The GP Run

I've been writing so many reflective essays in the past that my mind has now become retarded enough to write this. To commemorate the end of my urban General Practice run, I have decided to put my blog to good use.

So here you go, the 20++  good/bad points of being a GP. There are more good points than bad ones, not because these are biased, but because it is true. haha


THE GOOD
You have office hours (no on-calls) and you're free on weekends.
You have breaks between office hours. Two patients - one break - two patients - one break.
You don't usually see new patients every day, so you seldom take a COMPLETE history.
The GP motto: common things happen commonly. Therefore, the diagnosis of neuropathic pain is NOT Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease. I got told off last year... haha
You are guaranteed a job. You can work anywhere under the sun and still be well off financially.
You are allowed to look at MIMS and phone specialists in front of patients without feeling awkward.
You meet the odd diseases (hypertrichosis anyone?), but not so much to make you stressed after 5pm.
Anything can walk through that door. So you never get bored.
You are allowed to do minor surgery, without standing for hours and hours like surgeons.
You have a less chance of killing someone, or at most indirectly killing them. so again, never feel worried after 5pm.
They make great teachers (they represent the broader aspect of medicine after all). and i love teaching.
You have access to medication, so basically your whole family benefits.
You can give out MCs. so your children can benefit heaps with "explained absences".
You know patients love you when you cure them. And you need love when you're wifeless, childless, girlfriendless... #foreveralone
Perhaps the only profession that guarantees money AND life longevity. Apart from orthodontists though. Not dental surgeons because they soon develop occupational hazards (from all that drilling).

THE BAD
You get paid less than the other branches of medicine.
You have to be up-to-date with all 65 major diseases, plus 100++ minor diseases. And that's for the next 60 years?
Too little surgery for me (punch biopsy, excision, ingrown toenails, verrucae etc).
High demand in some countries, but not all.
If Megan Fox walks through the door, the possibility of you meeting her outside your practice is zilch. Just because you are expected to take drastic measures to avoid talking about her medical history.
You really cannot mess up, because the patients will never want to see you again. bye bye business!

THE VERDICT

I don't know. The thought of a perfect family life is tempting, but somehow it's much too general for my liking. and a few other personal points lol so I will have to check out the others and then decide!

So ladies, marry a GP if you want a family of 3 kids!

Guys, never marry a GP because they're often too smart! (how to cheat leh? HAHA) :p