A life of research or a life of medicine

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yerb_

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Jan 12, 2022
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Hello all! I have been out of college since 2018 working at various biotech startups/nonprofit research hubs as a research associate (aka lab rat). I am probably at the best company I have worked at so far in terms of how interesting the work is and how great the atmosphere is (coworkers, facilities, etc).

I have planned on applying to med school next year (2023) since I need to take the MCAT and get volunteer hours. I would likely have a very solid application if I were to apply (3.7gpa from UC Berkeley, Fulbright scholar, Latina, former homeless, college graduate at age 18). However, I get pretty discouraged with the doom and gloom surrounding medicine.

Here are some of my personal pros and cons with medicine vs research.

Research:
PROS: cushy 9-5, good mission, get to zone out in my headphones a lot, not very stressful.
CONS: pay without a PhD will probably cap at high 5 figures (not interested in PhD). Even with a Masters it would only reach low 6 figures. I personally am not super passionate about the job. I clock in, work hard, then clock out. Soul-sucking meetings. Not very intellectually stimulating. Repetitive.

Medicine:
PROS: money (which is important to me since I grew up poor), human biology is super interesting to study, can choose a field where I use my hands (something I like about research), intellectually stimulating, I prefer to solve problems on a daily basis vs. participating in long projects that may/may not pan out, what I wanted to be since I was a youngin.
CONS: these are obvious. stress, long hours, etc

I have a Type B personality, I love my work-life balance but I also love learning and in my short few years working at a 9-5 I have gotten really bored. The hours after work seem like a lot sometimes. As soon as I start studying for something (like for my EMT cert. or the MCAT) its like the life in me comes back.

Also important to note that I am currently 22 yo female and want to have children one day.

What do you vote about my situation? Is medicine right for me?

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Have you had any experience working in an Academic lab before? Industry vs. academic research can have super different vibes! Sounds like you have a lot of experience in industry research, which tends to be much more like you're describing than academic research institutions, in my experience. I'm currently working in a lab that is extremely intellectually stimulating, not soul sucking, and has an incredible environment. In fact, prior to joining this lab I was totally turned off to getting a PhD based on my past experiences in labs, but am now applying to MD/PhD programs! What I really like about this lab, beyond the science, is the support system and attitude of my colleagues and my PI. It's really changed my perspective on science (and to some extent life) in an exceedingly positive manner. Because of that, I would say don't give up on research just yet, especially since you have some time before you plan to apply!

I'm happy to talk a bit more about my experience with you, if you'd like. Just thought I would throw my 2 cents out there! You definitely have an impressive resume built up, congratulations on all your accomplishments!!

Edit: I've had a some similar challenges in my life and want you to know that you don't necessarily have to choose one or the other! There are options out there that will allow you to pursue your dreams and explore what you truly want to be doing with your life :)
 
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