Can you have both?

[skent2]

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Hello all! My name is Sarah Kent I am a senior at the University of South Florida, biomedical sciences major, biophysics and public health minor. I am in a dilemma at this moment. For all of my life I have wanted to be a Dr. more than anything. Now, I am at the point where I am taking my MCAT and about to apply, and I only have one reservation: Can you have a life while being in medical school/ osteopathic school? I mean is it completely hopeless and it is all books and studying, and there is no time for your loved ones, or just pure fun? Is it possible to have both?

 

[Dr.Inviz]

Sure. Just go into FM and all will be dandy.

 

[DoctorMom78]

Sure. Just go into FM and all will be dandy.

Or rads....?🙄 😉

That may be true after you are finished with school, but it doesn't matter while you are in school. And, if you do OB and FM, then you will have to worry about delivering babies in the middle of the night. There are many specialties that are much less demanding of your time.

My brother is in his first year of med school now, and he has no social life at all. Of course, he is a workaholic, but I don't think there is much extra time while you are in med school. But, remember that it is only four years of your life. What you specialize in can greatly determine the amount of time you have and what your schedule will look like. It is worth four years of hard work if you really want to go into medicine. 🙂

 

[Dr.Inviz]

Or rads....?🙄 😉

That may be true after you are finished with school, but it doesn't matter while you are in school. And, if you do OB and FM, then you will have to worry about delivering babies in the middle of the night. There are many specialties that are much less demanding of your time.

My brother is in his first year of med school now, and he has no social life at all. Of course, he is a workaholic, but I don't think there is much extra time while you are in med school. But, remember that it is only four years of your life. What you specialize in can greatly determine the amount of time you have and what your schedule will look like. It is worth four years of hard work if you really want to go into medicine. 🙂

Not if you want a social life while in medical school ... the OP asked about DURING medical school ...

 

[Taus]

Hello all! My name is Sarah Kent I am a senior at the University of South Florida, biomedical sciences major, biophysics and public health minor. I am in a dilemma at this moment. For all of my life I have wanted to be a Dr. more than anything. Now, I am at the point where I am taking my MCAT and about to apply, and I only have one reservation: Can you have a life while being in medical school/ osteopathic school? I mean is it completely hopeless and it is all books and studying, and there is no time for your loved ones, or just pure fun? Is it possible to have both?

In my opinion, it all depends on your time management skills and how efficicient you are with your studying.

 

[Static Line]

Hello all! My name is Sarah Kent I am a senior at the University of South Florida, biomedical sciences major, biophysics and public health minor. I am in a dilemma at this moment. For all of my life I have wanted to be a Dr. more than anything. Now, I am at the point where I am taking my MCAT and about to apply, and I only have one reservation: Can you have a life while being in medical school/ osteopathic school? I mean is it completely hopeless and it is all books and studying, and there is no time for your loved ones, or just pure fun? Is it possible to have both?

Didactics in med school are only two busy years long. What do you plan to do with that degree if you don't go to med school?

 

[DoctorMom78]

Not if you want a social life while in medical school ... the OP asked about DURING medical school ...

😕 I know that. That is why I was talking about my brother. But, what in the world does FM have to do with having a social life in med school?🙄

 

[Dr.Inviz]

😕 I know that. That is why I was talking about my brother. But, what in the world does FM have to do with having a social life in med school?🙄

She can party it up, barely pass her boards, and be giddy in her pursuits of the lovable profession that is FM.

 

[GreenShirt]

Med school is difficult and time consuming. If you don't think you're ready for this, you might want to take some time off between college and med school to have fun. Once your ready to hunker down behind the books, then apply. You'll be in class 8 hrs a day at most schools and then you'll need to study for a good 4 hrs on average each day, so that's a pretty full day.

 

[skent2]

it is not that I am worrying about having the ability to party. I don't even do that now (and no I am not another one of those students just saying I dont). It was more of the aspect of being able to go out with my boyfriend to dinner, be able to enjoy my friends, during holiday breaks being able to enjoy the holidays, or is it 4 straight years of 12 hour study days? I don't know what I would do with my degree if I don't go to medical school. I am now realizing that the whole concept of graduating with this degree is pointless. If someone genuinely wants to work in health care then this was not the route, because it is a dead end if I dont get into med school, unless i want to add another year or two post bacc or masters degree onto it in the hopes that i might make it then. Is hoping to be able to balance a life (not partying) with medical school unrealistic and I need to try a PA program instead? Or is this a possibility?

