What It Takes to Be a Doctor: An Insider's Guide

Description

'Deciding to study medicine is a momentous decision, and Ranjana Srivastava has created a long overdue and indispensable guide peppered with invaluable advice and insights - a must-read.' Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, Adolescent Psychologist An essential guide for anyone contemplating a career as a doctor, by one of Australia's finest practitioners - and writers. 2018 finalist book for The Australian Career Book Award - supported by the Royal Society of Arts in Australia and New Zealand. What is the life of a doctor really like? Is there an end to studying? Are money and prestige guaranteed? Can a fulfilling medical career and a satisfying family life co-exist and what support can a parent or partner give? Which doctors are the happiest? What is the most important question to ask yourself before studying medicine? An insider's calm and considered answers could determine whether you choose to pursue this high-stakes career. Becoming a doctor is a tremendous privilege and a serious responsibility. With her trademark warmth and storytelling ability, Ranjana Srivastava delves into the reality of being a doctor in the modern era of medicine. Through lived experience as a frontline clinician, prolific writer, and mother, she celebrates the highlights of being a doctor but doesn't flinch from the disappointments. Her compelling stories illustrate the hidden facets of a life in medicine - from the burden of prolonged medical training and the regret of mismatched expectations to the humility of caring and the joy of making a difference, this book contains illuminating observations, reflection and advice that should be required reading for anyone contemplating a career as a doctor.

Dr Ranjana Srivastava OAM is a practising oncologist, internationally published and award-winning author, broadcaster and Fulbright scholar. She is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and works in the public hospital system. In 2017, Ranjana was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her contribution to doctor-patient communication and was recognised by Monash University as Distinguished Alumni of the Year. Her writing has been published worldwide, including in Time magazine and The Week, and in prominent medical journals such as The New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet, Journal of the American Medical Association. In 2018 she was a finalist in the Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism for her work as a regular columnist for The Guardian newspaper. Her acclaimed non-fiction books include Tell Me the Truth: Conversations with My Patients about Life and Death (shortlisted, NSW Premier's Literary Awards),Dying for a Chat: The Communication Breakdown Between Doctors and Patients (winner, Human Rights Literature Prize) and What it Takes to be a Doctor (finalist, Australian Career Book Award). She lives in Victoria. See www.ranjanasrivastava.com