Graduation............Now What?
Out the rectum and down the drain, two different career paths can keep the “pipes” clean and in good working order. College or trade schools provide two possible options for graduating seniors to consider for their future. The senior year of high school makes for a challenging time for most students. It is the ending of 13 years of traditional schooling and preparation, an important time when seniors must decide what they are going to do with the rest of their life. In December of 2012, fifty seniors at Bayside High School in Virginia Beach, Virginia participated in a survey concerning post-graduation plans. Twenty-seven females and twenty-three males made up the population of participants. In the breakdown of ethnicity, 46% identified themselves as Caucasian, 36% African American, 12% Asian, and 6% Hispanic. When asked if they were planning on going to college, 86% responded yes, 24% responded no or unsure. When asked if they were planning to attend a trade school after graduation, 12% responded yes, 88% responded no or unsure (Hofacker). Two careers, gastroenterology and plumbing, exemplify these two educational pathways, sharing many similarities and highlighting many differences concerning educational requirements, job descriptions, and working conditions.
A gastroenterologist is a medical doctor who specializes in disorders concerning the digestive tract. Gastroenterology is a subspecialty of internal medicine with a focus on the stomach, esophagus, intestines, liver, and pancreas. Gastroenterologists help keep the gastrointestinal tract healthy, but also provide treatments if a disorder or disease is diagnosed (ACP American).
Educational requirements for a career in gastroenterology are extensive. Most medical schools require a bachelor's degree, but it does not have to necessarily be a pre-medical or science degree. Courses in chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, physics, calculus, and English are the required course work for most medical schools (Medical School Requirements). In addition, applicants must take and pass the Medical College Admissions Test. Medical school consists of four years of classroom and clinical work, followed by three years of a residency program in internal medicine, culminating with an additional three or four years of fellowship in gastroenterology. Finally, students most pass several boards to become certified in their field of medicine ("What Is a Gastroenterologist?").
According to the recent survey conducted at Bayside High School, 80 % of the seniors surveyed responded that they are good at solving problems (Hofacker). Gastroenterologists are good problem solvers. A gastroenterologist’s job entails consulting with the patient, examining the patient, and making a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, diagnostic testing will begin and may include x-rays, endoscopy, blood test, and/or an ultrasound ("What Is a Gastroenterologist?"). After the tests are complete, the gastroenterologist will develop a treatment plan. Surgery maybe indicate if the intestinal “pipes” have a blockage, medications may be prescribed to correct the problem, or it may be as simple as making lifestyle modifications, such adding more fiber to the patient’s diet.
Working conditions are important factors when considering a career. The physical and environmental demands of being responsible for someone’s health must be considered. Physically, a gastroenterologist must be fit and able to perform endoscopic exams which may require prolonged standing, and the ability to maintain high levels of concentrations. The environmental demands must also be considered because they often are working in a small area, such as the colon, where they must be able to control their movements in order to avoid damaging the walls of the intestines. When the daily work involves around human waste and other bodily fluids, one must be able to overcome the smells and other unpleasant odors. If the career path presented by this particular college education is not the right fit, a trade school might be what the doctor orders.
Plumbers are important service suppliers for homes, businesses, and industries. They repair or replace water, gas, and waste pipes. Their expertise helps to ensure communities have safe drinking water, human waste is disposed of properly, and gas lines are secure.
There are two pathways to becoming a plumber: one is attending a trade school and the other is the journeyman route. The first way to become a plumber is to complete a two-year course at a vocational or trade school. The next step is to complete two years of practical work experience before attaining a license. The second way, the journeyman route, is to complete a four-year apprenticeship with a master plumber. Plumbers in apprenticeships must complete 2000 hours of on the job training and 216 hours of classroom work. Most people go the vocational school route because there are fewer spots for an apprenticeship than there are people ("How to Become a Plumber"). After the necessary schooling and on the job training, plumbers must pass a test to become certified in their trade.
Despite superficial differences between the two careers, skills required in the job description for a plumber are similar to that of a gastroenterologist. They consult with clients, diagnose problems, and perform diagnostic tests. A plumber meets with clients to discuss the problem they are experiencing with their plumbing, which requires problem-solving skills. Once the problem has been identified, the plumber may use certain tools to confirm their diagnosis of the problem. For instance, some plumbers use a scope with a camera attached to see deep into pipes, similar to an endoscope a gastroenterologist uses to see into the colon. This method is used to check for blockages, cracked pipes, inspect the interior of new pipes, and to make sure problems are resolved after treatment ("Sewer & Drain Cameras"). Next, a master plumber develops a plan of action to correct the problem. The treatment may include fixing or repairing worn-out pipes by cutting out the bad section and adding a new piece to correct the defect (Boraas 7). In some instances, a chemical may be used to unclog a pipe, but is not the preferred method of treatment. Like a good doctor, a plumber will suggest preventive recommendations such as not pouring grease down the drain and periodically cleaning hair out of the drain traps in tubs and sinks.
The working conditions for plumbers include both physical and environmental demands. A plumber needs to be in good physical condition because they may spend long hours in awkward positions, lifting heavy materials, and may spend time in extreme weather. They also work in small spaces under floors, sinks, and attic spaces (Boraas 11). In their work environment, they may be exposed to dangerous bacteria from human waste, toxic chemicals, and mold from water damage.
Graduation is looming, and in a few months, high school seniors will make one of the most important decisions in their lives. Is college or a trade school in their future plans? Two careers, gastroenterology and plumbing, demonstrate these two educational pathways. Both careers share many similarities such as working through a maze of tubes and human waste, problem solving, and making the lives of individuals more pleasant. Their pipes diverge and differences concerning educational requirements, job description, and working conditions separate these two careers. Take this knowledge into consideration and plunge into your future, one bite, one flush at a time.
Works Cited
"ACP American College of Physicians - Internal Medicine - Doctors for Adults." ACP:
Gastroenterology: Internal Medicine Subspecialty. Web. 17 Dec. 2012.
Boraas, Traccey. Plumbers. Capstone, 1999. Print.
Hofacker, Joshua D. Career Survey for High School Seniors. Dec. 2012. Raw data. Bayside High
School, Virginia Beach.
"How to Become a Plumber." - Becomeopedia.com. Web. 18 Dec. 2012
"Medical School Requirements." Medical School Requirements. Web. 17 Dec. 2012.
"Sewer & Drain Cameras." Borescope Videoscope Pipeline Camera Blog RSS. Web. 18 Dec.
2012.
"What Is a Gastroenterologist?" ACG Patients What Is a Gastroenterologist Comments. Web. 18
Dec. 2012.