Ahead of Medical Worker Day on June 15th in Russia, medical professionals shared their motivations for entering the field. Doctors, paramedics, nurses, and male nurses revealed their personal stories, citing childhood experiences, family influence, and a desire to help others as key factors in their career choices.

Many medical workers trace their interest in medicine back to their childhoods. Some were inspired by witnessing emergencies and feeling helpless, while others enjoyed playing doctor and caring for dolls.

For some, family tradition played a significant role. Anastasia, a paramedic replacing a local therapist, mentioned that both of her grandmothers dedicated their lives to medicine, one as a pediatrician and the other as a surgical nurse. NinaS, a nurse with 30 years of experience, shared that her son followed in her footsteps, even working in the same ambulance team before becoming an X-ray technician.

However, some individuals were guided into the profession by external forces. Ekaterina, a nurse, admitted that she entered medicine because her mother told her to.

A strong sense of calling and a desire to make a difference in people’s lives were recurring themes. Elena D., a gastroenterologist with 31 years of experience, emphasized the importance of having a calling to work in medicine, noting that otherwise, people can experience psychological burnout.