48-year-old doctor leaves 2-decade-long medical practice to run a shop, says ‘she's so happy’

More than two decades of being a doctor as a profession in China, a woman quit her job to run a bun shop.Although she works more than 10 hours a day in that shop she is very happy.

According to a report by the South China Morning Post, Dong Min who is 48 years old left her medical career in 2023 and opened her first steamed bun outlet in Wuhan. Three years later, the business has expanded, with Dong opening a second store in July.

The Reason of quitting medicine

Dong said her decision to leave medicine was not primarily motivated by financial considerations. Instead, she wanted to move away from the stress and responsibilities associated with her medical career.


“When 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’t stop,” she said.

How she started bun business

Dong's interest in the steamed stuffed bun business began in 2023 after a friend introduced her to the idea through their family's similar business.

She initially invested in a bun-making venture. However, after the chef unexpectedly left, Dong decided to learn the process herself rather than closing the business.

Over some time she learned the skills and said she began to enjoy making the buns. After enjoying her work she eventually left medicine and her entire focus then shifted to her shop.

Dong graduated from Wuhan University School of Medicine in 1999 and started working as a gynaecologist in Shenzhen. She later returned to Wuhan to assist her mother in running a private clinic.

After her mother retired, the clinic was closed and the family moved back to their hometown of Tianmen in Hubei. Dong then continued working as a doctor and also became the legal representative of a small community hospital.

Administrative duties added to pressure

Dong said her position at the hospital involved responsibilities beyond treating patients. As the legal representative, she also had to deal with administrative work and inspections by government agencies.

“As 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,” Dong said.

Family initially opposed her decision

Dong said her decision to leave the medical profession was initially not accepted from her family. They considered being a doctor a stable and respected career and were hesitant about her decision to give it up.

However, Dong said she had reached a point where she was less concerned about how others viewed her choices.

“I am nearly 50 years old and have gone through many experiences. I don’t care what others think of me. I just want to live a life I love and live for myself,” she said.

Her mother and brother eventually accepted her decision and have sometimes helped her at the shop.

'I just want to live a life I love'

Dong said managing the bun shop requires her to work for more than 10 hours a day, but she does not feel the same psychological pressure that she experienced while working as a doctor.

Despite the demanding schedule, she said she finds the work fulfilling and is happy with the path she has chosen.

“There is no definitive answer in life. It is never too late to make a change. I hope to run my bun store until I can no longer move,” Dong said.