In a time when physicians are under numerous pressures — from declining reimbursement rates to staffing shortages and shifting healthcare policy — two physicians joined Becker’s to share what they think is the biggest misconception about being a physician.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Sheldon Taub, MD, Gastroenterologist at Jupiter (Fla.) Medical Center: One of the biggest misconceptions that people have about physicians is that they have all the answers. Thats not necessarily true. Medicine is full of uncertainties, and doctors are human. It is so important that the physician takes a detailed, accurate history and that the patient reveals to the doctor everything that is factual, not what they think the doctor wants to hear. Doctors work very hard for the most part and take on much responsibility. The average patient does’’t understand that. They feel many doctors live a lavish lifestyle with limited hours that are dedicated to the practice. This is largely not true. Often, doctors take their work home with them, if not physically, mentally. The pressures of practicing medicine right now are enormous and unappreciated by the general public. Physicians have to deal with insurance regulations, government regulations and hospital issues. These facts are all taken into consideration when deciding to enter the field of medicine, and this partially explains the present state of affairs that exists in the medical field.
Theresa Tam, MD. Owner of All for Women Health (Chicago): One of the biggest misconceptions about my job is that I have ample time and resources to manage everything effortlessly, such as promptly returning calls or handling administrative tasks. In reality, my schedule is filled with surgeries, patient care, documentation and managing a private practice, all within an increasingly demanding healthcare system.
Another misconception is that physicians, especially surgeons, earn a lot of money. People often overlook the decade-plus of education and training, the debt incurred, and the declining reimbursement for many complex services we provide. While the job is deeply rewarding, it demands constant sacrifice, focus, and resilience.
