Anyone else going into medicine because you think God would have you do it ?

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FreeMeDoctor

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Maybe I am the only crazy person here but this is actually a major motivation for me.

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There are plenty of people who believe that they were called to medicine. You're only crazy if you start hearing voices. :D
 
Um...no. But hey, whatever floats your boat.
 
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Some days yes, and some days it feels like god must not want me to be a doctor because there are so many obstacles in my path.
 
Maybe I am the only crazy person here but this is actually a major motivation for me.
Callings are an interesting thing. How do you know which ones are real, and which ones are going to send you on a one-way trip down a dead end? When I was a kid, all I wanted was to be an astronaut. Unfortunately, I have really awful motion sickness issues, and my vision isn't good enough to be a space shuttle pilot. So then I decided that I would be a veterinarian because I love animals so much. I spent four years of Saturdays volunteering at the local Humane Society, only to conclude that people need more help than animals do. I took the MCAT and applied to med school. But I was engaged, and my ex was calling me to go to grad school in chemistry, which I did, three separate times. And now, I'm finally feeling the call to be a doctor. Well, we'll just have to wait and see what call comes next. At various points in my life, I also entertained notions of being a patent attorney and a meteorologist. So far, I'm glad to be going to med school. But I have to say that if I had my druthers, I would probably still rather be an astronaut than a physician. :cool:
 
My relationship with God is one of those things that defines me. I have found that as this relationship has progressed and grown I am able to more clearly "hear" (internally not audibly) God's call in my life, i.e what I need to do. For me this has also been a big part of why I am considering going back to school to be a doc and answers the why now reason.

Medical school is such a big commitment and a difficult thing I would not want to do it if it was not what God wanted me to do.
 
Callings are an interesting thing. How do you know which ones are real, and which ones are going to send you on a one-way trip down a dead end? When I was a kid, all I wanted was to be an astronaut. Unfortunately, I have really awful motion sickness issues, and my vision isn't good enough to be a space shuttle pilot. So then I decided that I would be a veterinarian because I love animals so much. I spent four years of Saturdays volunteering at the local Humane Society, only to conclude that people need more help than animals do. I took the MCAT and applied to med school. But I was engaged, and my ex was calling me to go to grad school in chemistry, which I did, three separate times. And now, I'm finally feeling the call to be a doctor. Well, we'll just have to wait and see what call comes next. At various points in my life, I also entertained notions of being a patent attorney and a meteorologist. So far, I'm glad to be going to med school. But I have to say that if I had my druthers, I would probably still rather be an astronaut than a physician. :cool:

Don't fret!:)

You could be like Dr. Mae Jemison.:idea:

She is a physician AND an astronaut.

Live the dream!!!
 
Don't fret!:)

You could be like Dr. Mae Jemison.:idea:

She is a physician AND an astronaut.

Live the dream!!!
Yeah, but I bet she doesn't get motion sick the way I do. If MollyMalone ever comes back to SDN, you should ask her about the time we shared a cab to the airport. I was so green it's not even funny, especially since I had to get on a plane shortly thereafter....
 
Nope. I'm somewhere between atheist/agnostic. My morals were formed and influenced by religion when I was a kid, so I do feel that it is the morally right thing to do.
 
Yeah, but I bet she doesn't get motion sick the way I do. If MollyMalone ever comes back to SDN, you should ask her about the time we shared a cab to the airport. I was so green it's not even funny, especially since I had to get on a plane shortly thereafter....

:laugh: :laugh: You know that sounds too funny, but seriously , with your background you could design experiments for NASA or something. Maybe flight would be too much, altho I still thnk it would be worth a shot, and if not flight then an experiment to run in space that one of the other scientists/mission specialists.

You never know, it could happen.

Sidenote: Do you need Dramamine ( I think is what it is called) when you drive?

Do you do amusement parks?
 
:laugh: :laugh: You know that sounds too funny, but seriously , with your background you could design experiments for NASA or something. Maybe flight would be too much, altho I still thnk it would be worth a shot, and if not flight then an experiment to run in space that one of the other scientists/mission specialists.