 

[DiverDoc]

Med school is difficult and time consuming. If you don't think you're ready for this, you might want to take some time off between college and med school to have fun. Once your ready to hunker down behind the books, then apply. You'll be in class 8 hrs a day at most schools and then you'll need to study for a good 4 hrs on average each day, so that's a pretty full day.

LOL I do that now in undergrad.

 

[skent2]

also you have to help me out FM- family medicine? and OB- i know what that is rads-???? And what do you mean it is only 2 years of didactics is that because you do rotations after that? i thought you were still taking classes at that point

 

[DiverDoc]

it is not that I am worrying about having the ability to party. I don't even do that now (and no I am not another one of those students just saying I dont). It was more of the aspect of being able to go out with my boyfriend to dinner, be able to enjoy my friends, during holiday breaks being able to enjoy the holidays, or is it 4 straight years of 12 hour study days? I don't know what I would do with my degree if I don't go to medical school. I am now realizing that the whole concept of graduating with this degree is pointless. If someone genuinely wants to work in health care then this was not the route, because it is a dead end if I dont get into med school, unless i want to add another year or two post bacc or masters degree onto it in the hopes that i might make it then. Is hoping to be able to balance a life (not partying) with medical school unrealistic and I need to try a PA program instead? Or is this a possibility?

The DO I shadowed said that med school is not necessarily any more "difficult" content rather than the volume overload. He said once you get used to that and get into a rhythm, its fine. He said he had a life outside of it, played in city league sports and stuff like that.
ALSO, at an open house, a student giving the tour was asked about this question and her response was " lol, I valued my social life in undergrad, and I value it now, I still make time to go out 1 sometimes maybe twice a week" So there you go.

 

[Dr.Inviz]

also you have to help me out FM- family medicine? and OB- i know what that is rads-???? And what do you mean it is only 2 years of didactics is that because you do rotations after that? i thought you were still taking classes at that point

 

[DiverDoc]

Dude, come on. Shes obv. not trolling and is yes a little bit uninformed. But you know what? At some point in time, so were you. 😎

 

[koennen]

Can you have a life while being in medical school/ osteopathic school?

Umm ... you do know that osteopathic school IS medical school, don't you?

 

[Diomedes]

it is not that I am worrying about having the ability to party. I don't even do that now (and no I am not another one of those students just saying I dont). It was more of the aspect of being able to go out with my boyfriend to dinner, be able to enjoy my friends, during holiday breaks being able to enjoy the holidays, or is it 4 straight years of 12 hour study days? I don't know what I would do with my degree if I don't go to medical school. I am now realizing that the whole concept of graduating with this degree is pointless. If someone genuinely wants to work in health care then this was not the route, because it is a dead end if I dont get into med school, unless i want to add another year or two post bacc or masters degree onto it in the hopes that i might make it then. Is hoping to be able to balance a life (not partying) with medical school unrealistic and I need to try a PA program instead? Or is this a possibility?

I think the point here is that medical school and the medical profession require a lot of time, effort, and sacrifice. If you're waivering on whether you are willing to make that committment at this point in the game, you may want to investigate other options before submitting to four years of medical school, after which, with investment and loans, it's not so easy to change your mind.

Also, don't feel that you are confined to medical school by your major. There are nearly endless possibilities in healthcare. Pharm, Pharm rep., Healthcare admin., Biomed eng., lab tech., lab admin., etc. I could go on and on. If you like research, an MD/DO is definitely not required, and there's plenty to do.

 

[DoctorMom78]

She can party it up, barely pass her boards, and be giddy in her pursuits of the lovable profession that is FM.

