Hello everyone, this is my first post on Studentdoc. I would greatly appreciate it if anyone could give me advice, or simply tell me your opinion (so that I can see new perspectives).
I got accepted into a 6 year MD program last fall, and I'm debating between staying or leaving and pursuing a
different career (perhaps RN or PA). I'm already going to finish my first year in the program, and am already
unhappy. Although I'm just a college freshman (just turned 19 btw), I have already started taking medical
classes (think of it like general MS1 classes)since it's an accelerated program. I fear that I may have already
developed mild depression, since I have not been able to handle my stress appropriately. The classes are
challenging, but not too difficult (I've been getting As and Bs). I feel that I could get all As if I gave it my 100
percent, but have only been giving it about 70-80. However, if I were to give it my 100 percent, I would
barely have any free time (an hour at most once or twice a week). I just feel that this career may not be for me
(due to my personality). My parents pushed me to try out the program for a year and are persistent in me
staying. When I first applied to the program, I truly did feel like this was my calling (to become a physician),
but after one year, I feel like my passion is no longer there. I would occasionally visit these forums before I
started the program, and recall several people saying it was very difficult (not necessarily because of the level
of difficulty, but how much drive and sacrifice is required), but I didn't realize this until now. If
I already believe this, I can't imagine Medical school, then residency. I am leaving the program most likely,
but would like to hear different opinions. As for my other options, I am not sure whether I should
become a Registered Nurse, work for a year or two, then become a Nurse Practitioner or CRNA, OR go
straight for Physician Assistant (or if I should even aim for a career as a midlevel provider, and just look into
other careers). I just feel miserable right now, and I understand that this is an amazing opportunity, and
many would love to be in my position, especially at 19 years old. BUT, it is only an amazing opportunity for
those whom truly want it. I wouldn't want to continue taking a spot that somebody else would take in a
heartbeat. Anyways, I would like to hear any opinions or advice, thank you.
I got accepted into a 6 year MD program last fall, and I'm debating between staying or leaving and pursuing a
different career (perhaps RN or PA). I'm already going to finish my first year in the program, and am already
unhappy. Although I'm just a college freshman (just turned 19 btw), I have already started taking medical
classes (think of it like general MS1 classes)since it's an accelerated program. I fear that I may have already
developed mild depression, since I have not been able to handle my stress appropriately. The classes are
challenging, but not too difficult (I've been getting As and Bs). I feel that I could get all As if I gave it my 100
percent, but have only been giving it about 70-80. However, if I were to give it my 100 percent, I would
barely have any free time (an hour at most once or twice a week). I just feel that this career may not be for me
(due to my personality). My parents pushed me to try out the program for a year and are persistent in me
staying. When I first applied to the program, I truly did feel like this was my calling (to become a physician),
but after one year, I feel like my passion is no longer there. I would occasionally visit these forums before I
started the program, and recall several people saying it was very difficult (not necessarily because of the level
of difficulty, but how much drive and sacrifice is required), but I didn't realize this until now. If
I already believe this, I can't imagine Medical school, then residency. I am leaving the program most likely,
but would like to hear different opinions. As for my other options, I am not sure whether I should
become a Registered Nurse, work for a year or two, then become a Nurse Practitioner or CRNA, OR go
straight for Physician Assistant (or if I should even aim for a career as a midlevel provider, and just look into
other careers). I just feel miserable right now, and I understand that this is an amazing opportunity, and
many would love to be in my position, especially at 19 years old. BUT, it is only an amazing opportunity for
those whom truly want it. I wouldn't want to continue taking a spot that somebody else would take in a
heartbeat. Anyways, I would like to hear any opinions or advice, thank you.