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How would one know if med school if for them?
I know there is a heavy mental strain and it can be challenging to navigate through med school. I love helping people and interacting with them. And I have a strong interest in the medical field because I'm good at STEM. So, I was wondering what are some obstacles to expect if I choose to go to med school.
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5 answers
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Emily’s Answer
Hi Sadi,
I'm not in the medical field, but many of my close friends in college are/were. Here are a few things I've learned from my peers:
- Even the smartest, brightest kids will eventually struggle in med school
- Medical School requires extreme sacrifice for most people, it's very expensive, intense, and often leaves little to no room for friendships or relationships outside of your med school peers. Unlike other studies, med students can be in school anywhere from 4 - 11 years depending on your program and intended specialty.
- Almost everyone who goes to med school initially starts because they want to help people, but part of becoming a medical professional means learning when to utilize empathy and when to distance yourself. You have to find a balance between caring and just doing your job, otherwise the mental impact will detrimental.
In general, medical school is extremely challenging and will likely change aspects of who you are. But if you're willing to sacrifice years of your life (and social life) for it, med school can also be one of the most rewarding experiences you'll go through. I'd also keep in mind that even after school, doctors never stop learning. There's always a new article to read, a new medication to learn about, a state test to pass, etc. etc.
This doesn't mean that med school isn't right for you, it just means it's a serious career path to consider. Other careers that could potentially interest you include:
- Therapy/Psychology
- Chemistry
- Social Work
- Teaching
I agree with Thomas' comment above. Being good at something or having an interest doesn't necessarily mean it's what you're meant to do. Sometimes choosing a career focused on your interests can spoil them. Lastly, most people don't have a "calling" persay. There's no absolute right or wrong when choosing a career, it's more of a grey area. Every path comes with its pros and cons. Your early years of college will help a lot. As you take courses you'll learn more about subjects themselves, as well as what potential careers in that field may look like.
Hope this little bit of insight helps, wishing you all the best!!
I'm not in the medical field, but many of my close friends in college are/were. Here are a few things I've learned from my peers:
- Even the smartest, brightest kids will eventually struggle in med school
- Medical School requires extreme sacrifice for most people, it's very expensive, intense, and often leaves little to no room for friendships or relationships outside of your med school peers. Unlike other studies, med students can be in school anywhere from 4 - 11 years depending on your program and intended specialty.
- Almost everyone who goes to med school initially starts because they want to help people, but part of becoming a medical professional means learning when to utilize empathy and when to distance yourself. You have to find a balance between caring and just doing your job, otherwise the mental impact will detrimental.
In general, medical school is extremely challenging and will likely change aspects of who you are. But if you're willing to sacrifice years of your life (and social life) for it, med school can also be one of the most rewarding experiences you'll go through. I'd also keep in mind that even after school, doctors never stop learning. There's always a new article to read, a new medication to learn about, a state test to pass, etc. etc.
This doesn't mean that med school isn't right for you, it just means it's a serious career path to consider. Other careers that could potentially interest you include:
- Therapy/Psychology
- Chemistry
- Social Work
- Teaching
I agree with Thomas' comment above. Being good at something or having an interest doesn't necessarily mean it's what you're meant to do. Sometimes choosing a career focused on your interests can spoil them. Lastly, most people don't have a "calling" persay. There's no absolute right or wrong when choosing a career, it's more of a grey area. Every path comes with its pros and cons. Your early years of college will help a lot. As you take courses you'll learn more about subjects themselves, as well as what potential careers in that field may look like.
Hope this little bit of insight helps, wishing you all the best!!
Hello Emily,
Med school does sound very intensive. I'll dig into other fields to see if I'm interested. Your response was indeed very insightful, thank you!!
Sadi
Updated
Kieren’s Answer
Many med schools like to see applicants with experience in the medical field. I would recommend as you go further in your academic career to look for opportunities to either do entry-level work or volunteer in medical work. This will help you decide if med school is the right option for you while helping you later apply if you do decide to go.