Oh ok. Got it now.🙄 😛

 

[skent2]

yes my apologies i meant allopathic/osteopathic medical school. This is all really good information I really appreciate it. I am really good at labs, but doing research isn't something that I want to do. I want the interaction with people and I want to help people. And yes I do feel my degree restricts me, but you also have to understand that the mind frame everyone gives pre-med students is that you major in biology, chemistry, biochem, biomedical sciences, and then apply, not hey major in something interesting that you COULD pursue and take your prereq and if youre still interested apply. That didn't happen. From what it sounds like it is normal that people become EMT, med tech, PA, RN, whatever before they actually apply to medical school. I didn't think that was so common, is it?? If I decide this isn't right for me now what should I do? Go back after I graduate and get my nursing degree and then try for PA? Because from what I decipher form that is that you have to have 1000+ clinical hours. lol sorry so many questions

 

[Diomedes]

I have a good friend who chose PA over MD because she wanted to have a normal schedule (i.e. no nights on call, midnight calls, 110 hour work weeks). She's concentrating more on having time for a family (eventually), and she says it's been very rewarding as well as very challenging.

 

[Diomedes]

From what it sounds like it is normal that people become EMT, med tech, PA, RN, whatever before they actually apply to medical school. I didn't think that was so common, is it??

Rule number one: No one is normal. The only normal people are the ones you haven't met yet. People take a number of different paths to med school. Some do lots of clinical work; some study themselves straight through school. One of the best things about DO schools is that there is generally a broader range of matriculants than the traditional student. There's a lot of different experiences brought to the table. The most important part of this, though, is that they want to be there. That's what makes a person happy, and therefore, successful.

 

[GreenShirt]

yes my apologies i meant allopathic/osteopathic medical school. This is all really good information I really appreciate it. I am really good at labs, but doing research isn't something that I want to do. I want the interaction with people and I want to help people. And yes I do feel my degree restricts me, but you also have to understand that the mind frame everyone gives pre-med students is that you major in biology, chemistry, biochem, biomedical sciences, and then apply, not hey major in something interesting that you COULD pursue and take your prereq and if youre still interested apply. That didn't happen. From what it sounds like it is normal that people become EMT, med tech, PA, RN, whatever before they actually apply to medical school. I didn't think that was so common, is it?? If I decide this isn't right for me now what should I do? Go back after I graduate and get my nursing degree and then try for PA? Because from what I decipher form that is that you have to have 1000+ clinical hours. lol sorry so many questions

One of the early American presidents said the office of the Vice President doesn't amount to a bucket of warm spit (b/c it holds so little power/resposibility). The same thing applies to your Bachleor's degree, it too does not amount to a warm bucket of spit. You are not limited to to health and science careers b/c you were a science major. You can do anything you want with your degree, go to law school, become an artist etc. A B.A. doesn't give you any skills for a job, it's just a piece of paper noting that you've made that stepping stone.

Yes, most pre-meds have clinical experience in the form of some certification/degree or just plain volunteering. How else do you know that you want to work with sick people if you don't interact w/ them? Because you saw it on TV and it looked cool?

Yes, you'll probably be able to have dinner with your boyfriend after classes, but then you'll probably have to hit the books for a few hrs. Just b/c there's a lot of studying doesn't mean you're butt is going to be literally glued to a chair 24/7 with a folley catheter inserted so you don't have to get up and go to the bathroom. You'll have some free time and some vacation.

 

[Dr JPH]

Sure. Just go into FM and all will be dandy.

Please

These guys n gals work harder than anyone else (except surgeons)

Want a life in medical school? Be prepared for mediocre grades

Want a life AFTER medical school? Give up your life while IN medical school.

Most competitive specialties in medicine are those that are the nicest as far as lifestyle.

Radiology
Dermatology
Opthalmology
Plastic Surgery

Others to consider for decent lifestyle and "bang for your buck"

Emergency Medicine
Anesthesia
Physical Medicine/Rehab

 

[NPEMTIV]

Please

These guys n gals work harder than anyone else (except surgeons)

Want a life in medical school? Be prepared for mediocre grades

Want a life AFTER medical school? Give up your life while IN medical school.

Most competitive specialties in medicine are those that are the nicest as far as lifestyle.

Radiology
Dermatology
Opthalmology
Plastic Surgery

Others to consider for decent lifestyle and "bang for your buck"

Emergency Medicine
Anesthesia
Physical Medicine/Rehab

Good post. Great info. Thanks

 

[DoctorMom78]

Please

These guys n gals work harder than anyone else (except surgeons)

Want a life in medical school? Be prepared for mediocre grades

Want a life AFTER medical school? Give up your life while IN medical school.

