Louis Said:

Would it be worth it for an engineer to choose to become a medical doctor?

We Answered:

well, clearly you're not afraid of hard work. and there are some specialties such as endocrinology that is so math-intensive that i think you'd really love that. and i think surgery would intrigue you--'heal with steel', ya know?

you certainly sound unusually outgoing for an engineer--why don't you talk to your own doctor about what s/he likes and doesn't like about the practice of medicine? i would encourage you to do it. where are you thinking about applying?

Ted Said:

What are the difference between a Interventional cardiologist and invasive, non-interventional cardiologists?

We Answered:

I am an Emergency Physician - but can answer this question for you.

First of all, I have never heard the term "Invasive, non-interventional cardiologist" I'm not sure why one would do an invasive study but then NOT intervene. I am not sure why a cardiologist would subject a patient to the risks of, say - a cardiac catheterization and then NOT do an angioplasty if one was indicated.

Assuming that you mean simply a non-interventional cardiologist - I can make the following general statements.

1. Interventionalists are more likely to have to drop what they are doing at any minute of the day or night and go to the hospital.
2. Interventionalists are going to have higher malpractice rates, more liability and more apt to get sued.
3. Interventionalists are likely to make more money
4. Time off, etc, etc will all be variable from place to place and group to group - so no really acurate generalizations can be made about that.

In conclusion - no insult intended - you ARE a "kid", still. being ALMOST out of high school is a LONG way from becoming a specialist.....just relax, your plans will undoubtedly change many time between now and the time you actually have to make a choice.

Before med school, I was SURE that I wanted to be either a neurologist or an anesthesiologist......now, I wouldn't DREAM of doing either of those.

Concentrate on doing very well in college - remember, you might not even get into medical school and then all of your grand plan will fall through.

Eileen Said:

Hi I am a doctor and am looking for career shift in IT. Please advise which software course to choose.?

We Answered:

Hate to tell you this but jobs in IT are next to impossible to get now. Web designers are a dime a dozen same with programmers.. and many that are in the market for those types of jobs have a lot of years in the field. New grads don't stand a chance. As well as I would be wondering why a doctor gave up medicine for computers. You should also note you will never make the same kind of money you make as a doctor in computers...

Charlotte Said:

Please help me with my life?

We Answered:

Your parents want the best for you. They're also wrong. If you want to be a lawyer, and you're sure of it, be a lawyer. A surgeon is going to have to deal with a lot of stress, too. You said you're on the debate team. That sounds like something for a future lawyer. I let so many people talk me out of doing things. Now I work in the warehouse at a factory for the lowest wages in the plant. My hands and arms, legs and back are killing me. Do I enjoy what I do? Not one %^*%#% bit!

Peter Said:

Looking for FACTS about George Tiller and abortions?

We Answered:

Tiller was one of a handful of doctors in the US who would perform late term abortions. I recall on the news there were only three doctors.

Tiller performed over 60,000 abortions in his career.

The 60,000 figure comes from Tiller's own website. Most of the website has been taken down or scrubbed, but Google cache has portions of it including this: