Dr. Joe’s Notes – May 2023 | “I don’t think I want to be a doctor”

I showed up at Community of Hope Clinic for my usual Thursday evening volunteer shift, but this time was different. I told the medical director, “I’ve decided to quit my job. I don’t think I want to be a doctor anymore. Maybe I’ll look into something else to do with my life.”

I was less than a year out of pediatric residency and working in an established private pediatric practice in my hometown. It was my goal to take any job I could get after residency that would bring me back home, so I joined a practice which catered to the rich and famous, already knowing that it wasn’t exactly what I wanted to be doing as a pediatrician…

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Joe Sherman, MD is a pediatrician, professional development coach, and consultant to individuals and healthcare organizations in the areas of cross-cultural medicine, leadership, and provider well-being. His mission is to help health professionals rediscover the joy of practicing medicine. Reach him at joe@joeshermanmd.com