7 answers
Lucia
Student
Potomac, Maryland
1
Question
Asked
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If I'm certain(fairly) that I want to become a physician, should I attend a 7 year program(combines college + med school) as opposed to a 4 year college and having to apply again for med school?
For reference, I am a rising junior in high school.
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7 answers
Michel Davis
Medical student
171
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Michel’s Answer
I have friends in seven year programs. I think one of the issues is you are stuck once you are in or you are out of luck. Whereas someone with a biology degree can change direction and go into something else. That being said if you are going to go the physician route and you are thinking about the 7 year tract make 1000 percent sure you want to do this because being stuck with no degree can make things a lot harder and more expensive.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Lucia
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
297
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
It's great that you have such a serious consideration about your future! You should do whatever fits your dreams and greatest aspirations. If you feel like studying that way, just go for it, if not, reconsider it and ask yourself additional questions about your ideal/dream job over the years.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Lucia
Kenneth Oswalt
Anesthesiologist - retired
10
Answers
Madison, Mississippi
Updated
Kenneth’s Answer
I'm a seasoned veteran in the field of medicine. When I embarked on my medical journey, the world was a much simpler place. The opportunities you have today were non-existent then, and I find it absolutely splendid that you have such a range of options. I've dedicated over four decades of my life to the medical profession, earning board certifications in anesthesiology, pain medicine, and palliative care. In addition, I've spent two decades imparting my knowledge in academic settings. With this wealth of experience, allow me to offer you some advice.
The current issue with medical education is that it pressures students, who are still exploring life, to make career-defining decisions prematurely. During my school years, I was singularly focused on becoming an Orthopedic surgeon. After my general surgery internship, life took me on a detour, leading me to serve as an Undersea Medical Officer in the navy for three years. This journey taught me a lot about myself, my preferences as a physician, and ultimately led me to switch gears and become an anesthesiologist. In hindsight, I realize I would have been ill-suited as an orthopedic surgeon.
In today's world, students are expected to decide their residency by the end of their third year, often without having had the opportunity to explore all the specialties. This is far from ideal. I've encountered physicians who regretted their decisions, felt cornered, or had to retrain to switch their career paths. The luxury of gaining life experiences before making such significant decisions is sadly a thing of the past.
Coming back to your query, whether you choose a seven-year program or the traditional one, in the grand scheme of things, it won't make a significant difference. I urge you to base your decisions on your authentic self. Strive to lead a life that allows you to grow into your true self, become a better individual, and cultivate a lifelong perspective.
The current issue with medical education is that it pressures students, who are still exploring life, to make career-defining decisions prematurely. During my school years, I was singularly focused on becoming an Orthopedic surgeon. After my general surgery internship, life took me on a detour, leading me to serve as an Undersea Medical Officer in the navy for three years. This journey taught me a lot about myself, my preferences as a physician, and ultimately led me to switch gears and become an anesthesiologist. In hindsight, I realize I would have been ill-suited as an orthopedic surgeon.
In today's world, students are expected to decide their residency by the end of their third year, often without having had the opportunity to explore all the specialties. This is far from ideal. I've encountered physicians who regretted their decisions, felt cornered, or had to retrain to switch their career paths. The luxury of gaining life experiences before making such significant decisions is sadly a thing of the past.
Coming back to your query, whether you choose a seven-year program or the traditional one, in the grand scheme of things, it won't make a significant difference. I urge you to base your decisions on your authentic self. Strive to lead a life that allows you to grow into your true self, become a better individual, and cultivate a lifelong perspective.
Dina Siegel
Psychologist
33
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Dina’s Answer
Hello,
Great question! If you are confident about your decision to become a medical doctor, then applying to a seven year program sounds like an option for you.
If you end up in a seven year program, be prepared to spend your first two years of college taking several science courses. Because you will finish college in three years, the schedule is more condensed to ensure that you take all the medical school prerequisites.
Going the traditional route of applying to college and then medical school has advantages as well. During that time, you can develop your interests and increase your independence.
Whichever path you decide, you will need perseverance. Keep up your career exploration!
Great question! If you are confident about your decision to become a medical doctor, then applying to a seven year program sounds like an option for you.
If you end up in a seven year program, be prepared to spend your first two years of college taking several science courses. Because you will finish college in three years, the schedule is more condensed to ensure that you take all the medical school prerequisites.
Going the traditional route of applying to college and then medical school has advantages as well. During that time, you can develop your interests and increase your independence.
Whichever path you decide, you will need perseverance. Keep up your career exploration!
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Lucia
Keyston Rice
Supervisor
178
Answers
Lawrence, IN
Updated
Keyston’s Answer
Considering your passion for becoming a physician, it's worth discussing your options with other physicians. My daughter is considering the same and she spends a lot of time questioning a close friend, who's a psychiatrist. Based on what I've overheard them chatting about, a 7-year program might offer a more direct path, but a 4-year college followed by med school is also viable. It depends on your goals, resources, and your dedication to the journey. Honestly, pursuing what truly matters to you is key.
Thank you!
Lucia
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Lucia !
It is really great that you want to become a medical doctor and I have some thoughts and advice for you. There are a couple of reasons why I think you should go for an undergraduate degree at a four year college and than the regular course of medical school.
I was once told that a person should go to one school for their undergrad degree and go to a different school for their post graduate degree. I can see that if you go straight through a course of study at the same school, you will inevitably have the same teachers and they will have had preconceived ideas about you as a student. You should have new teachers for your advanced degree.
Also, it's medical school. It should not be fast tracked for any reason. Part of med school is accepting each step to prepare you to be the best doctor for patients as possible. There's a lot to learn and some people say that med school is all memorization, but the successful students are the ones that learn the information and fully understand it enough to incorporate it into taking care of people. There is just too much to learn, techniques to learn and if years in school is the biggest concern, I would think twice about becoming a doctor and maybe go into one of many, many other careers in the medical field that do not demand as many years as Medical School.
The choice is up to you and by reaching out for advice, you are taking the first positive step in deciding. The choice is up to you but support and various opinions and advice are always good to have. Best wishes to you in your education !
It is really great that you want to become a medical doctor and I have some thoughts and advice for you. There are a couple of reasons why I think you should go for an undergraduate degree at a four year college and than the regular course of medical school.
I was once told that a person should go to one school for their undergrad degree and go to a different school for their post graduate degree. I can see that if you go straight through a course of study at the same school, you will inevitably have the same teachers and they will have had preconceived ideas about you as a student. You should have new teachers for your advanced degree.
Also, it's medical school. It should not be fast tracked for any reason. Part of med school is accepting each step to prepare you to be the best doctor for patients as possible. There's a lot to learn and some people say that med school is all memorization, but the successful students are the ones that learn the information and fully understand it enough to incorporate it into taking care of people. There is just too much to learn, techniques to learn and if years in school is the biggest concern, I would think twice about becoming a doctor and maybe go into one of many, many other careers in the medical field that do not demand as many years as Medical School.
The choice is up to you and by reaching out for advice, you are taking the first positive step in deciding. The choice is up to you but support and various opinions and advice are always good to have. Best wishes to you in your education !
Madison Buchman
doctor
112
Answers
West Hartford
Updated
Madison’s Answer
If you can get into a combined undergrad/medical school program that is amazing. Those are very hard spots to come by and I believe almost guarantee your spot into medical school which is outstanding. This is not a common path and very few schools offer this!