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How did you come to terms with/and find yourself WANTING to be in the medical field, despite the expectations of immigrant parents?
If you're a first-gen and you have immigrant parents who wanted you to become a doctor, how did you come to terms with/and find yourself wanting to be in the medical field, rather than just going into it because your parents told you?
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Vivencio’s Answer
I am an immigrant parent - came here in the US when our first born was 2 weeks old. As mentioned by the responses above, I always want the best for my children (I have 2) and tried to influence them to go into the medical field as they were growing up. Sad to say, I am 0 out 2 in getting them to the medical field. I explained the benefits and all but at the end, my wife and I let them choose their own paths.
My son is currently in business school and is thriving. He is growing outside of his shell and enjoying college life, networking and learning. He is interested in going to law school after finishes his undergrad. My daughter is an incoming computer science and design major this fall. She will move across the country but is excited to pursue her own path.
I am happy that my kids are blazing their own paths. Would be great if they went into the medical field but would not want them to regret making that choice for me. If you are interested in the medical field and it will make you happy, go for it. If you feel you are just going to do it to please your parents, have a talk with them and make sure you communicate it. Good luck with your journey!
My son is currently in business school and is thriving. He is growing outside of his shell and enjoying college life, networking and learning. He is interested in going to law school after finishes his undergrad. My daughter is an incoming computer science and design major this fall. She will move across the country but is excited to pursue her own path.
I am happy that my kids are blazing their own paths. Would be great if they went into the medical field but would not want them to regret making that choice for me. If you are interested in the medical field and it will make you happy, go for it. If you feel you are just going to do it to please your parents, have a talk with them and make sure you communicate it. Good luck with your journey!
Updated
Charmae’s Answer
This is a very valid question, Malaak. My friend went through a similar situation - he actually applied to medical school and was admitted, but did not attend (nor did he tell his immigrant parents that he was accepted). While they were disappointed at first, he ended up being very successful in technology, which is a better fit for him. His parents worked very hard for him to have opportunities that they never had, but he says all his parents ever wanted was for him to be happy and have enough money so he/his family didn't need to struggle. At the time, they were not aware of other fields that can also provide stability, so they pushed their kids to doctor/lawyer.
Medicine is an incredibly taxing field, plus medical school is very expensive. My advice is to not pursue the medical field if you know it is not the right fit for you. While the conversations with your parents will be difficult, it is better to have them now than years from now when you have invested thousands of dollars in medical school before you change course. My friend is very thankful that he made the pivot when he did, but he does not sugar coat that is was difficult with his family for a few years until he found success in tech.
Medicine is an incredibly taxing field, plus medical school is very expensive. My advice is to not pursue the medical field if you know it is not the right fit for you. While the conversations with your parents will be difficult, it is better to have them now than years from now when you have invested thousands of dollars in medical school before you change course. My friend is very thankful that he made the pivot when he did, but he does not sugar coat that is was difficult with his family for a few years until he found success in tech.
Updated
Craig’s Answer
I ended up in medicine after working at a movie theater, being an aircraft mechanic in the air force, going for political science and history in college with the intention of being a cop. I just watched the news and with all the police brutality I couldn't do it. So I got into ems, I like it because there is many layers and aspects to it, I get to be a helper, a provider, a social worker, a counselor, team member.
The road to being a doctor is a long one. If I were you I'd get into ems or an allied health job(phlebotomy, cna, lmt) to see if you like medicine and dealing with the public first, while pursuing a bachelor's in a field I love because for med school you can major in anything as long you do the required classes.
If I was you I'd major, double major, minor or get a concentration in biology, anthropology, philosophy, math, psychology, paramedic. This way you'll be somewhere that you're truly happy, study something you actually love and if med school falls through, so what? You'll be in a stable place that way
The road to being a doctor is a long one. If I were you I'd get into ems or an allied health job(phlebotomy, cna, lmt) to see if you like medicine and dealing with the public first, while pursuing a bachelor's in a field I love because for med school you can major in anything as long you do the required classes.
If I was you I'd major, double major, minor or get a concentration in biology, anthropology, philosophy, math, psychology, paramedic. This way you'll be somewhere that you're truly happy, study something you actually love and if med school falls through, so what? You'll be in a stable place that way
Thank you so much for your answer! :)
Malaak
Updated
Rita’s Answer
Many immigrant parents want their children to go into the medical field for the stability and potential salaries. Those who work in the field are very dedicated and hold a respected place in society.
That being said only go into the field if you have a genuine interest. If you don't, you will dread work and it will show in how you treat your patients.
There are many other career fields with good salary potential, like computer science or the trades. Reassure your parents that you can make a good salary and contribute to society in another way.
That being said only go into the field if you have a genuine interest. If you don't, you will dread work and it will show in how you treat your patients.
There are many other career fields with good salary potential, like computer science or the trades. Reassure your parents that you can make a good salary and contribute to society in another way.