Power
Saving lives is a pretty powerful thing. How powerful? At least double the power of the 570 horses underneath the hood of that new Porsche you're eyeing. And we're not kidding even a tiny bit.
Getting a cancer diagnosis is life-altering. No matter how good the outlook is—many forms of cancer have a near-100% successful treatment rate—being told you have cancer is a big, big, big deal. And who's going to see you through it? The oncologist.
If you think a certain new treatment will help, your patient will usually be willing to try. The family members of your patient will hang on your every word. There's a kind of instant and sacred trust shared by oncologists and their patients, and it's intensely powerful for everyone involved. For them, it's hope that their life can return to normal. For you, it's another chance to fulfill your life's purpose in helping your fellow humans literally fight for their lives.
Trust like this can't be overstated, and it's the basis of the power you'll be entrusted with. As a humble but gifted physician, you may only see yourself as the conduit of a higher power. Trust us: to your patients, you're the superhero who's taking them from the dark days of illness into the light of a better future.
Now, with your superhero status confirmed, please note there are no hospitals with dress codes that allow for cape-wearing. They just take up too much room in the employee lounge coat closet.