You never know, it could happen.

Sidenote: Do you need Dramamine ( I think is what it is called) when you drive?

Do you do amusement parks?
No way, dude. If I don't get to be shot in the cannon, I ain't interested. ;) Actually, scientists do get to go into space sometimes; you don't have to be a pilot. But that doesn't settle the whole motion sickness issue.

No, I don't need antiemetics like Dramamine when I am driving. Interestingly, I mainly only get sick when I'm riding in the back, like I was in the cab. Go figure. I'm usually ok in the front passenger seat too, unless I try to read. People think I'm crazy when I tell them that I won't read the directions unless they pull over. But, it's that or risk me puking all over their front seat. :D What really makes me the sickest though are boats.

I can go on some amusement park rides without getting sick. The ones I have to be careful with are the ones that turn you upside down. You know those viking ship things that go round and round in vertical circles? Yeah, I don't do those. Roller coasters that have loops are ok as long as it's just one or two loops, but I stay away from the ones that hold you upside down for extended periods of time. Gravitrons aren't so good either, though if it's short enough I'll be ok. As you can see, my problem is not a lack of trying to ride these things. ;)
 
No way, dude. If I don't get to be shot in the cannon, I ain't interested. ;) Actually, scientists do get to go into space sometimes; you don't have to be a pilot. But that doesn't settle the whole motion sickness issue.

No, I don't need antiemetics like Dramamine when I am driving. Interestingly, I mainly only get sick when I'm riding in the back, like I was in the cab. Go figure. I'm usually ok in the front passenger seat too, unless I try to read. People think I'm crazy when I tell them that I won't read the directions unless they pull over. But, it's that or risk me puking all over their front seat. :D What really makes me the sickest though are boats.

I can go on some amusement park rides without getting sick. The ones I have to be careful with are the ones that turn you upside down. You know those viking ship things that go round and round in vertical circles? Yeah, I don't do those. Roller coasters that have loops are ok as long as it's just one or two loops, but I stay away from the ones that hold you upside down for extended periods of time. Gravitrons aren't so good either, though if it's short enough I'll be ok. As you can see, my problem is not a lack of trying to ride these things. ;)

Interesting!!!!

Are you sure it is not a psychosomatic thing?:confused: Like a wanting to be in control and for lack of a better term, "aware" of al lthat is going on around you? It kind of sounds that way to me.:idea:
 
Interesting!!!!

Are you sure it is not a psychosomatic thing?:confused: Like a wanting to be in control and for lack of a better term, "aware" of al lthat is going on around you? It kind of sounds that way to me.:idea:
Are you calling me a control freak??? I KNOW you didn't just call me a control freak! :mad: :laugh:

No, I don't think that's it. I'm pretty sure it's something with my vestibular system. Most of the time I don't get sick in cars, even when I ride in the back. (I started refusing to read anything while the vehicle is in motion, and now I almost never get sick any more.) I can't think of any transportation venue where you have less control than on a plane, and I have NEVER been sick on a plane (thank the divine being of your choice). I can even read on planes as long as there isn't any turbulence. If it starts getting rough, I have to look out the window and watch the horizon though. And I try not to use the bathrooms on planes, b/c being shut up in that little room does make me nauseated.
 
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This is an interesting discussion, albeit kinda hijacked from the initial question. I also wanted to be an astronaut but I have the worst motion sickness ever. I cannot really ride anything at the amusement park, I have gotten sick in an IMAX movie, and I will do anything to avoid the backseat of a car. I can't read in the car either and I get sick from flying (mostly takeoff and landing). When I was pregnant it was 10 times worse.

I've had people tell me that it is in my head, but I don't think so. At any rate, I'd love to get it OUT of my head, because it is very inconvenient. I'd like to be able to ride the Merry-go-round with my little girl without becoming queasy. :(


To the initial question...I don't feel like god is calling me to my career. If I'm called to anything I think it would be a general charge to make the world a little better in small ways. By being nice to others, helping the poor (a big interest of mine), speaking out against injustice, etc. But I can't tell you for sure if my "call" to those things is from within or from something bigger than myself.
 