Updated
Tom’s Answer
Choosing an education path in anticipation of your future career is both a very existing yet sometimes daunting task. As you evolve and grow through your studies and experiences its natural for interests and career aspirations to evolve.
When considering a long term investment into medical school I might suggest trying to network and immerse yourself in that ecosystem as much as you can to learn from the experiences of others. Consider a part time job or a volunteering opportunity in various clinical settings to compare and contrast. Talk to senior classmates and residents about their experiences as well as experienced practitioners in the fields you may have interest or engage and joining online networking forums for broader exposure.
A foundational education can take you many directions in your career and I think the education that can come from outside the classroom and the connections and experiences you can create along they way can have a tremendous impact in guiding you towards the work you find most gratifying.
When considering a long term investment into medical school I might suggest trying to network and immerse yourself in that ecosystem as much as you can to learn from the experiences of others. Consider a part time job or a volunteering opportunity in various clinical settings to compare and contrast. Talk to senior classmates and residents about their experiences as well as experienced practitioners in the fields you may have interest or engage and joining online networking forums for broader exposure.
A foundational education can take you many directions in your career and I think the education that can come from outside the classroom and the connections and experiences you can create along they way can have a tremendous impact in guiding you towards the work you find most gratifying.
Updated
Susan’s Answer
Hi Sadi.
Most people who go to medical school have a calling. It's a lot of study that takes years. If your looking to be a surgeon, it takes longer and if your looking to specialize, it will take a year longer. If your looking to help people there are so many other medical professions you can do. Also, there are so many other fields of study you can look into. Please, don't think being a doctor is the only way to help people. Work with a counselor to explore other options. If there is a college near you try to see a counselor there. They can help point you in the right direction.
Most people who go to medical school have a calling. It's a lot of study that takes years. If your looking to be a surgeon, it takes longer and if your looking to specialize, it will take a year longer. If your looking to help people there are so many other medical professions you can do. Also, there are so many other fields of study you can look into. Please, don't think being a doctor is the only way to help people. Work with a counselor to explore other options. If there is a college near you try to see a counselor there. They can help point you in the right direction.
Hello Susan,
I'll speak with my counselor to help me research or investigate into more careers to better understand and widen my scope of interest. Thank you for your advice!
Sadi
Thomas O'Shea
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Thomas’s Answer
Hello,
Here is what college taught me: you have no idea what will really interest you or will make your exited or inspired to pursue. Because of this, you NEED to experiment in different areas if you don't know what you want to do. How do you know if you like something if you haven't tried it first? Same principle. Start the first steps for med school. If you enjoy it, continue. If you don't- stop and find something else.
Also keep this in mind: just because you're GOOD at something doesn't mean that it's your calling- the thing that you LOVE doing. For instance, I was good at understanding history (minus memorizing dates lol) and would enjoy all my history classes in high school. However, my calling was music. I didn't get the same joy I had for music from history.
If you love helping people and interacting, maybe becoming a therapist is right for you. That is another side of the medical world and you would be able to use all your strengths.
Hope this helps
Here is what college taught me: you have no idea what will really interest you or will make your exited or inspired to pursue. Because of this, you NEED to experiment in different areas if you don't know what you want to do. How do you know if you like something if you haven't tried it first? Same principle. Start the first steps for med school. If you enjoy it, continue. If you don't- stop and find something else.
Also keep this in mind: just because you're GOOD at something doesn't mean that it's your calling- the thing that you LOVE doing. For instance, I was good at understanding history (minus memorizing dates lol) and would enjoy all my history classes in high school. However, my calling was music. I didn't get the same joy I had for music from history.
If you love helping people and interacting, maybe becoming a therapist is right for you. That is another side of the medical world and you would be able to use all your strengths.
Hope this helps
Thank you for taking your time to respond back! I will definitely take in your advice and explore different areas to see what I enjoy doing.
:)
Sadi