I don't know whether to study medicine or pharmacy. I'm really good in both, and I have been accepted to both schools. Now I need to make a decision, and I don't know what to do. I'd really appreciate the help.
Thanks!!
2006-07-24 19:35:39 · 7 answers · asked by abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Let me preface this by saying that I'm coming from the pharmacists' point of view. I too, was accepted to either medicine and pharmacy school, but I chose the pharmacist path.
Firstly, yes, pharmacists make less then physicians. But with the advent of the new HMO pay rates and the cost of malpractice insurance, the pay gap has narrowed significantly. (Here's an example - Pharmacist malpractice insurance for $6mil is $120 a year, as compared to $6mil coverage for a physician for thousands of dollars.)
Secondly, quality of life. I don't want to be in a profession where I'd be on call 24/7 and have to endure a 2 year plus residency after I finish school. I want to have a family when I graduate and want to spend time with them, not spending nights in a residents' on call room...
I can specialize in a pharmacy residency just as someone can in medicine, and get as specialized as you want in any subject.
BUT... please make sure you like pharmacology if you do pharmacy. We spend 4 years learning what medical students cover in one 16 week class....
BTW... the comment cherachi1985 made above about pharmacists just being pharmacists - not true. You have many oppertunities in hospital administration, Managed Care Organizations, even research settings. Pharmaceutical companies are looking for Pharm.D.'s to help develop medications and hospitals are in need of clinical pharmacists. Just know that the profession of pharmacy is not just the person behind the counter at walgreens or cvs.
2006-07-25 19:27:37 · answer #1 · answered by Stephen 2 · 6⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-05-28 23:04:13 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i realize you post this question to get others' opinions, but please do not base your decision solely on these responses. This is an important decision that only you can make.
now for my opinion...:-)
i'm not really sure about the field of pharmacy, but in many countries, it looks like intelligent capable compassionate medical doctors are scarce. however, this may also be the case for pharmacists.
you may wish to consider which choice will allow more options should you choose a different direction later.
think about it and best of luck with your decision and with your studies.
2006-07-24 19:53:10 · answer #3 · answered by happy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am in year 11 too, and would like to study medicine. From what I have gathered you need to get as much work experience as possible and start from an early age.
2016-03-16 22:48:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you think you would be good at both, and if both are interesting to you, I suggest you study medicine. There's more money to me made as a doctor than as a phamacist. Also, even if you don;t practice medicine, there are many other ways to use your M.D. degree. But as a pharmacist, about all you can do is be a pharmacist.
2006-07-24 19:44:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
My answer? Don't let a bunch of random people on the inernet tell you which school to go to. Sleep on it. Talk with your friends/family. You should choose.
2006-07-24 19:40:11 · answer #6 · answered by :) 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
mbbs is costly than pharma , but both r good . murthybcc@yahoo.co.in
2006-07-25 03:50:38 · answer #7 · answered by murthybcc 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