Most competitive specialties in medicine are those that are the nicest as far as lifestyle.

Radiology
Dermatology
Opthalmology
Plastic Surgery

Others to consider for decent lifestyle and "bang for your buck"

Emergency Medicine
Anesthesia
Physical Medicine/Rehab

WOOT!!!👍 And for less pay too! But, I still think FM is ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT!

 

[Dr JPH]

WOOT!!!👍 And for less pay too! But, I still think FM is ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT!

No doubt.

You always hear about all these professions that are underpaid, but as soon as someone mentioned family doctors everyone freaks. They hear the word "doctor" and think money.

It doesnt work that way.

I dont know where some of you may be getting your financial information, but straight out of residency and into a family practice you just might get signed for 6 figures. Maybe.

Are there jobs out there paying $175,000 to start for FP? Yes. But read the fine print. Call schedule, patient census plus a load of factors (you need to meet a certain quota at the end of the year or guess what...you dont get that $50,000 bonus that is part of your $175,000)

FP is tough. Youre never going to get the respect you deserve from most docs, patients will quickly look to a specialist because youre "just the primary" and you have to maintain a very busy practice to do well financially.

There are no family docs that I know of working 50 hours a week making anywhere near $200,000

I DO know of family docs working almost 70 hours a week JUST making $180,000. But youre always on call (unless youre in a big practice), you have certain restrictions at some hospitals and your reimbursement for some procedures can quickly be denied.

Its a tough life. To say that you will be "fine and dandy" as an FP is ridiculous. The only FPs who are "fine and dandy" are the ones who have decided to give up those mega bucks in private practice (sarcasm) and go into academic medicine at a medical school. Less money, fewer patients but perhaps a little easier lifestyle.

 

[DoctorMom78]

No doubt.

You always hear about all these professions that are underpaid, but as soon as someone mentioned family doctors everyone freaks. They hear the word "doctor" and think money.

It doesnt work that way.

I dont know where some of you may be getting your financial information, but straight out of residency and into a family practice you just might get signed for 6 figures. Maybe.

Are there jobs out there paying $175,000 to start for FP? Yes. But read the fine print. Call schedule, patient census plus a load of factors (you need to meet a certain quota at the end of the year or guess what...you dont get that $50,000 bonus that is part of your $175,000)

FP is tough. Youre never going to get the respect you deserve from most docs, patients will quickly look to a specialist because youre "just the primary" and you have to maintain a very busy practice to do well financially.

There are no family docs that I know of working 50 hours a week making anywhere near $200,000

I DO know of family docs working almost 70 hours a week JUST making $180,000. But youre always on call (unless youre in a big practice), you have certain restrictions at some hospitals and your reimbursement for some procedures can quickly be denied.

Its a tough life. To say that you will be "fine and dandy" as an FP is ridiculous. The only FPs who are "fine and dandy" are the ones who have decided to give up those mega bucks in private practice (sarcasm) and go into academic medicine at a medical school. Less money, fewer patients but perhaps a little easier lifestyle.

😱 Well there goes the country club and the Mercedes...

I obviously am not choosing FM for the money. Fortunately I want a simple life out in the country somewhere...nothing really extravagant. No country club for me!😀 👍

Actually in rural areas, the patients do tend to respect their primary because that may be all that they have. They don't always have the option to go to a specialist. I think it will be quite a challenge to be a rural FM doc.

Dr. I likes to pick on me for my choice of FM, but that's ok. And as for "slacking off" in med school, I have every intention of being at the top of the class...WAY ahead of him. He will see when we get to DCOM. 😉 😛

 

[Jamers]

Hello all! My name is Sarah Kent I am a senior at the University of South Florida, biomedical sciences major, biophysics and public health minor. I am in a dilemma at this moment. For all of my life I have wanted to be a Dr. more than anything. Now, I am at the point where I am taking my MCAT and about to apply, and I only have one reservation: Can you have a life while being in medical school/ osteopathic school? I mean is it completely hopeless and it is all books and studying, and there is no time for your loved ones, or just pure fun? Is it possible to have both?

Define "life". I don't go to the bar every weekend but, I don't sit in my room constantly worrying that I don't know every spinal nerve bundle or nucleus either. It comes down to a balance. Don't fall into the trap of, "I need to know EVERYTHING so I can get 100 on EVERY test..." B.S. and you will have plenty of time for a "life".

