The health care industry can be quite rewarding, and very few people have disputed this. Besides the financial rewards, seeing the impact in human lives and in society can be very fulfilling. However, being a health care worker is not all rosy, as it comes with its peculiar issues to take note of. While these issues are not deal breakers, you should be aware of them. In the U.K in particular where free health care is offered to its citizens, the service provision is not very appreciated by people because it is expected that you do this as charity as opposed to a job These issues are significant for recent IMGs who have not fully settled into a proper routine.
5 Difficulties Health Care professionals Face
Increased Workload
A classic example of increased workload is the result of the Covid-19 pandemic that has rocked the world for the past few years. Hospitals and health centers literally overflowed with patients, putting a lot of pressure on an already loaded system. Besides the Covid-19 virus, other health problems cause more people to need medical attention. Medical schools worldwide almost do not seem to be churning out enough doctors to handle the workload. The need for more health workers is so much that the UK government creates special pathways for health workers from abroad to come into the country and work. Unfortunately, this move has not yet filled the gaps. Therefore, as an IMG, it is essential to prepare mentally for the potential pressure you may face.
Same Pay, Increased Cost Of Living
The belief is that health workers make a lot of money, which may have been true in years past. However, with inflation and a constantly rising cost of living, this belief no longer seems to be true. As little as five years ago, what seemed like a lot of money may seem like a struggle today. So, as an IMG, it is essential to rethink your priorities regarding your financial expectations. In all honesty, the government makes efforts to increase the remunerations of health workers; we only wish that the increase would be more significant.
Lots Of Mental Health Cases
This point is almost directly related to and is usually a result of my first point. The increased workload can easily get to you and cause a mental breakdown. We have begun to see more cases of doctors and other health workers requiring mental help. In addition, more health workers now take to drugs and self-help to navigate the mental maze that can be the career path of a health worker. Therefore, you should prepare yourself for what the pressure may cause by taking steps to protect and improve your mental health. In an earlier post on the blog, I highlighted ways that you can manage stress and protect your mental health.
Doctors Are Sometimes Not Appreciated Enough
In years past, people saw careers in the medical and health industry as some of the best jobs. While this sentiment remains in many people's minds, the prestige associated with these professions seems to have dimmed. Health workers may not always get as much appreciation as they used to, which may cause some workers to lose their drive. As an IMG, you should focus more on the positives of your chosen career path. Get your mental thank you’s from the smiles on the face of your treated patients.
No appointment slots to fit in patients both in primary and secondary care
From not having enough people to do the job to the never ending tasks, the patient list keeps growing and there aren't just enough appointments available to fit everyone. This brings lots of frustration on the system and no one is happy. Overall I think the system is crashing.
Conclusion
As with any other job, you are bound to face difficulties as a health care worker. However, as I have pointed out earlier, these difficulties are not deal breakers and should not scare you. With adequate planning and getting your priorities right, you can navigate the industry and have a rewarding and fulfilling career as a medical worker.