The Career Doctor™

by Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez

Looking for a first job? Thinking of changing careers? Facing a lay-off? The Career Doctor™ is a Larchmont psychologist specializing in career counseling. If you'd like to ask a question of your own, use the anonymous form, and she might answer you here. Read more about the Career Doctor here. Contact information is here.

MEDICAL QUESTIONS, PART I

Almost every week I get a question about the medical field -- how to become a doctor or how to deal with the problems of being a doctor. Since these are usually not of general interest to most readers, I only run a medical column once or twice a year. This time, I am answering six different questions in a far more speedy way than usual: three this week and three next. So, if you have a burning question about the medical field, send it right away, in time for next week's column, because I probably won't be answering those questions for quite awhile.

Dear Career Doctor:

I am a junior in high school I have taken child development. Next year I am taking health science technology. What else should I do to prepare for becoming a pediatrician? Sarah

Dear Sarah:

Volunteer in a hospital this summer, preferably on the pediatric ward. Next year, take the most difficult science courses your school offers, and then apply to good universities that have pre-med courses.

Dear Career Doctor:

I am graduate student seeking a Masters in Human Relations. Human resources is a very lucrative field but I have always wanted to be a psychiatrist. I was top of my class in science classes in high school and can't stop thinking that I should be a doctor. On the other hand, I have a family and responsibilities. Do you think I should pursue my dream? Mohamad S.

Dear Mohamad:

Not unless your wife or your family will support you for the many years it will take you to become a psychiatrist. If that is not possible, perhaps you can work in Human Resources at a hospital and get trained to do volunteer counseling.

Dear Career Doctor:

I graduated 2 years ago, and I'm still trying to figure out what career path I want to take. I've narrowed it down to my 2 passions, health or law. Is there a way to combine the two? I'm currently taking classes to go to medical school, while I work full-time in the legal department of a major company. Can you tell that I'm just a little confused? Cindy K.

Dear Cindy:

Think about how the life style, training, responsibilities and psychological rewards of being a doctor are very different from those of a lawyer. Which is better for you? If you still can't decide, consider becoming one of specialists who have both degrees and sue/defend doctors in malpractice cases.

The Career Doctor

The Career Doctor™ is Larchmont psychologist and career counselor, Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez.

Her office is at 90 Beechtree Drive in Larchmont, 914-834-1982.

For more information go to www.jacquelineplumez.com.