Maybe I am the only crazy person here but this is actually a major motivation for me.

It's fine to be religious, but I would only do medicine if it's something that was your own want and idea, not something you think God wants. The training is long, brutal and there are numerous easier and more rapid ways to help people. And in most of the religions I am aware of, dissecting the dead, giving genital and digital rectal exams to strangers, and learning about things daily that question "intelligent design" aren't exactly on the path to religious awakening. (Not to mention the fact that far more of your classmates will have made a ceremonial pact with the devil sometime in the admissions process to get there). Given that there is always a waitlist for every school, God doesn't even get an additional physician by you going. So make sure this path is something you truly will enjoy or find interesting, not something you feel obligated to do by some calling.
 
Nope. I'm somewhere between atheist/agnostic. My morals were formed and influenced by religion when I was a kid, so I do feel that it is the morally right thing to do.

Ditto. No calling but some desire to do good is in there. Of course, that's also along mixed with lots of practicality.
 
I felt a "calling" to become a pastor. The idea of becoming a doctor is something that I want to do for many reasons, but not because I feel God is "calling" me into the medical profession. Now, as a Christ follower I am certainly praying for God's help and blessing upon this future course, but don't feel that God is specifically pointing the way for me, or telling me, "hey you, go be a doctor." :)
 
Maybe I am the only crazy person here but this is actually a major motivation for me.

Wow, God usually just asks me to eat Cheetos and watch reruns of the Beverly Hillbillies.
 
I didn't hear my cell phone ring if god was calling me.....

so I just call it a passion for medicine.
 
I'm not sure I'd say "GOD" (it's probable). I've wanted to be a doc since I can remember, I hated dolls when I was a kid, but if I could use my kiddy doctor kit on em I sure would :D I kinda lost the dream there for a while, but one day it hit me. I don't believe I'm meant to do anything else, I'll do almost anything for it. Someone or something is calling me to it.
 
As much as I believe in God, I give him a little more credit. He put me in this earth and gave me the wisdom to know right and wrong, to make decisions for me. He gave me the tools (my intelligence and the Bible) to study and do good. Now, whatever you do with that blessing is up to you. You can be a doctor, scientist even a garbage man. The are doing a good deed just like everyone else. Being born I think it's a "calling" unto itself. Acting on that calling and doing something good for your fellow human is what's important.
I don't think God holds my hand in every little decision I make. Besides, I think he is a little busier with the war in Iraq and everything else in the world.
 
As much as I believe in God, I give him a little more credit. He put me in this earth and gave me the wisdom to know right and wrong, to make decisions for me. He gave me the tools (my intelligence and the Bible) to study and do good. Now, whatever you do with that blessing is up to you. You can be a doctor, scientist even a garbage man. The are doing a good deed just like everyone else. Being born I think it's a "calling" unto itself. Acting on that calling and doing something good for your fellow human is what's important.
I don't think God holds my hand in every little decision I make. Besides, I think he is a little busier with the war in Iraq and everything else in the world.

Agreed. One would hope he's not such a micromanager that he gets involved in individual lives, football games and the like. He sends a person into the belly of a whale here and there, just to keep things interesting, but I doubt he has a hand in professional schools. Plus for every person claiming a divine calling to apply to med school, doesn't it basically means God hates the other folks such person will displace deeper into the ranks of the application pool? Where there are winners and losers, such as competitive fields, one would hope God doesn't take sides.:)
 
Mine was a prayerful decision that I believe God did lead me towards. After much thought and discussion with my husband, we decided to begin down the path. I do believe that God will lead anyone who is willing to ask what He would have them do, and then follow Him. God is more than capable of guiding every one of us, all the while dealing with the war in Iraq and everything else going on. This is a difficult path, but I am honored to be entering into this career.
 
