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Dr. Ben Reinking is a board-certified General Pediatrician and Pediatric Cardiologist and founder of Developing Doctor, aimed at helping healthcare professionals find joy in their careers. He is also a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics-Cardiology at the University of Iowa, serves as the Medical Director of both the Fontan Survivorship Clinic and the Single Ventricle Interstage Clinic, and acts as the Faculty Co-Director of the Boulware Learning Community at the Carver College of Medicine.
Like many doctors, I went to medical school because I wanted to help people, challenge myself, and earn a living. Although there are many careers where I could achieve these goals, being able to serve others and make an immediate difference in their lives is the most fulfilling part of my job. When I was applying to medical school, I didn't fully grasp how truly rewarding and challenging it would be.
I applied to medical school more than 30 years ago. Back then, just like today, it was very competitive, but the application process was quite different. One thing I didn't realize was how much time it would take to apply to schools. I also didn't understand how important the secondary essays were. Looking back, I was lucky to get into my state school. I don't think I spent enough time and effort on the secondary applications for other schools to be a really strong candidate.
The MCAT is a big exam, and while I knew it was important, I wasn't ready for how much time I needed to study for it. I didn't plan my schedule well. I was a college athlete, taking a full course load, trying to do research, and studying for the MCAT all at once. If I could do it again, I would set aside more time to prepare for the MCAT. When I took the test, there weren't as many resources available to help with preparation. I believe it's crucial for students today to use all the resources they can find. Take practice exams, learn from others' experiences, and explore online resources. Learn as much as possible about the exam, beyond just the material, so you can enter the testing center fully prepared for the exam environment, the test content, and the material you'll be tested on.
Even though I followed a traditional path from high school to college, then to medical school and residency, my extracurricular activities were a bit different. I was a college athlete throughout my time in college. I also taught swimming lessons and worked as a lifeguard. I volunteered for a Reach Out and Read program at local elementary schools and spent time shadowing several doctors. One summer, I focused on research and took on leadership roles on my college campus. Compared to today's applicants, I had fewer clinical hours, which is less common now. However, I believe the uniqueness of my application, along with my emphasis on education and leadership, helped me stand out and likely contributed to my acceptance. I think it's crucial for students applying today to consider their own story, strengths, and what they want the admissions committee to know about them. Ultimately, it's their unique experiences, strengths, and perspectives that make a difference, rather than just trying to check boxes and fit in with everyone else.
I was lucky to get accepted into medical school on my first try. I applied to four schools and got into one. Three of the schools sent me secondary applications, but only one offered me an interview and admission. Looking back, I realize I made some mistakes with the other applications. I didn't spend enough time on the essays and secondary applications. I rushed through them in a few hours and submitted them quickly, instead of planning ahead and taking the time to research and carefully write my responses. In short, preparation is really important. I'm grateful for the school that accepted me, but if I had to do it again, I would definitely spend more time preparing for the application process.
When I was a medical student, I found myself enjoying every specialty I experienced during my rotations. As I neared the end of my third year and prepared for my fourth, I faced a decision between two specialties. The first was ophthalmology, which I had explored during a two-week rotation. At that time, the LASIK procedure was new, and I was amazed by the surgical techniques and the precision the ophthalmologist used in patient care. On the other hand, I loved the atmosphere in pediatrics. I appreciated the focus on prevention in the pediatric clinic but wondered if I would enjoy working in a general pediatric clinic full-time.
Entering my fourth year, I chose to do a four-week elective in ophthalmology and another four-week elective in general pediatric urgent care and outpatient clinics. I quickly realized that I wasn't fond of the narrow focus in pediatric ophthalmology. Unlike my core clerkship in general pediatrics, which emphasized preventive care and well visits, my fourth-year rotation in the general pediatric clinic involved treating sick children, with cases ranging from otitis media to acute meningitis. I enjoyed the challenge of diagnosing patients who couldn't provide much history and liked the pediatric clinic environment.
During my residency, I confirmed my interest in caring for sick and critically ill children and considered specializing in either critical care or pediatric cardiology. I discovered that I valued continuity of care, which led me to choose pediatric cardiology. This field combines critical care decision-making with the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients. Reflecting on my time as a medical student, I realized that what I enjoyed about ophthalmology was its procedural nature. Pediatric cardiology also involves procedures and relies heavily on technology, similar to ophthalmology. Ultimately, I chose a specialty that perfectly blended all the aspects I loved during my initial rotations as a medical student.
Pediatric cardiology is a truly rewarding field, but it's also one that is rapidly evolving due to technological advancements. Anyone considering a career in pediatric cardiology should be certain about a few things. First, they must be comfortable caring for very ill children and understand that they will experience patient loss throughout their career due to severe congenital heart conditions. Second, they should be prepared to adapt quickly, as the field is constantly changing. The methods we use to treat patients today are quite different from those used just a few years ago. Therefore, the ability to learn and apply new knowledge and techniques is essential in pediatric cardiology. Lastly, this field is very much a team effort. Pediatric cardiologists rely on a team of skilled doctors, nurses, and staff, so being able to work well in a high-pressure team setting is crucial. This requires the ability to express your thoughts constructively and to listen to and respect others' opinions to develop the best treatment plan for each patient.
If you're thinking about starting your own medical practice or entering the medical field after finishing your training, my first piece of advice is to understand the different work environments available to doctors today. In the past, most doctors ran their own practices. However, by 2025, most doctors are employees working for healthcare organizations, multi-specialty groups, or in academic settings. Few doctors own their practices now. There are new practice models emerging that let doctors be owners and have more control, like concierge medicine and pay-for-service models. These come with challenges that many new graduates aren't prepared for. So, if you're considering opening your own practice, make sure that's the right choice for you. If it is, be aware that you'll need skills to manage your practice that you probably didn't learn during training. You'll need to take business, practice management, and finance classes to run a private practice successfully.
If you're thinking about starting your own practice, my first piece of advice is to go for it. Many doctors feel burned out in today's healthcare system because they don't have much control as employees in large, complex organizations. If you have the skills and the desire to start your own practice, you can build a fulfilling life and career that might not be possible as an employee. However, it's crucial to develop the necessary skills to succeed as a businessperson, leader, and physician. Many of these skills aren't covered in traditional medical education. Therefore, it's important to seek business training and work with a coach to develop leadership skills. You'll need to invest in both clinical and business education, as well as leadership training, throughout your career.
Inspira Advantage is proud to interview experts like Dr. Ben Reinking to help future doctors understand the challenges and rewards of a medical career. Learn more about how our experts can help you get into medical school today.
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