The Burden of Clinical Work

When I went for an interview to enter a training program for public health, I was asked, "Won't you miss clinical work?" - which is a common question that is asked during recruitment interview for this program because public health is not considered as "clinical" work.

The reason why this question is always asked is because the common understanding is that "clinical" work means working directly or one-to-one with patients. But, public health does not necessarily work with patients or people who are sick, but also with people who are healthy and a whole population. Plan of management for public health depends on the common norms and behaviors in a certain population and not individual. Of course, the most obvious reason why public health is not "clinical" is because public health does not work in a clinic 👀

So, have I missed "clinical"? The answer is yes and no.

What I do miss about "clinical" work would be meeting patients and listening to their stories. Each patient always has a story to tell and I love trying to relate to them. Of course, there were always the ones who were rude. But even the rude ones add value to your day because they could be a source of gossip haha.

But I just realized that there is another sinister element in "clinical" work - it is constant and needs to be done within a short period of time, no excuses. You cannot postpone clinical. Therefore, as long as there is a patient, it needs to be done - does not matter how many of you are there. This is what I do not miss about clinical.

The burden of clinical work does not only depend on the patient load, but also the number of your team members available. You have to cover for other people because the work cannot be stopped. It needs to be handled and completed within a short timeframe. Covering for other people is not just a "norm" but it is a must. Because you are managing people, human beings, not papers or accounts that can be postponed.

The burden of clinical work is both physical and mental.

I guess I prefer work that can be scheduled and do not require fast decision most of the time. After 1 year in public health, I think this work suits my working style and personality better. Also, I think I do not mind it when people ask me whether I am still a doctor...or not.

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