For me, I felt like God created me to become a physician. There was always something inside of me that was screaming that I would not be at peace in any other profession/career/job. Med school has not always been easy but it has always felt right for me. In a couple months, I will be starting my residency in emergency medicine and I have God to thank for all the blessings I've received throughout med school. Best wishes to everyone on their journey.
 
I fully believe that God has called me to this profession. I KNOW that without Him, I wouldn't stand a chance of making it through the rigorous process that is applying to/getting through med school. He is my Rock.
 
I don't believe that my eternal salvation is dependent on whether or not I make it through medical school. I've already passed the MCAT and am admitted, by the way. Anyway, I think God has led me to this point, but it's up to me to work hard and succeed (with His help of course). Failing is not an option.
 
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So I guess we're back to square one. In any case, I hope that whichever god led you to medical school, He's prepared to help with the bills.

ROFLMBO!!!! That is the funniest thing I have read in a long time! :thumbup:
 
....So I guess we're back to square one. In any case, I hope that whichever god led you to medical school, He's prepared to help with the bills.

ROFLMBO!!!! That is the funniest thing I have read in a long time! :thumbup:

Word!:cool:

Some are called, some are sent, then there are those that just packed up and went!
 
I suppose whether failing out of school means eternal damnation depends on which God led you to medicine.

The old testament is pretty firm on not disappointing God (see: the Israelites, Sodom, Gomorrah, flood, Adam, Eve, etc). He was particularly harsh on those "to whom much is given" which certainly includes those whom he has led to medical school.

The new testament does an amazing job of delivering us from this bind. Jesus allowed God to explain that the reason he wasn't making good on his promise to deliver the sons of Jacob from their various tyrannies was that he'd changed his mind and was no longer a vengeful warrior-god. It's fair to ask (although not fair to expect an answer) how an omniscient being could change His mind. It's further fair to ask how an omnipotent being could not be able to change His mind... perhaps he is selectively omnipotent, which I guess simplifies to "potent".

In any case, it was now all about love, which means that the whole thing with Pharoah, etc was best left to the history books. While this may strike you as a very serious kick-in-the-teeth loyalty-wise, it did allow for some really nice architecture to develop in what became the (central part of the) Holy Roman Empire. Speaking of which, let's hope that the God that's led you to medicine is different from the one that spoke directly to Nero because that didn't work out too well. But I digress, to the point, I would think that the new testament God would be pretty receptive to forgiving. It was, after all, the Israelites' act of forgiving God that got Jesus' start in the literature.

Of course, if the 1.3 billion Muslims are right about Allah, then you may be getting your career advice from the wrong God, in which case I'm not really sure where you'll wind up. As an infidel, you're probably already done-for.

Then there are the equally fervent beliefs of the 1.1 billion Hindus to consider. It would have been a crowded strategy session if Shiva, Ganesh, Ram and the whole panoply led you to medicine, so I'm going to assume you're not Hindu.

Jews... well, it's pretty clear that Yahweh is a fan of medical school. Though, you have to wonder about the whole change of character as the 12 tribes went from polytheistic to monotheistic, doesn't speak well for His ability to deal with stress.

The Buddha may have had some advice for you on your career; but given that the (450 million?) Buddhists aren't much for the whole "personal God" theism thing, it seems unlikely a god with such a holistic lack of focus would take much of a personal interest in your future livelihood.

So I guess we're back to square one. In any case, I hope that whichever god led you to medical school, He's prepared to help with the bills.

We all have different beliefs. There's no need to insult us with your pop theology which is so full of inaccuracies and one-sided that it just makes you sound less educated than you are. But I'd have to admit that it was funny so I'll give you that. We're not insulting your beliefs, how about you returning the favor? Thanks.
 
If you feel that God wants you to study medicine, what happens if you can't get accepted to medical school? Does it mean that you misunderstood the calling, that God changed His mind, or that you've failed Him?

If the question sounds insulting, I don't mean it to be. I'm legitimately curious about those who have the kind of faith that subscribes to callings from God.
 
[wrote a very angry polemic... changed my mind. this isn't really the place for it.]
 
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