3 answers
ellie
Student
Orem, Utah
1
Question
Asked
589 views
How did you know you wanted to go into the medical field?
I was thinking about going into medical but i'm not sure it's right for me. It's a lot of schooling and a waste of time and money if you decide that you really aren't interested in it.
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3 answers
Marcus Garcia
Electrician Mate
1
Answer
San Diego, California
Updated
Marcus’s Answer
Start your journey by securing an entry-level job in the industry you're interested in. This will give you a firsthand experience of what it's like. For instance, I had an inclination towards the fitness industry. So, I began working at Planet Fitness and gradually became a fitness trainer. This experience led me to explore other opportunities in the fitness sector.
However, I soon realized that to climb the ladder, I needed a degree in physical therapy. So, I went back to school and tailored my course accordingly. But, life had other plans. Financial constraints forced me to pause my education and join the military for monetary stability.
Later, I resumed my studies. The turning point came when I decided to change my major to Kinesiology. Now, I'm using this knowledge to delve into Aerospace Physiology. The key takeaway here is that none of these experiences would have been possible if I hadn't taken the initial step and started my education while having on the job experience.
The same principle applies to other fields too. For instance, if you're interested in the medical field, consider applying for a job in a hospital or a clinic. Simultaneously, start your education. Initially, you'll be covering the General Education (GE) credits which are applicable to a wide range of majors.
As you progress and start choosing classes for your specific major, you'll get a clear idea if you truly enjoy the field you've chosen. If not, you're already ahead of the game as you've completed the basic GEs required for most majors. So, start by dipping your toes in the water, and then dive deep into your education.
Find an entry level job
Choose a major in the field simply to give yourself two years experience on the job while knocking out GE's
After enough experience, choose if you want to continue the major or shift laterally towards something else
However, I soon realized that to climb the ladder, I needed a degree in physical therapy. So, I went back to school and tailored my course accordingly. But, life had other plans. Financial constraints forced me to pause my education and join the military for monetary stability.
Later, I resumed my studies. The turning point came when I decided to change my major to Kinesiology. Now, I'm using this knowledge to delve into Aerospace Physiology. The key takeaway here is that none of these experiences would have been possible if I hadn't taken the initial step and started my education while having on the job experience.
The same principle applies to other fields too. For instance, if you're interested in the medical field, consider applying for a job in a hospital or a clinic. Simultaneously, start your education. Initially, you'll be covering the General Education (GE) credits which are applicable to a wide range of majors.
As you progress and start choosing classes for your specific major, you'll get a clear idea if you truly enjoy the field you've chosen. If not, you're already ahead of the game as you've completed the basic GEs required for most majors. So, start by dipping your toes in the water, and then dive deep into your education.
Marcus recommends the following next steps:
Danay Nipar
Veterinary Assistant
2
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Danay’s Answer
Some people are very lucky to feel passionately about pursuing a career in one field or another, but its not the case for everyone, and even those passionate people can end up changing the direction of their careers.
Pursuing any passion is a risk honestly. Of course the financial burden of pursuing medicine definitely gives one pause over jumping head in or not, but most jobs require some sort of investment of your time and money regardless. Why not put that time and money into something you think you will have a good chance at enjoying? As you talk to more adults (23 yrs old and on) about their career paths you will find that many of them have changed career paths, majors, universities, and jobs not once but sometimes multiple times in their lives.
Ultimately it comes down to what will make you the happiest long term. What motivates you to pursue a career in medicine, and at that what kind of medical career are you interested in pursuing? The time and money invested differs greatly between going to school to be a nurse versus a doctor of course.
If you are only "iffy" about pursuing medicine because you are scared of the time and money it will take to get you there, but your passionate about science, medicine, and humanity, then it is worth the challenge and the risk. If you are truly passionate about it, it will help carry you through the hard times.
If you are "iffy" about pursuing medicine because you aren't sure you're passionate enough to put yourself through the time and the debt, then I would suggest considering an adjacent field. Medical school and residency is no joke and it does take so much dedication and strength to push yourself through those programs. It will be hard most of the time and you will need the light at the end of the tunnel to be that job.
Medicine is what you should pursue if you cant picture yourself being happy anywhere else. Would you be happy doing something else every day? Would you be able to work 30+ years in a different job (lets say that pays you equally well for arguments sake) and be happy with what you've accomplished? If there is literally anything else you can genuinely imagine you would like to do, I would suggest going in that direction first.
The next time you go to the doctor ask them if they always knew they wanted to be a doctor
Talk to students also on the pre-med track and see if you have things in common
Think of what your ideal life would be like, does it revolve around having an awesome career or things like having a home and children, or both?
Pursuing any passion is a risk honestly. Of course the financial burden of pursuing medicine definitely gives one pause over jumping head in or not, but most jobs require some sort of investment of your time and money regardless. Why not put that time and money into something you think you will have a good chance at enjoying? As you talk to more adults (23 yrs old and on) about their career paths you will find that many of them have changed career paths, majors, universities, and jobs not once but sometimes multiple times in their lives.
Ultimately it comes down to what will make you the happiest long term. What motivates you to pursue a career in medicine, and at that what kind of medical career are you interested in pursuing? The time and money invested differs greatly between going to school to be a nurse versus a doctor of course.
If you are only "iffy" about pursuing medicine because you are scared of the time and money it will take to get you there, but your passionate about science, medicine, and humanity, then it is worth the challenge and the risk. If you are truly passionate about it, it will help carry you through the hard times.
If you are "iffy" about pursuing medicine because you aren't sure you're passionate enough to put yourself through the time and the debt, then I would suggest considering an adjacent field. Medical school and residency is no joke and it does take so much dedication and strength to push yourself through those programs. It will be hard most of the time and you will need the light at the end of the tunnel to be that job.
Medicine is what you should pursue if you cant picture yourself being happy anywhere else. Would you be happy doing something else every day? Would you be able to work 30+ years in a different job (lets say that pays you equally well for arguments sake) and be happy with what you've accomplished? If there is literally anything else you can genuinely imagine you would like to do, I would suggest going in that direction first.
Danay recommends the following next steps:
Amalya Sukiasyan
ESOL teacher at Washington English Center
297
Answers
Yerevan
Updated
Amalya’s Answer
I think maybe you are not interested in medicine so much. If a person is really interested in something, second opinion becomes unnecessary! If you are more inspired by another field, follow your passion. Anyway, you may be relly interested in medicine but want to know more. So just reconsider your academic aspirations and career goals.
Hi Amalya, Admin here. I think I understand the point you are making, but it comes across as slightly discouraging (particularly the first line). Just to be clear and to make sure I am understanding, are you saying the following:
This student should think critically about their passions and see if they have interests outside of medicine that they would like to pursue. In addition, they should gather more information on medical professions to help make their decision.
Is that correct?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Hello Gurpreet Lally,
Thank you for your consideration. Yes, you are right: I wanted to help the student better understand herself and to make a right decision.
Amalya Sukiasyan