A Reddit post titled “Becoming a doctor in India is a trap (monetary and career-wise)!” has gone viral, drawing widespread attention to the harsh realities many medical professionals face. Posted by user drnkr371, a 33-year-old doctor, the candid message highlights the long road, financial strain, and uncertain rewards tied to pursuing medicine in India.
The doctor shared that they began studying MBBS in 2009, took a three-year break to prepare for postgrad exams, and then spent six more years completing specialisation and super-specialisation. Now, at 33, they’re just finishing their training and are grappling with tough competition and declining pay for newcomers.
“Those days of flashy doctors driving luxury cars are over. Opening a clinic is nearly impossible now. Sometimes I wonder how life would’ve been if I had chosen engineering,” the post reads.
The post resonated with thousands, sparking honest discussions and mixed reactions. One commenter noted, “The age of celebrity doctors ended when big hospitals started treating doctors like replaceable workers.”
Others took a broader perspective. “Medicine is long-term. IT workers often worry about job security at 45, while doctors can work well into their 60s,” wrote one user. Another added that even engineers face instability, saying, “Don’t compare yourself to IITians or MBAs earning crores—that’s not the norm for most engineers either.”
Many users echoed that medicine in India may no longer offer the social or financial return it once did, especially given rising competition, corporatization of healthcare, and delayed financial independence. Yet some offered hope, saying the profession still carries dignity, stability, and long-term growth if approached with patience.