Freshman having doubts, opinions?

[Matt2194]

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Hello,
Since middle school I have thought I wanted to go to medical school and be a doctor. I did well in sciences through high school, enjoyed them, and got into a good school. I'm now a freshman biochemistry major.
Problem is, I've only been here two months and am already having serious doubts. Although the end product (being some sort of doctor) is something I could really see myself enjoying, I really don't think I am going to be happy the next 10-12 years. After half the semester, I don't see myself being the person who doesn't mind all that time in school. I'm not sure I'm committed enough to spend that much time in school.

Are doubts like this normal, or should I consider doing something else?
I've recently been thinking about physical therapy because I tend to really like anatomy, more than I do bio.

Any thoughts?

Thank you

 

[Double A]

it's definitely normal to have doubts, but don't try too hard to convince yourself either way. you need to sit down and really think about what you want to do with your life. there are so many careers to choose from in science and healthcare.

if it's just length of schooling that you're concerned about then you need to find a career that you can start straight out of college. engineering is the first thing that comes to mind.

 

[Aerus]

Hello,
Since middle school I have thought I wanted to go to medical school and be a doctor. I did well in sciences through high school, enjoyed them, and got into a good school. I'm now a freshman biochemistry major.
Problem is, I've only been here two months and am already having serious doubts. Although the end product (being some sort of doctor) is something I could really see myself enjoying, I really don't think I am going to be happy the next 10-12 years. After half the semester, I don't see myself being the person who doesn't mind all that time in school. I'm not sure I'm committed enough to spend that much time in school.

Are doubts like this normal, or should I consider doing something else?
I've recently been thinking about physical therapy because I tend to really like anatomy, more than I do bio.

Any thoughts?

Thank you

Come on, you're only a freshman. Why are you having doubts already? I'm in the same spot as you (had early dreams of becoming a doctor; freshman currently). It's way too early to tell yet. Do some shadowing and get some clinical exposure to see if you like it or not. If you don't, then you don't.

It's also perfectly normal to be miserable on the path to becoming a doctor. Clinical years (M3) and residency are going to make sure of that. It's the goal that you're focusing on.

 

[Double A]

why would you do something you're expecting to be miserable?

 

[487806]

Come on, you're only a freshman. Why are you having doubts already? I'm in the same spot as you (had early dreams of becoming a doctor; freshman currently). It's way too early to tell yet. Do some shadowing and get some clinical exposure to see if you like it or not. If you don't, then you don't.

It's also perfectly normal to be miserable on the path to becoming a doctor. Clinical years (M3) and residency are going to make sure of that. It's the goal that you're focusing on.

What exactly do attendings in clinical years and residencies benefit by seeing medical students suffer?

 

[Aerus]

What exactly do attendings in clinical years and residencies benefit by seeing medical students suffer?

It's not the sole purpose of clinical years and residency to make you suffer; misery is just a byproduct.

 

[cheechootrain]

Well, almost 75% of Freshman premeds, after taking science courses, change their major. It's not unusual, but it does weed out the people who don't have the drive or ability to pursue a career as a physician. But if you really want this, then don't listen to anyone!

 

[ribbondino]

Overthinking is actually a bad thing. If you enjoy your courses and what you are studying, then the schooling won't be too much for you. However, if you sit in orgo staring out the window wishing you were dead so you wouldn't have to go to biochem, you should probably try out different classes. Use your electives to experience other things. Maybe you will find that you really like writing or that you want to spend your life doing research.

I think, from what I hear anyway, that it's normal to dread and be uncertain about medical school. I was like that for most of my first two semesters. This semester I decided to change my major to fine arts (which I also enjoy) and after about four weeks I was absolutely sure that I wanted to go back to biology and physiology.

Most doctors will tell you that med school was a bitch, they wouldn't redo it, blah blah... but everything you learn is important and will help you in your career. Have you done any shadowing or volunteering? I shadowed a few days for 9 hours a day for surgery, getting up at 6 am and barely being awake all day, not really eating lunch and going home and crashing. Those were the best few days EVER.

I ranted too much here... but the point I'm trying to make is, if you really love something the amount of schooling/lack of sleep/stress will seem worth it. And remember, you don't have to decide anything yet!!!

 

[487806]

It's not the sole purpose of clinical years and residency to make you suffer; misery is just a byproduct.

It's not really misery... Then again, since the entire med school app process is a torture, doing well in med school will also be a torture.

 

[PikminOC]

It's not the sole purpose of clinical years and residency to make you suffer; misery is just a byproduct.

There is light at the end of the very long tunnel.

 

[earf]

I disagree with those who say "just sit down and think really hard and you'll find your answer." I am a staunch believer in finding your passion by doing something productive. Go shadow some doctors, dentists, pharmacists, social workers, heck even policemen. See what type of career or lifestyle will give you the motivation you need to enjoy your work. Volunteer in a hospital. Do some service work. There are a ton of things that can give you motivation or give you clarity on what the career actually means.

 

[ChartaBona]

Hello,
Since middle school I have thought I wanted to go to medical school and be a doctor. I did well in sciences through high school, enjoyed them, and got into a good school. I'm now a freshman biochemistry major.
Problem is, I've only been here two months and am already having serious doubts. Although the end product (being some sort of doctor) is something I could really see myself enjoying, I really don't think I am going to be happy the next 10-12 years. After half the semester, I don't see myself being the person who doesn't mind all that time in school. I'm not sure I'm committed enough to spend that much time in school.

Are doubts like this normal, or should I consider doing something else?
I've recently been thinking about physical therapy because I tend to really like anatomy, more than I do bio.

Any thoughts?

Thank you

Just curious. Why did you decide on biochemistry? Was it because you wanted to, or because you felt you HAD to major in it or something similar.