Keziah
doctor vs mechanical engineer?
Hi I am in high school. I'm very good in the science and math Area, I finished my math requirements for high school in seven months and I finish my science requirements in a year and a half ( I am Homeschooled). Trying to make up my mind has been very hard because I love mechanical engineering and am really good with build but I also have personal experiences which drives me to medicine. #doctor #mechanical-engineering
4 answers
Calvin Weyers
Calvin’s Answer
It depends on your personality. If you are a "people person" and enjoy interacting with people, then you might enjoy being a doctor more than an engineer. I have known doctors that acted more like human mechanics than doctors. They were cold and clinical and didn't seem to care a rip about me as a person. I did not keep them as my doctor.
If you enjoy machinery and computers more than people, if you enjoy solving problems that have answers that are more "black and white" than gray, then engineering might be more for you.
You can still be an engineer and enjoy people and interacting with them.
Thanks for the advice 😊
Keziah
Toshiro K. Ohsumi
Toshiro K.’s Answer
Dear Keziah,
The most honest answer is it depends on what you want. Ideally, you want a career where you feel like in the morning, you are excited to go to work. (OK, this doesn't necessarily happen every morning, but a good majority of the time.) I would ask (for example, here on CareerVillage.org) what is the day to day lives of mechanical engineers and doctors. Please note that what people do day to day may vary greatly depending on the specialization. Speaking as a husband of a pediatrician, I can say the day to day life of a medical doctor may be different than what the general perception is, so please do ask around. Even generally, there are doctors whose main job is to see patients, but there are also doctors whose main job is to do research in medicine/biology (and they see patients for a small fraction of time each week).
Now, if it is that you would like to combine your love of mechanical engineering with something medical, there are in fact many options. Some include:
- Getting a M.D./Ph.D. This is where you get a M.D. and a Ph.D., sometimes from the same institution, but sometimes from related institutions. For example, MIT and Harvard have such a joint program. One could do a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or biomechanical engineering at MIT and get the M.D. at Harvard Med.
- Going for a field where you are applying mechanical engineering to medical applications. This could be purely through being a mechanical engineer working on medical devices (including implants). Or, you can look at the field of biomedical engineering. (My Ph.D. had a good component of this in it.) In this field, you are applying mechanical engineering principles to medical applications. (I developed methods for efficiently solving complex mathematical equations that modeled how artificial arteries are formed.) You can search for biomedical engineering on the web. Johns Hopkins University, for example, has a biomedical engineering department as well as a number of professors in the mechanical engineering department that work on medical applications, http://me.jhu.edu/research/mechanical-engineering-in-biology-and-medicine.
- Get a M.D., collaborating with mechanical engineers on some projects of interest to you. This applies primarily if you plan on becoming a M.D. doing mostly research. M.D.s that primarily see patients rarely have time for external research like this.
The intersection of medicine with mechanical engineering is really a very exciting field. There is a I hope the above helps. Best wishes!
Brad Niese
Brad’s Answer
Keziah,
Going the M.D. route is a serious undertaking with regards to time and money. As an engineer, I have been able to work my way into the medical field in designing and developing devices which positively impact people's lives. Although, I don't interface with my product's end-users, I take solace in the fact that what I do is making a difference. Obviously, since I do not have a medical degree, I will cannot hide my bias. But I will say that a great deal of good can be accomplished through engineering and one doesn't have to abandon medicine to work in the medical field.
Additionally, should your interests change with time, engineering (I'm a mechanical by training - which is very versatile) can afford you opportunities to pursue other career interests.
Best of luck in your future endeavors!
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Doctor or Mechanical Engineer: Which Path to Pursue?
Deciding between a career as a doctor or a mechanical engineer can be daunting, especially when you possess a keen interest and talent in both areas. Here are some crucial factors to contemplate when examining your options:
1. Educational and Training Requirements:
Doctor: The journey to becoming a doctor involves obtaining a bachelor's degree, attending medical school, completing a residency, and potentially undergoing fellowship training. This route demands comprehensive education and training in the medical sciences.
Mechanical Engineer: For a career as a mechanical engineer, you'll typically need a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a similar field. This entails studying subjects such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, and mechanical design.
2. Job Opportunities:
Doctor: A career in medicine allows you to make a direct impact on people's lives through patient care, diagnosis, treatment, and research. Doctors can specialize in numerous fields like pediatrics, surgery, cardiology, etc.
Mechanical Engineer: Mechanical engineers focus on the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical systems and devices. They can find employment in industries like automotive, aerospace, robotics, HVAC systems, and more.
3. Work Environment and Lifestyle:
Doctor: The life of a doctor often includes long hours, high stress levels, and being on call. However, it can also be incredibly rewarding as you help others and contribute to healthcare advancements.
Mechanical Engineer: Mechanical engineers usually work in offices, labs, or on-site at manufacturing plants. Their work schedule tends to be more regular compared to medical professionals.
4. Personal Satisfaction:
Reflect on what personally motivates you towards medicine and mechanical engineering. Consider your passion for aiding others through healthcare or your fascination with designing and creating innovative machines and systems.
In the end, the choice between becoming a doctor or a mechanical engineer should resonate with your interests, strengths, career objectives, and personal values. Exploring internships or shadowing experiences in both fields can offer valuable insights into each profession, aiding in your final decision.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Utilized:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers comprehensive information on job prospects, salaries, educational prerequisites, and other pertinent data for various professions, including doctors and mechanical engineers.
American Medical Association (AMA): The AMA provides insights into the medical profession, including healthcare trends, physician specialties, training routes, and resources for budding doctors.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME): ASME is a professional organization offering valuable resources on mechanical engineering careers, industry news, educational programs, and networking opportunities for mechanical engineers.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.