Becoming a doctor in the United States is often viewed as a prestigious pursuit, but it comes with significant personal cost. For the average graduate (including those who were home-schooled) of the American education system, which emphasizes prolonged education over early productivity, the gravity of the sacrifice is impossible to grasp.

The typical path to becoming a doctor involves 12 of university education, medical school, and residency. This journey consumes one's youth, leaving little time for exploration, creativity, and most importantly, productive relationships. This academic journey, and the medical profession itself, can also insulate doctors from the real world, the principles of sound money, and the reality of violence, making it challenging to relate to patients and actually understand their concerns. Patients often value doctors who have diverse life experiences and can provide empathetic care.

Other costs are more direct. The financial burden of student loans is substantial, with the average medical student debt ranging from $200,000 to over $500,000. Nearly 30% of female physicians experience fertility issues. Nearly 40% of physicians "burn out", 30% of residents have diagnosed depression, overall and doctors have a suicide rate over two times higher than the general population. Not counting the addiction to caffeine, 10-15% of physicians will develop a substance use disorder at some point during their careers. Remember, these are all folks who started down the path of medical training uncoerced, most wanting to help people.

Before committing to a career in medicine, young people should carefully consider the personal costs. These include the sacrifices of relationships, wisdom, youth, productivity, fertility, creativity, and freedom. While being a doctor can be rewarding, it is essential to weigh these costs and consider alternative paths that offer a better path toward personal fulfillment through service.