Never let unsatisfying roles or difficult individuals deter you from medicine.

Question a younger version of many physicians about their ambitions, and most would confidently respond, "A doctor!" I'm uncertain how many would have uttered “healthcare executive” or “wellness guru.” A Medscape report indicates nearly a fourth of doctors contemplate transitioning to non-clinical roles. Many feel overwhelmed and yearn for fewer work hours. The reality of corporate medicine disheartens them, leading them towards law and business pursuits. What happened to their youthful aspirations? Do I defy my younger self's dreams? I remember my love for dogs back then – I could always opt for dog-sitting.

Online, physicians voice countless reasons for departing clinical roles. Defying this trend, I daily seek reasons to stay. Yesterday, it was gratitude from my patients.

Today, my rationale is simple: I opted for this profession and it’s my choice to remain.

Doctors exit clinical roles due to overwhelming bureaucracy, eroding respect from peers/patients/public, insufficient administrative support, salary hurdles, and adjusting to a persistent pandemic. The Medscape report highlights an under-reported sentiment: Some simply don’t relish being physicians. This sentiment should top the list.

I've met doctors whose passion seemed questionable. They'd be indifferent during medical meetings or pitch their side businesses. Some pursue medicine due to family legacy or screen-inspired glamour, only to confront its less-celebrated realities. Some fulfill their medical dreams and then seek other horizons. Such individuals should exit clinical practice, driven by personal discontent rather than external pressures.

Those disheartened by bureaucracies or dwindling respect might just be in unsatisfactory roles. Perhaps our healthcare environment has, for some, sullied the noble art of medicine. Early on, a manager's callous suggestions amidst shrinking remunerations and personal challenges almost made me forsake neurosurgery. But why relinquish my passion due to one individual's insensitivity? Their role was to bolster our success.

I resolved never to allow an unsatisfactory position or difficult individuals derail my professional journey. After all, I've dedicated immensely to realize my childhood dream. Nobody should wreck that for me. The solution? Revamp the job to savor my profession or find a more suitable role. We replaced that manager, and my professional landscape transformed. That's my version of self-care.

The term "self-care" is currently trendy, advocated to prevent healthcare professionals from succumbing to burnout. Recommendations include personal time for reflection or physical activities. While meditation's efficacy is undeniable, its merits wane when the systemic demand is relentless efficiency. When superiors advise self-care, we should counter, “Alongside yoga, I require childcare facilities, clinical support, and efficient OR teams.” After work, I'd then have time for yoga.

I hold in high esteem doctors who’ve tried reforming their roles but eventually chose different paths. Their bravery is commendable. Some leverage their clinical prowess in volunteering, temporary positions, or pedagogy. Their younger versions would beam with pride.

For my part, I remain steadfast in neurosurgery. Frankly, I'm not adept elsewhere. In honesty, even my dogs are rather unruly.

Today, I remain.