Advice for a Pre-pharm MD spouse

[Superman22]

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I need some advice. I am a 40 y.o. husband of a MD resident. We have 2 children and one on the way. Currently we live away from family (but plan to live close as soon as she finishes medical residency) and I am working part-time, study (completing pre-reqs), major caretake of the children and household. Over the past decade, my responsibilties have been snowballing getting bigger and bigger over the past few years.

Just over the past week I have been reflecting upon the quality of life my family may endure if I get into Pharm school. I may be odd but I find the most pleasure being with my wife and children. I have contemplated stopping my desire of going to Pharm school (wanted to go a decade ago but for obvious reasons, I waited). My wife and I have discussed what future might be in store for our family. She doesn't want to work "doctor" hours but is concerned with the cost of malpractice insurance (e.g. how would she be able to make a living and pay for this expensive cost if she works minimal hrs.)

Well my question is can I still have a reasonable good quality of life while in Pharm school and have quality time to give to my children and wife or is this just a pipe dream? I would appreciate any input, suggestions, advice, insight anyone who is in pharm school with responsibilities. Is it doable? Is there anyone currently doing it with my responsibilites? Can anyone provide options that I might consider (beside ending my quest). I don't want to lose my family over my aspirations (I already had a career as a h.s. teacher). Please help me.

 

[alison_in_oh]

I may be odd but I find the most pleasure being with my wife and children.

I don't know anything about Pharm school but I find this statement to be profoundly sad. 🙁 Maybe it is odd in today's society, but if putting your loved ones first and foremost puts you in the minority, then dang man, wear that badge proudly!

For a perspective from some stay-at-home-dad husbands of physicians, you might want to check out http://medicalspouse.com/forums where at least two SAHDs and a couple other male SOs of people in training post regularly and will probably be happy to share their experiences with you.

 

[Superman22]

I am glad someone was able to reply to my inquiry. Thank you

 

[Aero047]

I need some advice. I am a 40 y.o. husband of a MD resident. We have 2 children and one on the way. Currently we live away from family (but plan to live close as soon as she finishes medical residency) and I am working part-time, study (completing pre-reqs), major caretake of the children and household. Over the past decade, my responsibilties have been snowballing getting bigger and bigger over the past few years.

Just over the past week I have been reflecting upon the quality of life my family may endure if I get into Pharm school. I may be odd but I find the most pleasure being with my wife and children. I have contemplated stopping my desire of going to Pharm school (wanted to go a decade ago but for obvious reasons, I waited). My wife and I have discussed what future might be in store for our family. She doesn't want to work "doctor" hours but is concerned with the cost of malpractice insurance (e.g. how would she be able to make a living and pay for this expensive cost if she works minimal hrs.)

Well my question is can I still have a reasonable good quality of life while in Pharm school and have quality time to give to my children and wife or is this just a pipe dream? I would appreciate any input, suggestions, advice, insight anyone who is in pharm school with responsibilities. Is it doable? Is there anyone currently doing it with my responsibilites? Can anyone provide options that I might consider (beside ending my quest). I don't want to lose my family over my aspirations (I already had a career as a h.s. teacher). Please help me.

It is not odd enjoying time with your spouse and your children. I actually think that's very admirable, since most people (men in particular, IMO, but there are women, too) who tend to just focus solely on their career and put family on the backburner. 👍

I believe you both can lead a successful career while maintaining a healthy balance between work and family. There are families where the husband and wife are both doctors, but still manage to have some time with the kids. It is generally easier for a pharmacist to manage their hours than a medical doctor. I think the person who will have some difficult with the hours and general costs is your wife, but since both of you will have a job, I'm sure that money won't be that much of a problem later in the years, but yes, your wife may have difficulty paying malpractice insurance. The beginning will always be difficult, but once you get into the hang of things, everything will smoothen out. Congratulations on your two babies-on-the-way, and good luck to you 🙂 👍

 

[Superman22]

I thank you for your words of encouragement.

 

[bkdaniels]

"He that riseth late, must trot all day."
-Ben Franklin-

Hey jalba22, how are you doing?

Because college represents an investment in our most precious resource—our kids—no person who wants to go to college and is willing to work hard should be prevented by anything -especially financial need. Of course, it takes careful timing and a vigilant watch on your finances, (and sometimes the sheer wits of a Ben Franklin), but you really can see your way clear to getting a college education - even if you have made a late start.

And, you're not alone. Every year millions of students in the U. S. apply for and receive financial aid and almost half of all students who go to American colleges receive some kind of financial aid. The benefits always out-weight the complications.

For more information on how financial aid can assist you through your education, please visit the US Department of Education. www.fafsa.ed.gov

Best wishes,