The tuition is just the beginning. In this episode of "In Search of 42," Dr. Felix Boecker discusses the "real cost" of medical school—the parts you won’t find on a spreadsheet. This is a raw, honest look at the mental, physical, and emotional price of becoming a physician.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. You are not alone.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or Text 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Physician Support Line: (888) 409-0141

In this episode, we explore:

• The Financial Reality: Beyond the $200k–$400k debt, the cost includes lost income during training and the decade-long commitment to programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• The Physical Toll: How 80–100 hour work weeks in residency lead to chronic fatigue and the neglect of one's own basic health.
• The Mental & Emotional Cost: Physicians have one of the highest suicide rates of any profession. Dr. Boecker shares his personal battle with depression and the pressure to be "perfect".
• Relationship & Identity Costs: The strain that medicine puts on marriages and the loss of personal hobbies like theater, coding, and chemistry.
• The Culture of Medicine: Why choosing a school with a supportive culture is vital for survival.

If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share your own experiences in the comments.

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