I am an accepted student ready to matriculate this year. But recently I've been thinking about deferring my entrance by a year and taking some time (6-7 months) to travel. I'm very torn by this decision - on the one hand, I am sure about my desire to pursue medicine, so why wait to start my career? A year is long enough that I might get antsy to start during the middle of and then have to wait.
On the other hand, I have always liked the idea of doing something like this while I still have the chance, before committing to this career path. In mind, med school and residency seems like a fast-moving train that sweeps you up and takes all of your focus and dedication (which is actually a positive thing). But I'm worried that in a few years I might regret not having taken this opportunity now, when I will no longer have the chance, with more responsibilities, more debt, older age/thinking about a family, etc. I know, of course, that I could always take a leave of absence or do research abroad for a year, but I'm not sure if that would leave me at a disadvantage for competitive residencies or anything else (no idea for what field I want to go into currently).
In order to help my decision, I'm trying to get a more realistic idea of the potential for time off during school and residency, later training, etc. without too much of a sacrifice to career.
On the other hand, I have always liked the idea of doing something like this while I still have the chance, before committing to this career path. In mind, med school and residency seems like a fast-moving train that sweeps you up and takes all of your focus and dedication (which is actually a positive thing). But I'm worried that in a few years I might regret not having taken this opportunity now, when I will no longer have the chance, with more responsibilities, more debt, older age/thinking about a family, etc. I know, of course, that I could always take a leave of absence or do research abroad for a year, but I'm not sure if that would leave me at a disadvantage for competitive residencies or anything else (no idea for what field I want to go into currently).
In order to help my decision, I'm trying to get a more realistic idea of the potential for time off during school and residency, later training, etc. without too much of a sacrifice to career.