Life as a surgeon

Question
Dr. Pilcher,

Can you please tell me how much free time you have during the week?  I am reapplying to medical school this year (I got an interview but froze with nervousness) but sometimes I wish I didn't want to be a surgeon because I'm afraid I won't have a life.  

I'm especially interested in bariatric surgery.

I am an animal rescuer part-time, and I am wanting to adopt more children.  Can surgeons do these things?

How tired are you right now, honestly?

Sincerely,
Amanda

Answer
Amanda,
This is a really interesting line of questions, but it is hard to answer adequately by email.


Here are a couple of thoughts in the general ballpark of your questions.

-I love my practice, my work, my patients.  This is incredibly interesting and fulfilling.  On the other hand, the practice often tries to overwhelm or push out other parts of my life.

-It is a very long hard road to get to any particular area in surgery.  Bariatric surgery at this time is a great place to be, but who knows what the situation will be in 5-15 years?

-The exact nature of your life and practice are quite flexible, but usually the level of "success" (how busy you are) is directly correlated with how hard you work.  This is a trade off.

Best of luck!
Dr JP

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