for him to get checked at the hospital, but the supervisor didn't respond.
I felt that my relationships in class were already poor, and the supervisor treated me this way, while he was more helpful to others (like the floor leader), even instructing them on what to do to assist my injured roommate! From this incident, I began to question whether I am suited for a career in medicine.
What if a patient needs emergency help and I panic? I am currently studying subjects for the medical entrance exam, but I am also enrolled in a technical program, and balancing both is really exhausting! I have also sought help from the school counseling center, but I don't trust the counselors because they seem indifferent and have a similar attitude! Should I treat my aspiration to study medicine as just a dream? However, I am not very interested in my current major, and if I pursue medicine, it will be very challenging for me, especially since I have a neurosis that requires a lot of effort to study effectively.
I enjoy logical reasoning and prefer to solve problems with my mind, but I do not want to be a "garbage collector" in the medical field.
I really want to study medicine, but I feel conflicted about becoming a doctor.
I want to be like Black Jack, performing surgeries for others and sometimes charging high fees for surgeries on society's undesirable elements.
After reading the Black Jack manga, I found some aspects of myself reflected in him.
I truly feel like I am at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take.
The boss (who was also a teacher) who caused my neurosis, I reported his misconduct to the education bureau, and to this day, that kind of person has not faced any consequences! I am really troubled by this! I feel it is unfair! I hope you can provide me with your valuable advice and insights.
Thank you.

Xiao Jie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/09/23

Dr. Tang Xinbei reply Psychiatry

Dear Xiao Jie,
Regarding the questions you raised, they can be divided into three parts:
1.
Is a classmate's fall and injury a form of retribution? This question is difficult to answer.
Essentially, some people have beliefs that include concepts of retribution and reincarnation.
However, whether your classmate's fall and injury are a punishment from a higher power for their wrongdoings is something I cannot know or prove.
I also suggest that you should not dwell on it, as it is challenging for you to prove whether they actually took your hanger.
Moreover, their fall is unrelated to you (it was not caused by you).
2.
Does the instructor dislike you? Just because they did not respond to you does not necessarily mean they dislike you.
Why burden yourself with such thoughts?
3.
Will you become a doctor in the future? Black Jack is a fictional character from a manga, and such a person cannot exist in the real world.
You can admire his medical skills and his dedication to life, but that does not mean you must become a doctor.
I recommend that you reflect on your own life and clarify your goals and direction.
Progress steadily and practically towards the goals you set for yourself!
Wishing you peace and joy!

Reply Date: 2004/09/23

More Info

Navigating mental health while pursuing a career in medicine can be a complex and challenging journey, especially when personal experiences and emotions intertwine with professional aspirations. Your recent experience with your roommate's injury and your subsequent feelings of guilt and concern about your suitability for a medical career are significant and deserve thoughtful consideration.

First and foremost, it's essential to acknowledge that feelings of frustration and anger, especially in response to perceived injustices, are natural human emotions. The incident with your roommate, while distressing, does not reflect your character or your potential as a future healthcare professional. It’s crucial to separate your emotional reactions from your professional capabilities. In medicine, situations can arise that are unexpected and stressful, and how one reacts can vary widely. The key is to learn from these experiences rather than let them define your self-worth or career path.

Your interest in medicine and the desire to help others, akin to the character Black Jack, indicates a strong motivation to pursue this field. However, it’s also important to recognize the realities of medical training and practice, which can be demanding and emotionally taxing. Balancing your current studies in a technical field with your aspirations in medicine can indeed be exhausting, but it’s also an opportunity to develop resilience and time management skills that will serve you well in your future career.

Regarding your mental health, it’s commendable that you are seeking help and exploring your feelings with a counselor. However, if you feel that the support you are receiving is inadequate, it may be worthwhile to seek a second opinion or find a mental health professional who resonates more with you. Mental health issues, including anxiety and stress, can significantly impact your academic performance and overall well-being. Addressing these concerns proactively is crucial, especially in a field as demanding as medicine.

You mentioned feeling uncertain about your ability to handle emergencies, which is a common concern among many aspiring medical professionals. It’s important to remember that medical training is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to respond effectively in emergencies. The fear of making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process, and most medical professionals have experienced similar feelings at some point in their careers. Engaging in simulations, training, and gaining experience in clinical settings can help build your confidence and competence.

As you continue your studies and prepare for medical school, consider focusing on developing a strong support network. Surround yourself with peers who share your interests and aspirations, and seek mentors who can provide guidance and encouragement. Participating in extracurricular activities related to healthcare, such as volunteering or shadowing professionals, can also provide valuable insights and experiences that reinforce your commitment to the field.

Lastly, it’s essential to practice self-compassion. The journey to becoming a physician is not linear, and it’s okay to have doubts and fears along the way. Embrace your passion for medicine, but also allow yourself the space to explore other interests and avenues. Your unique experiences and perspectives can contribute to your growth as a compassionate and effective healthcare provider.

In conclusion, navigating mental health while pursuing a career in medicine is undoubtedly challenging, but it is also an opportunity for personal growth and resilience. Embrace your passion for helping others, seek the support you need, and remember that every step you take is part of your journey toward becoming a healthcare professional. Your experiences, both positive and negative, will shape you into a more empathetic and understanding physician in the future.

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