SHANGHAI: A woman in China, who dedicated over two decades to her career as a doctor, made a surprising choice three years ago to leave her profession and open a steamed stuffed bun store.<\/p>\n
As time passed, her store not only survived but flourished in the competitive food industry, prompting her to launch a second outlet in July.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I was a doctor, the thought of quitting often crossed my mind. Now, running a bun shop keeps me busy and tired, but I am so happy that I can\u2019t stop,\u201d said Dong Min, 48, in an interview with the Changjiang Daily.<\/p>\n
In 2023, Dong garnered significant attention after starting her steamed stuffed bun shop in Wuhan, Hubei province, after a 20-year medical career.<\/p>\n
She graduated from Wuhan University School of Medicine in 1999 and began her career as a gynaecologist in Shenzhen. Years later, she returned to Wuhan to assist her mother in managing a private clinic.<\/p>\n
Upon her mother\u2019s retirement, they closed the clinic and returned to their hometown of Tianmen, also in Hubei, where Dong took a position as a doctor and the legal representative of a small community hospital.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a doctor, I faced considerable mental stress. In addition to treating patients, I had to devote significant energy to managing non-medical affairs, such as dealing with frequent inspections from various government agencies,\u201d Dong explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is well-known that the relationship between hospitals and patients is often tense in China. In cases of medical disputes, I bore the full responsibility since I was the legal representative of the hospital,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
In stark contrast to her prior role, Dong expressed that she currently experiences no psychological pressure, despite working more than 10 hours daily.<\/p>\n
Her interest in the steamed stuffed bun business sparked in 2023, inspired by a friend whose family owned a similar store.<\/p>\n
Initially, Dong invested in a bun shop, but when the chef abruptly resigned, she took it upon herself to learn the art of bun-making.<\/p>\n
She quickly mastered the skills, finding joy in the process.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, Dong chose to leave her medical career to fully dedicate herself to the operation of the bun store.<\/p>\n
Initially, her family opposed her decision, as being a doctor is traditionally regarded as a \u201cdecent and respected\u201d profession.<\/p>\n
In response, Dong stated: \u201cI am nearly 50 years old and have gone through many experiences. I don\u2019t care what others think of me. I just want to live a life I love and live for myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gradually, her mother and brother began to support her, occasionally lending a hand at the store.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no definitive answer in life. It is never too late to make a change,\u201d Dong remarked. \u201cI hope to run my bun store until I can no longer move.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dong represents a growing trend of medical professionals leaving their careers to pursue what some may consider less prestigious occupations.<\/p>\n
In 2024, a doctor with 13 years of experience in a clinical laboratory at a major hospital in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, also quit to start a street snack stall. He noted that his income from the stall significantly exceeded his previous earnings of less than 10,000 yuan (US$1,500) per month.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoctors are not merely burdened by physical exhaustion; they also suffer from mental burnout. This is a structural issue affecting the entire industry, not just individuals,\u201d commented the Xing Lin Yuan Community, a social media account catering to doctors in China.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey encounter endless non-medical tasks and the risks associated with patient complaints, yet their income does not reflect the extensive education and effort they invest,\u201d the editorial concluded. – South China Morning Post\/ANN<\/p>\n
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