 

[MountainEM]

Op-
get use to dr.I giving everyone absolutely useless information and stupid jokes about osteo medicine and FM that never end.

As jp said, FM is no joke and they work HARD.

A bit of hope for those going into FM: my father makes 300,000 plus and does not have a private clinic anymore-works for a hospital group...But then again he has been established for 25 yrs...

dave

 

[MountainEM]

repeat b/c of slow connection 🙂

 

[NickRiviera]

also you have to help me out FM- family medicine? and OB- i know what that is rads-???? And what do you mean it is only 2 years of didactics is that because you do rotations after that? i thought you were still taking classes at that point

😱

Op-
get use to dr.I giving everyone absolutely useless information and stupid jokes about osteo medicine and FM that never end.

Actually, you're usually the one who posts worthless information. I did a quick compare of recent posts from you and Dr. I and it looks like he's winning by a long shot.

 

[MountainEM]

wow interesting analysis nick.
dave

 

[DoctorMom78]

First of all, how in the world could you suggest that FP works harder than anyone else? Most FP programs I am aware of have minimal inpatient time (which is where the most brutal hours come from), are primarily clinic-oriented, and focus on routine & preventitive care (ie - algorithm-based medicine). Their patients are not as sick as most IM and Surgical patients, their residency training is short, and the number of FPs who pursue fellowships are low compared to other specialties.

And yes, Ophtho and Rads are hard to get into, but the residency training is hardly light (especially compared to FP), and they take a ton of call. Plastics is insane, and they work like dogs as residents. Plastics, Rads, and Ophtho can potentially be "lifestyle" specialties, but not if you want to make the money that people commonly cite.

Dammit, you should know better, Mr. Surgical-Intern-to-Be. We work far harder than anyone else does, and our residencies are harder to get in to. Why are you defending the FPs so hard?

He did say, "except surgeons." They still win.😉 😍

 

[DoctorMom78]

Also, regardless of what specialty we all go into, it is hard work getting there and usually hard work after. There are some specialties that are "easier" than others requiring less emergencies or night calls, but I don't know very many doctors who don't work hard. There is always the exception to the rule, but in general I think that medicine is demanding of your time and energy. If you are lazy or don't plan on working hard, it is not for you. There are certainly specialties that will allow you to have more time for other things. There are plenty of doctors that I have known (women in particular) who work part-time so that they can have a family. There are an unlimited amount of options as to what you can do once you become a doctor. So, if you are interested in medicine, suck it up and sacrifice four years of having a good time and it will pay off in the end.🙂

 

[Dr JPH]

First of all, how in the world could you suggest that FP works harder than anyone else? Most FP programs I am aware of have minimal inpatient time (which is where the most brutal hours come from), are primarily clinic-oriented, and focus on routine & preventitive care (ie - algorithm-based medicine). Their patients are not as sick as most IM and Surgical patients, their residency training is short, and the number of FPs who pursue fellowships are low compared to other specialties.

And yes, Ophtho and Rads are hard to get into, but the residency training is hardly light (especially compared to FP), and they take a ton of call. Plastics is insane, and they work like dogs as residents. Plastics, Rads, and Ophtho can potentially be "lifestyle" specialties, but not if you want to make the money that people commonly cite.

Dammit, you should know better, Mr. Surgical-Intern-to-Be. We work far harder than anyone else does, and our residencies are harder to get in to. Why are you defending the FPs so hard?

Sounds like you fit into the "what I am doing is harder than what you are doing so THERE" mindset.

I agree that surgeons have it the toughest as far as lifestyle and workload. In fact, I said that initially if yoe read again above...perhaps more carefully this time.

And my comment on who works harder wasnt just talking about residency, but rather what things are like in practice. Orthos work hard, true, but they dont need to work 60 hours a week to make ends meet. A few knees and a hip and they made more than most FPs do in a month.

Tired, perhaps you would be better to stay out of this thread. You seem a histrionic anyway.

 

[DoctorMom78]

Oh my God, don't even get me started.

I have to leave this thread before I get put on probation again. Good luck.

