Career Dilemma

[willagirl]

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Good afternoon all! I need some input from my fellow SDNers.

I am almost 36 years old and have finally realized what I want to do with my life. Let me first let the disclaimer that I am the type of person that would go out of her way to help others, be it 2 or 4 legged. My ultimate passion and goal is veterinary medicine. I have been working on my pre-reqs for the past year and a half for application to vet school. I currently have a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, Minor in Community Health, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration. With that, of course I have the student loan debt. I know, it is a little late in figuring out my life, but hey, at least I know!

My original intent, in my younger days was medicine. I just wasn't ready for the commitment with school. Now that I am older, I am excelling in the science classes and manage to get A's while working a full time job and managing a marriage and house. So, here is my dilemma.

My husband has asked me, what are you going to do if you don't get in to vet school? As much as I don't want to put those negative thoughts out into the universe, I have to be realistic and think about what I should do. Should I consider applying to PA school (which I know is just as hard) given my past desire to go into medicine? I know that helping people would make me just as happy as helping animals.

I do not have any human clinical experience (other than working with veterinarians) and have to ask, would that take me out of the game in applying to PA school? Do they look at people who only have past clinical experience? In my current job, I work alot with our Department of Health, but I don't think that will count.

Any input or thoughts (be kind) 🙂 would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

 

[deleted6669]

a few other options if vet school doesn't pan out:
do a 3 yr md/do program and a primary care residency. 6 yrs total.
get an mph and do public health work.
going to pa school for you at this point is doable but you likely need some time to get some medical experience (1-2 years for most good programs) then 2 yrs for a pa program(closer to 3 at some places).
so you could be working as a pa after 4 years or working as a physician(resident) after 3. you get paid(not much, I know) as a resident but if you think of it as your first job then the time factor is less of an issue. good luck whatever you decide.

 

[zenman]

I'd really put every effort into vet school. With people you don't get to rub and pet them, for the most part, and they certainly are not as pleasant to the touch. With humans you have to deal with insurance. And you know that people are more concerned, and therefore willing to shell out cash for a sick pet, than they are with their own kids.👍

 

[michaelrack]

👍

I'd really put every effort into vet school. With people you don't get to rub and pet them, for the most part, and they certainly are not as pleasant to the touch. :

Some doctors do rub and pet their patients (and find it pleasent). These docs tend to lose their medical licenses.

 

[Manda12]

Ha Ha Michael! Love it!