By Eve LaValley, MD
Starting a career in medicine feels like strapping on a pair of hiking boots and setting off on an epic adventure. It’s exciting, unpredictable, and, let’s be honest, sometimes a little terrifying. Reflecting on my journey as an OB/GYN, there are so many things I wish I’d known before setting off. So, here are some thoughts for those just starting their own adventures in medicine.
It’s a workout for your body and soul. No one really prepares you for just how physically and emotionally intense this career can be. People told me it would be exhausting, but living it is another story. Long hours, high stakes, and moments of missing my kids’ field trips or school events weighed heavily on me. But my kids see me working hard to make a difference in women’s lives, and that’s something to be proud of. Balancing the guilt and pride is a never-ending dance, but hey, I’ve got my groove (most days).
I wish I had known that your support system is everything. Shoutout to my husband, the MVP of our family. He’s the stay-at-home parent who keeps everything running smoothly so I can focus on my patients. Medicine’s demands are no joke, and having a strong partner — whether a spouse, friend, or support network — makes all the difference. Teamwork really does make the dream work.
Corporate medicine can get in the way. Medicine isn’t just about helping people; it’s also about navigating the business side. The corporatization of health care can feel like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. In private practice, I’ve found a way to connect deeply with patients and practice medicine my way. But dealing with insurance and running a business? Let’s just say it’s a learning curve I didn’t see coming.
The internet is your frenemy. Patients often walk in with ideas or questions they’ve gathered from TikTok or Facebook. Some are helpful and allow women to take control of their bodies, but others… not so much. As a doctor, I’ve had to become an educator, translating medical jargon into something relatable and steering patients away from dubious advice. It’s a challenge, but it’s also a chance to build trust — even when they’re skeptical.
I never knew how strong the patient connection would actually be. The moments that keep me going? Delivering a baby, helping someone through a tough health crisis, or celebrating a surgical recovery. Getting to know and care for multiple generations of women in a family. Those connections remind me why I signed up for this in the first place. Of course, when things go wrong — and they do — it’s tough, sometimes even tragic. Learning to face those moments with honesty and a big dose of compassion has been one of the hardest and most rewarding lessons of all.
You have to love what you’re doing. If you’re getting into medicine for money or prestige, think again. Those are rewards of decades past. Pursue this career because you love it, because helping people lights you up, and because you’re ready to keep learning every single day. Medicine is as much about educating and supporting as it is about diagnosing and treating.
I knew resilience was going to be key — I didn’t know just how critical it really is. This job isn’t for the faint of heart. The emotional toll, external pressures, and even global pandemics will test you in ways you can’t imagine. But those challenges also show you what you’re made of. Finding joy in the little victories and pride in your resilience will keep you going, even on the hardest days.
Your community of medicine can elevate you higher than you ever thought. The bonds I’ve built with colleagues, staff, and patients are some of the best parts of this career. Whether we’re navigating a tricky delivery or celebrating a win, those shared experiences remind me that no one does this alone. Medicine is a team sport, and I’m grateful for my squad.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Knowing all I do now, I would definitely choose this path again, without a doubt. The lows can be brutal, but the highs — bringing new life into the world, easing pain, and making a real difference — are beyond compare. Medicine is a labor of love, one that keeps challenging and fulfilling me in equal measure.
It’s all about growth and service. Looking back, every lesson I’ve learned in medicine comes down to this: It’s about growth and service. Yes, it demands everything you’ve got, but the rewards — the lives you touch and the ways you grow — make it all worthwhile. For those just beginning, buckle up. The journey is wild, but it’s also so, so worth it.
In the end, medicine is like a long, winding road trip. There will be potholes and detours, but there will also be stunning vistas and unforgettable moments. Pack your passion, your resilience, and your sense of humor, and you’ll find the journey to be one of the most rewarding adventures of your life.
