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Good day! Ever since I was young I really wanted to become a doctor. I genuinely want to help others and I have these thoughts that if I don't be a doctor, my life would be meaningless. However, as I grew up I became an introvert who can't deal with too much interaction, I am very fickle so I think 10 years commitment might be too much. So I'm in a dilemma, do I choose med school where I would definitely struggle but would make me feel as if I achieved my life's purpose, or choose another course like BSBA where I would definitely thrive 'cuz I love Math? Thank you.

Libra Sun, Gemini Moon #doctor #mathematics

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Samantha’s Answer

I think you should follow your dreams. Dont let yourself stand in the way of it. You will regret it. If your dreams dont scare you your not dreaming big enough.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for reassuring me! I always doubt myself but I guess I need to start to believe in myself and have courage that I can and will be a doctor :) Julianne
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Chinmay’s Answer

Hey Julianne,
Both options really stand on opposite ends to be honest. However you can seek a middle ground in your situation according to me.
I am assuming your proclivity towards being a doctor is because you want to contribute to welfare of mankind, which is awesome :)
As you are not yet ready to commit ~10 years to the core field, and are good in Maths, if I were you would have done the following:

1. Choosing BSBA (BS, Business Administration) and positioning yourself with projects and skills based in healthcare tech or pharma industries for that matter.

2. Given your penchant for Maths, choosing a career in Data Science and Machine Learning and contributing via this way towards healthcare.

Hope this helps :)
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time in answering my question! Julianne
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Donna’s Answer

Julianne;
Not sure how you arrived at the conclusion that you could not be a doctor because you are an introvert. Today's societal norms of texting and isolation has made many individuals embrace their inner introversion. All of us have some level of anxiety around individuals. You can conquer this and be quite a successful doctor. Remember although you may be surrounded by many individuals you are only focusing on one at a time.

If you believe it will truly be a problem, look for a volunteer fire department. You can get EMT certification and work in a similar environment and see how you do. Or maybe you could volunteer at a local hospital which will put you in the environment and around individuals who can encourage you.

Don't give up on your dream so easily. The fight is worth it.
Thank you comment icon Thank you very much for the time nd for answering my question. I shall take your advice and do some volunteering work when the pandemic is over :) Julianne
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Johanna’s Answer

I'm an introvert and I wanted to be a doctor too, but due to financial and personal constraints, I chose a Business degree instead. I'm happy with how my life and career turned out, but I can't help but wonder what could have happened if I pursued my original dream . So if you have the capability, desire, time, support , then don't let anything stop you from achieving your dream! Being an introvert is not enough reason to not do something. Be bold!
Thank you comment icon Hi Johanna! Thanks for sharing your perspective! Can you add a bit that addresses the student's issue trying to choose between medical school and doing BSBA/Math? Alexandra Carpenter, Admin
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Ed’s Answer

It's normal to have some anxiety, making decisions that will affect the rest of your life, choosing a career, a college...leaving home...
Don't think you have to do everything now. You can start college "undeclared" or in "Liberal Arts" and get the first year or more done with all the core classes, math, literature, languages and see how the college itself goes. You'll likely gain confidence as you get past leaving home and getting started in college. You cite being a doctor because you want to help people...your life will never be meaningless. There is opportunity in jobs to help people, sometimes just by being who you are or in designing things that help people with needs as Chinmay pointed out....or there are many things you can do outside the workplace to help people. While looking to help people, be true to yourself. After the first year you'll gain confidence and more prospective to help you decide.

Ed recommends the following next steps:

Get started with college and don't put so much pressure on yourself the first year!
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Kathie’s Answer

I think success depends more on your passion for something. Doing something that you really love. You have to decide if you'd rather be a doctor and help others, or be something else and still help others. There are plenty of ways to help others in the medical field where you may also be able to use your awesome math skills.

Don't stop pursuing your dream to be a doctor just because you think a doctor has to fit a certain mold. In my opinion, it doesn't matter whether a doctor is introverted or extroverted as long as it doesn't affect their ability to do their job and to connect with others. I think having a friendly, confident, caring bedside manner is more important.

Kathie recommends the following next steps:

Next time your at a doctor's appointment(s), interview your doc. Ask him/her about how they made their career decision, what they think are good traits of a doctor, do they consider themselves introverted or extraverted and if they think it matters.
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