Which is the better path to become a physician?

Question

In your opinion, do you think it is better to take the traditional path of becoming a physician by going straight into medical school after undergrad. Or, is it good to take any time of in between undergraduate school, medical school, or residency? If you are a non-traditional medical student, I would love your opinion.

Answer 1

I am a non-trad applicant. I am applying thisyear. I finished undergrad in 2002. Got a masters in 2004. But had I earned the grades to put me into medical school right out of undergrad, I would have gone. I never meant to wait this long and I feel like a major part of my life is on hold and delaying everything else in the process.

Some people burn out, and that's understandable. A year off can give you the perspective to decide whether med school is your ONE TRUE PATH.

Others want to spend the time off doing stuff to make themselves look good to schools: grad school (like me), medical missions, charity, etc.

But think about the whole picture. What do you want for the rest of your life?

I'm 26 as of this Saturday. I hoped to be married by 30 and practicing in a clinic, with children before 35. I don't feel like I have the resources to start a family life before I am done with my education. So 20-something rejections letters and a broken engagement later (that's an ugly story in of itself) ... here I am working a desk job dreaming of what it is I really want and NEED to do with my life.

At this rate, assuming I get in for 2007, I'll be at least 33 by the time I finish my residency. I wanted to do family med or specialize in infectious disease.

Answer 2

I'm the extreme non-traditional student. School was not my priority at the time. I wanted to "test the waters" in other areas, and I did. Do I regret neglecting my academics, yes. But I firmly believe it makes me the well rounded student I am today. I'm older, wiser and have life experience, they can't teach in a class. I know the value of a solid education and the passion it takes to be a great doctor some day(if I choose). And the past is left in the past. The only real regrets I have, is staying in school and cruising by on terrible grades, because I didn't want to be there. And having my bad choices come back to haunt me. But it just makes you work harder. I will leave off on this: don't stay out to long, because school becomes more challenging, and it's easy to forget the simple basics. Also other things come into play, relationships, bills, and maybe even children. The added strain for med. school. You don't need! And if you think it can't happen to you, well it all ready did for some of us, who have been where you are. Just think long and hard, make your choice and don't look back. That is all we can ever do.

Answer 3

It is better not to take time off.

A friend who went to Medical School took time off between her sophomore and junior year of college. While she was able to get into a medical school, her time off hurt her and restricted the number of schools where she could go.

Answer 4

If you feel like you need the break, take it. Trust me, right now i'm so unmotivated because I'm just brunt out. My health is also starting to suffer, I keep getting headaches, cause im not sleeping enough. Honestly, grad school is nothing compared to undergrad, its like 10X harder. So if you need a break take it, I wish I had taken a year off.

Good luck

Answer 5

For a more holistic approach you may want to look at Traditional Chinese medicine to incorporate into your medical school experience. Although it really depends on what you will major in.

Here is a good website: http://www.index-china.com/index-english/TCM-s.html