Come back! I am quite intriqued as to what you mean by that comment. 🙄

What is wrong with a woman working part-time so that she can be a doctor AND take care of her family?😡 It is not something that I am not going to do it, but plenty of people do it and there is NOTHING wrong with it. And, there are plenty of doctors that go that sell their soul to work for insurance companies and sit on their a$$ all day long and deny coverage for procedures that people need so that they can make that extra bonus. So, if you don't want to kill yourself working a million hours a week, there are always other options.

 

[Jamers]

Also, regardless of what specialty we all go into, it is hard work getting there and usually hard work after. There are some specialties that are "easier" than others requiring less emergencies or night calls, but I don't know very many doctors who don't work hard. There is always the exception to the rule, but in general I think that medicine is demanding of your time and energy. If you are lazy or don't plan on working hard, it is not for you. There are certainly specialties that will allow you to have more time for other things. There are plenty of doctors that I have known (women in particular) who work part-time so that they can have a family. There are an unlimited amount of options as to what you can do once you become a doctor. So, if you are interested in medicine, suck it up and sacrifice four years of having a good time and it will pay off in the end.🙂

I'm sorry but WHY THE HELL DO YOU HAVE A COW?? It's bugging me. I just want to say mooo over and over again....at least put a hat on it....


I think JP was saying that FP docs work harder than they get paid for. One of the lowest if not the lowest paid physicians and they get **** on a lot; both by other doctors and their Pts.

 

[DoctorMom78]

I'm sorry but WHY THE HELL DO YOU HAVE A COW?? It's bugging me. I just want to say mooo over and over again....at least put a hat on it....


I think JP was saying that FP docs work harder than they get paid for. One of the lowest if not the lowest paid physicians and they get **** on a lot; both by other doctors and their Pts.

LMFAO!!! CAUSE THAT IS THE CUTEST COW IN THE WORLD!!! But, I will change it just for you.😀

 

[DoctorMom78]

OK, how about Fred instead of a cow?😀

 

[Dr.Inviz]

Please

These guys n gals work harder than anyone else (except surgeons)

Want a life in medical school? Be prepared for mediocre grades

Want a life AFTER medical school? Give up your life while IN medical school.

Most competitive specialties in medicine are those that are the nicest as far as lifestyle.

Radiology
Dermatology
Opthalmology
Plastic Surgery

Others to consider for decent lifestyle and "bang for your buck"

Emergency Medicine
Anesthesia
Physical Medicine/Rehab

You obviously don't get the message the OP was asking. She was asking for a life while IN med school ... not when DONE with med school. The statement you made that I bolded only furthers to prove my point in response to the OPs question. If she wants a life in med school, she can go ahead and punch in FM for her post-medical education ticket ...

 

[Dr.Inviz]

Also, regardless of what specialty we all go into, it is hard work getting there and usually hard work after. There are some specialties that are "easier" than others requiring less emergencies or night calls, but I don't know very many doctors who don't work hard. There is always the exception to the rule, but in general I think that medicine is demanding of your time and energy. If you are lazy or don't plan on working hard, it is not for you. There are certainly specialties that will allow you to have more time for other things. There are plenty of doctors that I have known (women in particular) who work part-time so that they can have a family. There are an unlimited amount of options as to what you can do once you become a doctor. So, if you are interested in medicine, suck it up and sacrifice four years of having a good time and it will pay off in the end.🙂

People work as part-time docs? The only doctors that I know of that work part time happen to work in freebie clinics and do jack for their patients that truly need the help and can't afford real medical help ... that specific point does nothing to help your argument.

 

[Dr.Inviz]

😱 Well there goes the country club and the Mercedes...

I obviously am not choosing FM for the money. Fortunately I want a simple life out in the country somewhere...nothing really extravagant. No country club for me!😀 👍

Actually in rural areas, the patients do tend to respect their primary because that may be all that they have. They don't always have the option to go to a specialist. I think it will be quite a challenge to be a rural FM doc.

Dr. I likes to pick on me for my choice of FM, but that's ok. And as for "slacking off" in med school, I have every intention of being at the top of the class...WAY ahead of him. He will see when we get to DCOM. 😉 😛

Good for you. My point wasn't that FM docs are idiots; however, if you want a real life while IN med school, you can go ahead and punch in FM as your ticket for GME ... we all know they're truly in demand and you can get in even if you barely passed in your classes and your boards since we have that true need for PC docs and all. Too bad economics doesn't quite work where the need for them doesn't equate to higher salaries, although there are plenty of community hospitals that are out there to pay off that med school debt ...

