I am in graduate business school and have held business jobs in the past. For a few years, however, I've also worked at a hospital. I enjoy patient care; I get along well with my colleagues, too. Medical school interests me. That said, many doctors seem resentful about insurance, litigation, lack of autonomy, and declining pay; it scares me off. Not sure what to decide.
I used to be idealistic about business careers, and I don't want to repeat that mistake; business is a practical choice and medicine is tough. I'm already in my early thirties. But for better or worse, the thought of med school "haunts" me. I love patient care, and the hospital environment works for me, but is medical school worth it anymore in terms of career satisfaction and job and financial security? My gut tells me to go for it; then my head interferes and I don't know what to do (e.g. residency at age 38? could I stand not having money for the next 10 yrs?)
Can anyone help? What am I missing? Besides guts :)
2007-03-28 09:21:59 · 5 answers · asked by NL 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Thank you all very much for your thoughtful replies. I think it's time to give it a serious try.
2007-03-29 09:29:38 · update #1
Well, medicine pays well and is endlessly fascinating, but there are an incredible amount of hassles nowadays. That said, most doctors do make good money and enjoy their work (most days). However, MBA's make good money too, with less liability, although perhaps similar hours and stress levels.
You will likely end up with around $100K or more in debt after medical school, which pretty much obligates you to practice medicine for awhile, even if you hate it. You will also likely have to go back to college before applying to take some prerequisites (bio, chem, physics, calculus).
However, if none of this daunts you, then go ahead and go for it.
One site I've found very useful is www.mommd.com which has a lot of women with kids or women that have gone back later in life to medical school. There are great discussion forums, and this topic has been discussed ad nauseum.
Here's a link to their forums:
http://www.mommd.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php
2007-03-28 13:34:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a practicing woman physician, I know of no other career that offers me the flexibility of medicine. I have a primary care practice that I work at ~30 hrs per week, in addition to at least 10-15 hours hospital work. I am able to take my kids to school and pick them up each day. Not many of my "traditional" business school friends can do that, and still make 6 figures (granted, much less than my specialist buds, but still comfortable). I am happy at work and play--GO FOR IT!!
2007-04-03 02:31:49 · answer #2 · answered by pgy710 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a doctor, but I've worked for them for years; I'm an RN. I never the felt the calling to go to become a doctor;however it seems like you do. Don't hold yourself back; education is never lost. Who knows if you decide it isn't a good fit later on you can use the education for a starting your own type of medical business administration. Win Win!!!
2007-03-28 19:41:12 · answer #3 · answered by Jeannine M 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm 20, I am in first year of medschool and it's a damned charming career. I just love it, if you think you like it, go ahead and give it a try! Most medics are not sure if they really want to be medics anyway... If you're in your early twenties, you can probably pay it without EXCESSIVE strain on your wallet. You should probably try it out and see if it's really for you.
2007-03-28 12:15:32 · answer #4 · answered by cactuar2k 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YOU SHOULD GO FOR IT!!!!!!!! You will regret it all of your life if you do not go to med. school and pursue that!!!! There are so many things you could do. It is worth it even with the malpractice issues, etc. Please just do it.....
2007-03-28 12:18:08 · answer #5 · answered by tcconssw 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