THE FREEDOM OF WORKING A DOCTOR IN THE US
“Mommy, I had a bad dream.”
In the middle of the night, while falling asleep, I was startled awake by the sobbing sound of Henry, my little son.
The baby ran from his room, tears rolling down his cheeks, then crawled into bed and hugged me tightly. I gently patted him, sang a familiar lullaby, and felt his breathing gradually calm down. In that moment, when both mother and child fell asleep, I felt an indescribable peace.
The next morning, waking up and looking at Henry curled up next to me, I smiled and was secretly grateful. Grateful for the freedom I have to live the life of my dreams.
The freedom so that I don’t have to work at night, so that I can be with my child when he needs me the most, and so that I have the right to choose how to balance my passion for medicine and love for my family.
I love the medical profession. Since childhood, I dreamed of becoming a doctor, wearing a white coat, and healing people in pain. The feeling of seeing patients smile, holding hands and thanking them after a difficult case, or hearing them say “Thank you doctor, I’m much better” is always the motivation for me to continue on this path.
But medicine is not easy. As everyone in the industry knows, it requires huge sacrifices – time, energy, and sometimes even precious moments with family.
I have seen my colleagues at the hospital, who are on constant night shifts, miss out on their children’s birthdays and warm evenings with their families, just to ensure their patients receive the best care. I am always grateful and respectful to them, because if everyone chose a life like mine, who would be on duty at night, who would stay at the hospital when the whole world is sleeping?
What I appreciate most is the freedom I have when working in America. The medical system and work organization here allow me, a young doctor, to design my life the way I want, while still ensuring financial stability.
After completing the residency program, I was at a crossroads: continue at the hospital with long night shifts or choose another path? I chose to work at a clinic with a fixed schedule, not on duty at night, on weekends, or on holidays.
Thanks to that, I can spend time with Henry and Nathan – taking them to school, reading them stories before bedtime, or simply sitting next to them, listening to innocent stories about their day.
Even though I’m not on duty at the hospital or have to work in and out, my job still gives me enough income to live comfortably, take care of my two children, save for the future, and even have enough to occasionally take the whole family on vacation.
I can spend evenings with my family and weekends taking my children to the park, without having to worry about unexpected schedules or tight finances. It is this freedom that has helped me live true to my values: being both a dedicated doctor and a mother who is always there when my children need me, while still ensuring a fulfilling life.
But don’t get me wrong, my life isn’t always perfect. As a doctor, work pressure is always present. On busy days, I have to run back and forth between patients, process documents, and update new medical knowledge. As a mother, I also face challenges: nights when Henry has nightmares, days when Nathan is sick, or moments when I feel like I haven’t fulfilled my role as a mother.
There are times when I wonder: “Am I doing well? Am I balancing my passion for medicine and my responsibilities to my family?” But the freedom of choice, along with financial peace of mind, gave me the strength to overcome.
I know that I do not need to sacrifice my family to pursue my passion, nor do I need to give up medical profession to fulfill the role of a mother. I can choose both, in my own way.
I write these lines not to brag about my life, but to share a small corner of the journey of a young doctor, a mother, and a lucky person who has the freedom and financial stability to live fully with passion and love.
If you are also looking for balance in life, I want to tell you – it is possible!
With all gratitude,
Dr. Christina Nguyen
Phoenix Medical Academy
Photo – Weekend outing with my two sons and granddaughter
