Richard Soper, MD: Is Medicine Worth It?
After practicing medicine for decades, I, Richard Soper, MD, have heard so many physicians say that medicine robbed them of the years of their youth. Often, their statements are accompanied by a long sigh, a stare off into the distance, or a slow sip of coffee. I often feel similar to those physicians during the first few years of my journey. I often find myself wondering if medicine is worth it; if it is leading me to the best version of myself. During my training, I, Richard Soper, MD, have missed so much: from missing lunch to missing being home for the holidays. However, focusing on these misses can negatively affect both your overall well-being and your satisfaction with or life. As a resident, the hardest pill to swallow is the fact that medicine always draws you away from places you want to be at and people you want to be with. Residents wake up to the idea of wellness. Having enough sleep, exercise, and a nurturing community is the perfect foundation. However, efforts exe...