You can be the DCOM pet, I'll just be that sniper ... 😉

 

[aeroquick765]

I think that even under high workloads one can still have a social life, you just have to redefine social life i.e. one night a week. Its all about the system, if you enjoy a certain lifestyle you will do what is necessary for that lifestyle. I've also heard from a doc who went to my undergrad university that the first year of medical school was mostly review for him (a biological sciences major). So if you've already studied the first year material covered in med school then at least you can have a social life the first year. And really when it comes down to it would you rather be a physician or have a social life for four short years.

🙄

 

[DoctorMom78]

Good for you. My point wasn't that FM docs are idiots; however, if you want a real life while IN med school, you can go ahead and punch in FM as your ticket for GME ... we all know they're truly in demand and you can get in even if you barely passed in your classes and your boards since we have that true need for PC docs and all. Too bad economics doesn't quite work where the need for them doesn't equate to higher salaries, although there are plenty of community hospitals that are out there to pay off that med school debt ...

You can be the DCOM pet, I'll just be that sniper ... 😉

LOL! Oh I already have my eye on you. 😉 Yea, that will be me in the front row, center seat, asking all the questions.😛

 

[DoctorMom78]

People work as part-time docs? The only doctors that I know of that work part time happen to work in freebie clinics and do jack for their patients that truly need the help and can't afford real medical help ... that specific point does nothing to help your argument.

I know of several female doctors, all specialists, who work part-time around here so that they can have a family. They actually make pretty good money from what I have heard.😀

 

[Dr.Inviz]

COL in NY is high, hence salaries will be higher. Living in TN and NY are 2 different things.


What do they specialize in? I'm sure it's not FM, which IMO is synonymous to a GP.

 

[DoctorMom78]

COL in NY is high, hence salaries will be higher. Living in TN and NY are 2 different things.


What do they specialize in? I'm sure it's not FM, which IMO is synonymous to a GP.

One is a neurologist and I am not sure about the others. We had this pre-med talk for our school given by some local doctors. I went to an all women's college and all the speakers were females. There were some that worked part-time and some that knew of others that worked part-time. That is one of the things that was addressed; being a doctor and still having time for family.

 

[Dr.Inviz]

One is a neurologist and I am not sure about the others. We had this pre-med talk for our school given by some local doctors. I went to an all women's college and all the speakers were females. There were some that worked part-time and some that knew of others that worked part-time. That is one of the things that was addressed; being a doctor and still having time for family.

Sure, you can have a life. Nobody's saying you can't. I love how the topic went from having a life while in med school, to having a life while in GME, and now having a life post GME.

 

[FS-Pro]

Good for you. My point wasn't that FM docs are idiots; however, if you want a real life while IN med school, you can go ahead and punch in FM as your ticket for GME ... we all know they're truly in demand and you can get in even if you barely passed in your classes and your boards since we have that true need for PC docs and all. Too bad economics doesn't quite work where the need for them doesn't equate to higher salaries, although there are plenty of community hospitals that are out there to pay off that med school debt ...

You can be the DCOM pet, I'll just be that sniper ... 😉

Why don't you give your opinion on this when you are actually IN school 😀
Until then, you have no idea how much of a life you can have while in school.

 

[DragonWell]

Why don't you give your opinion on this when you are actually IN school 😀
Until then, you have no idea how much of a life you can have while in school.

👍 There is a lot of hot air in this thread; probably not the best idea to ask what med school is like on a pre-med board. You will get better responses on one of the med student boards.

The only answer to your question will be the one you make for yourself. My anecdotal observation is that those students who have social lives, get involved with clubs, sports, etc. seem less stressed and to actually do better in school that the folks who say they study constantly and never have any free time. Perhaps it's time management, stress control, inherent ability, I really don't know. Sometimes getting away from the books for awhile actually seems to make studying more efficient by enabling a clearer focus. Where you will fall out in all this will depend on you, how you respond to stress, what your priorities are, etc. If you want it bad enough, you will do what must be done.