deleted

[deleted1093317]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

deleted

 

[deleted1000960]

It's probably because the expected feeling was overhyped in your head on your path to get there, and you were so focused on it that you didn't really think about anything else. And now that you've reached your milestone, you're now finding yourself worrying about the things you didn't have time/energy to think about while working towards getting into medical school.

It's completely normal, and I bet a lot of people go through it with all types of things. I went through it for undergrad. I was so focused on getting into the school I wanted to go to, and when I got in, it was so overhyped by myself that I was left feeling, "wait, that's it?" Because it was never going to live up to the unreal levels of hype I made for myself. Just remember WHY you wanted to be a physician, and realize you're 1 step closer to that. You'll find yourself in a state of cautious optimism, and that's OK.

 

[Putkernerinthehall]

Is it primarily the cost that is unsettling you or are you doubting it as a satisfying career ? While the debt load can be high, the payoff is generally pretty good making it a good investment long term.

 

[KnightDoc]

recently i got into med school, and i thought i would feel ecstatic, but i just felt...nothing? its not that i felt upset, but i didn't feel that excitement that i thought i would feel. since graduating from uni, i've dedicated several years towards pursuing a dream of becoming a physician, but now i wonder why i even invested that time. i'm also worried about the cost of med school. when i told my mom that i got in, she immediately asked if she could sell our home just to finance my "dream". i do not come from a well off family, so the thought of selling our home just so i could pursue this makes me feel awful.

has anyone ever experienced doubt or guilt about going to med school?

i would appreciate any advice or guidance, thanks

First off, I BEG you to tell your mom to put this out of her mind. Medicine is a very well paying profession with incredible job security. If you are lucky, you will receive gobs of financial aid and your COA will be very manageable. If not, you will take out loans like most other people, and you will pay them back, easily, through some combination of income based repayment and/or loan forgiveness. US MDs and DOs generally have no problem finding work or servicing education debt.

I'm a year behind you, but I imagine the rest of what you are feeling is just the anti-climax that comes from achieving a difficult goal that was years in the making. Now that you got the great news and shared it, the reality of the difficult road ahead is starting to sink in, along with the self-doubt most of us feel to one degree or another. Again, I'm not there yet, but, from talking to many people who have gone through it, I fully expect it when (hopefully) it's my turn. You should too.

Only you know yourself. If you REALLY don't want to do it, now is definitely the time to get out, but I am pretty sure what you are feeling is normal. Definitely talk to people you know who are ahead of you before ditching a dream that took years to manifest into a reality. Good luck!!!

 

[Goro]

recently i got into med school, and i thought i would feel ecstatic, but i just felt...nothing? its not that i felt upset, but i didn't feel that excitement that i thought i would feel. since graduating from uni, i've dedicated several years towards pursuing a dream of becoming a physician, but now i wonder why i even invested that time. i'm also worried about the cost of med school. when i told my mom that i got in, she immediately asked if she could sell our home just to finance my "dream". i do not come from a well off family, so the thought of selling our home just so i could pursue this makes me feel awful.

has anyone ever experienced doubt or guilt about going to med school?

i would appreciate any advice or guidance, thanks

All new endeavors are fraught with anxiety.

You'll be fine. Take that accept and don't look back.

 

[Moko]

i guess it's both. i feel like ive been losing passion & interest in the profession, and the cost is becoming a tremendous concern. i'm not even sure if I see myself as a physician any more

It's good that you're having these feelings now rather than years down the line after having accrued six figures of debt. For most students, matriculating at a medical school will be the biggest (and most expensive) decision they've made thus far. So, having cold feet is normal. Have you received your financial aid packages yet? The cost of attendance may be significantly lower with need-based aid.

However, if you no longer feel passionate about medicine and cannot see yourself being happy as a physician, then that is a sign that you should re-evaluate whether you're on the right path. You'll be spending at least 7 years in training to become an attending physician, so you should be reasonably certain you will enjoy the fruits of your labor.

You've got time to make this decision. Medicine is not for everyone, and that is okay. Just be honest with yourself about your personal and professional goals in life. Best of luck.

 

[PerfectMD]

I had the same feeling after getting my acceptance. It was maybe a bit of disbelief but my SO really encouraged me to actively celebrate and share it with others. So I'm feeding on other people's energy because it's such a great accomplisment. So congrats to you/ congrats to me.

 

[deleted314957]

I absolutely hated medical school. The first two years, with a couple exceptions, were repeats of college courses, AND I hated dealing with patients. I eventually thrived as a pathologist.