Should I become a doctor, or is it too late?

Question

So I'm graduating college soon, with a major in geology. My originial plan was to become a doctor, but at some point when I was having too much fun as freshman, I decided not to. Since my plan to go to grad school has been delayed, I now have to find a job instead. This has forced me to the nasty realization that although I love geology, the jobs available sound incredibly unsatisfying. This has made me start to think about becoming a doctor again. I would love to be able to make a positive impact on peoples' lives, and to be more independent (environmental geologists only work where too many people have messed up too few resources). It would likely mean going back to school, which I don't mind, though at 3.2, my GPA is so low I may have to retake some classes to get into med school. Should I do this, or continue considering it, even though I would be well into my 30s by the time I was finished? Would it be worth it?

Answer 1

If you are committed, you can do it. When I was an undergrad, the time it took to be a doctor seemed so long. 4 years undergrad, 4 years med school, then internship/residency. If one were to do it "perfectly", you'd be 29 or so before you'd even be able to practice.

But think about this....even if you were to start RIGHT NOW with no degree and had to go get another undergrad as a freshman, you'd still only add 4 years to that. You'd be 33 and done. People these days work until they are 60 and beyond! So I think 30 years in the workforce as a doctor is surely worth the time and effort you put into it now.

If you truly think you want to walk down this path, nothing can stop you. Best of luck. It can be done.

Answer 2

Becoming what you want to be is worth it, especially while you're still young (graduating in your 30's isn't so bad...many adults go back to college in their 40's and 50's). You have an advantage since the information is fresh in your mind, as you're still in college. To really decide, picture yourself in 5 or 10 years working in one of those "unsatifying" jobs in geology. Would you find it fulfilling enough to justify not going into medicine? Would it be worth not spending the extra time in school? Only you can decide for yourself...

Also, I'd recommend checking into online college courses. Sometimes they can help you get your degree in a shortened period of time...You might do a Google search or something similar to find out.

Whatever you choose, make sure it's something that you can enjoy the rest of your life; be certain that the career will be a fulfilling one.

Answer 3

It is never too late to do something satisfying with your life. Go with what your heart tells you. If you feel that your place is among the doctors of this world, then go for it! Alas, if it is only to humble you for a short time, then don't even consider it. It depends on what is important to you. If you have to take a few more classes then so what? Take them if you want. You can always go to school no matter what the age. 30's is not old or too late to make something of yourself. I will be 30 soon and just took some classes for the first time since high school. Follow your dreams....

Answer 4

My doctor dropped out of school to get married - got divorced at 33, went back to school and became a doctor by 38. Look at it this way, you're going to be 40 at some point in life. Do you want to be 40 with an MD degree or without? It's never to late to go back to school.

Answer 5

Do what you love: you are still young enough. Don't worry about the GPA... you probably are not going to go to a Harvard or whatever but as long as you can do well on the GRE you will do fine.