As expected, I'm making this post out of frustration in the system I have grown up to become integrated into.
Perhaps we were not well informed, or maybe things changed as time went, but I can remember the majority of us back in secondary school opting to study medicine in the university did so out of a perceived sense that we would never be "poor" in life ever again.
So our parents, and literally our households gathered as much to ensure we went through medical school.
While in secondary school, I would see fresh medical graduates walk the streets of the city with prestige and drive cars supposedly bought from their pay during internship. This alone would fuel an intense motivation to do anything possible to get into the medical profession.
Well, here we are, over half a decade in practice, not having a clue what might be the best route to follow in life, always re-evaluating actions taken so far, wondering if medical training was the best choice, and each day nursing an ever burning idea to hang the stethoscope and leave the profession.
While these concerns might be valid, considering the amount of work and training an average doctor has to do to break out in life, one might truly need to explore other options as an addendum, at the least.
I ain't even asking for too much. For me, if my money problems are solved, I'll be home and dry, comfortable with the profession. But where my bills are significantly higher than my pay with almost nothing left to save at the end of each month, I have to resort to finding other options to augment my needs.
I believe there are 3 perennial problems plaguing the profession, contributing to continued exodus of doctors from the profession:
1. BURNOUT
This can't just be overemphasized. It has repeatedly been talked about over and over and over again on various forums over the years globally. Healthworkers generally experience burnout as a daily norm.
This kills any chance for productivity outide workhours. After a 36-hour shift, all I just want to do is do something that is NOT work - sleep, eat, watch a movie. So even if I have side hustle, I'm too tired or demotivated to go on with it.
2. REMUNERATION
Like I said, for me, better remuneration solves most of my problems, and I'm sure it's the same for most people in the healthcare profession. Most healthcare workers are so usurped by the profession, that they would probably be happy if they didn't have to work other jobs to keep up.
For me, I run a media and filmmaking business by the side, but still have the problem of burnout and lack of time to focus properly on the business.
3. POOR WORKING CONDITIONS AND ALMOST ZERO OPPORTUNITIES
Even our trainers tell us that we have to leave the country to get expertise. And leaving the country while being a great escape from the pronounced problems in Nigeria, doesn't particularly solve all the problems in the profession. At least the burnout problem is global.
In a country where, constant electricity, water and basic consumables for work are a problem, imagine how in-hospital accomodation will look like.
While I can keep ranting and complaining, I think I just have to settle with finding what works for me, or ultimately leaving the country if nothing works out.
What do you think??
Should I stay or leave??