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Jul 26, 2023 18:30pm

Is it Worth it?

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“Why do you want to be a doctor?” “Is it worth it?”

Out of all the accolades and achievements, the volunteer hours, the shadowing, the elected positions for organizations, this question is one of the key aspects of a student’s application to graduate school.

Pre-professional students would use our services to help them understand, prepare and apply to their desired medical program. But this question caused some to rethink their career choice.

With his hands clasped together, he leaned back in his chair, one leg propped on the other. With an arrogant tone, he answered my question. “Being a doctor is the best and only option to provide the necessary financial security and lifestyle I desire to have.”

I let the silence hang in the air for a bit longer. Allowing him time to see the look on my face, to wonder what I was writing on my notepad, and to see if he felt any uneasiness about his answer. But as I looked up from my notes, I took in the smirk.

“This is not the right career for you.”

Any student that left my office after an advising session knew what it would take to be in the role they pursued.

A lavish lifestyle full of nice cars, big houses, dinners at the country club and prestige within their community came at a price. Sure, it could happen, but what would it take to get there? And was that all they really cared about?

What would you say to a mother who has brought her sick child in, searching for answers, and you have the report that reveals cancer? What would you do when a man breaks down in tears in your exam room because his wife is desperate for help but they cannot pay? What would you do when your in your first year of residency and a simple procedure goes wrong and your patient dies under your care?

The list of scenarios could go on and on, but in the end, they knew, there was more to this profession than riches and fame.

These are people. Real people. With real problems. In search of help and they only know one place to find it.

The life of a doctor or any medical professional wasn’t always glamorous. There would be many late nights of studying for weeks on end only to still fail the test. There would be moments of feeling inadequate to do even the simplest of tasks. There would be long hours, dangerous situations, and moments that would bring you to your knees in nausea and heartbreak.

My last question to them would be, “so, is it worth it?”

If they said yes, we moved forward. If they said no, we found a new career that aligned more with their skills and aspirations.

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.”
Luke 6:20-26

This portion of scripture is similar to the Beatitudes in Matthew chapter 5. Beatitudes means blessings. Here, Jesus is describing the blessings that come from being a follower of Christ. And it’s not everything you would think it would be.

He mentions being poor, hungry, hated and rejected. It’s full of tears and being an outcast. All because you follow Jesus. And these are considered blessings! Is that what you think being a child of the King should be like? Jesus points out that a Christians reward isn’t here, but in heaven.

And just like I asked my students, I now ask you, is it worth it?

In the same section of scripture Jesus offers a warning as well. He says “woe”, or “what grief” to those that think they have no need of what Jesus offers. They think they have it all, but they are the ones who are missing out. They will also receive something, but it will not be a reward in heaven.

There is an eternal destination for those that say they don’t need Jesus. Those that deny Him or even choose to just not believe in anything, have made their choice, and will spend eternity separated from God in Hell.

I’d ask them too, is it worth it?

So, what’s your response today? What path have you chosen and would you say it’s worth it?