Having lots of doubt about Med school

[mmiller1998]

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Hi all,
I’ve found myself to be having a lot of doubt around medical school. I’ve wanted to pursue this option to specialize in psychiatry but I find myself way too interested in mental health, although I know psychiatry is a medical specialty. I’ve noticed I’m not very happy about the coursework in undergrad and feel a little slugish while completing it.. did anyone else feel this way? May this be hinting that Med school May not be the right choice for me? Would appreciate opinions.

thanks.

 

[mmiller1998]

I don't know enough about you or your interests/personality to give you a definitive answer about what you should do, but I can provide you with some insight (as student who will be applying to psychiatry residency):

1. First and foremost, psychiatry will be a mere sprinkle on the entire sundae of material that you will have to swallow and regurgitate throughout medical school. Yes, you can try to bring it up or add it to the conversation whenever possible, but be prepared for eye rolls. Throughout my first two years, psychiatry was a mere 3 weeks of material.

2. I was committed to psychiatry prior to going to medical school. I knew what I was getting myself into and I was prepared to not be over the moon learning about stuff I didn't love (e.g. OB, pulm, and ENT)...however, just because I didn't love it, didn't mean I wasn't interested. Whenever possible, I tried to apply what I was learning at the current time to things I was passionate about. By trying my best to do the aforementioned (as well as pushing myself to perform at my best during third year in every rotation), I gained an immense appreciation for the interplay between mind, body, and the socioeconomic determinants that influence both. Now, I couldn't imagine studying psychiatry without knowing the foundations of 'proper' medicine.

3. Once you hit the floors, you will deal with mental health issues and socioeconomic disparities in essentially EVERY specialty. I remember during my third year I was assigned to outpatient plastic surgery throughout the year and I was dreading it, I thought "This could not be further away from my true interests...". However, I quickly came to see that a lot of what plastic surgeons do (at least pre/post-op) is reassurance and 'framing'. I think my work in plastics third year was one of my most memorable psych experiences thus far.

Nobody can tell you whether or not you should go to medical school by a single post. However, what I can say is that medical school is what you make it. If you have zero interest in learning anything outside of the mind, well, maybe that should tell you something. And if you only want to be a psychiatrist without also wanting to earn the title of physician, then I would keep far away from medical school (as you will end up being crappy at both, since you can't truly be one without the other).

I sent you a message! Thanks for
Your reply.

 

[violet_502]

Wow! I'm having the same issue. I love medicine because I can provide complete care to my patients and know everything that needs to be known. But at the same time, I've realized that the specialty that I enjoy the most is psychiatry. The thing is that I want to do also psychoanalysis and psychotherapy to my patients, and I know that I can do that as a clinical psychologist. I know that I will be happy in both careers, but is hard deciding which path to choose. I like clinical psychology because you start from day one to learn about the human mind, but I feel like there are so many people graduating from these schools, and I do not know the career outlook in the upcoming years. I like psychiatry because I can do both medical treatment and therapy, and I know the career is stable and in demand. Still, I do not want to become a medication management physician only.

 

[mmiller1998]

Wow! I'm having the same issue. I love medicine because I can provide complete care to my patients and know everything that needs to be known. But at the same time, I've realized that the specialty that I enjoy the most is psychiatry. The thing is that I want to do also psychoanalysis and psychotherapy to my patients, and I know that I can do that as a clinical psychologist. I know that I will be happy in both careers, but is hard deciding which path to choose. I like clinical psychology because you start from day one to learn about the human mind, but I feel like there are so many people graduating from these schools, and I do not know the career outlook in the upcoming years. I like psychiatry because I can do both medical treatment and therapy, and I know the career is stable and in demand. Still, I do not want to become a medication management physician only.

Wow! I’m not alone. As of now I’m looking at becoming a prescribing clinical psychologist. I have spoke to a few in NM and they have a lot of autonomy and do Med management along with therapy.. however, it seems like we are both in the same boat and it’s frustrating.

 

[mmiller1998]

I still haven’t closed off the psychiatry door once and for all. I still consider it. Just a very hard decison.

 

[mmiller1998]

It’s also important to know what you truly like. Psychiatrists do more than prescribe medicine. They have to interpret tests they have ordered, check Med interactions, overall they are medical professionals and it seems to me like you are more interested in the therapeutic side of things! Psychologists can prescribe in 5 states, some less restrictive than others. I advise you to look at them and do your research. Dr. Caroline Williams is a prescribing psychologist and practices very similar to a psychiatrist. I’ve shadowed her as well. She strictly does Med management now, but I know I want to do therapy as well, so it depends on your interests. When you go to Med school you will be learning almost everything but psych. You may get 3-4 weeks of it in your second year, and your rotation in 3rd year. I’m not in Med school but have done lots of research. Do what makes you happy, not what makes you most rich. 🙂

 

[cantankerous]

Wow! I’m not alone. As of now I’m looking at becoming a prescribing clinical psychologist. I have spoke to a few in NM and they have a lot of autonomy and do Med management along with therapy.. however, it seems like we are both in the same boat and it’s frustrating.

If you want to prescribe, please go to medical school. These prescribing clinical psychologists have a lot of autonomy in prescribing medication without comprehensive education in physiology and whole body pathology. It would scare me to be in that position, and I hope that it would scare you as well. If it's only to do some basic things like SSRIs/SNRIs, then leave that to primary care physicians.

I understand the need to fill a gap especially in places of need, but there's no reason to choose improper education in order to meet it. The majority of psychologist training revolves around psychotherapy, which is in dire need in mental health. A psychologist can have a fulfilling career centered on therapy and change the lives of many people. Everyone has their own roles and specialties. It's best for the patient's health to delegate each need to someone who is best equipped to handle it.

 

[Temi Mh]

Wow! I’m not alone. As of now I’m looking at becoming a prescribing clinical psychologist. I have spoke to a few in NM and they have a lot of autonomy and do Med management along with therapy.. however, it seems like we are both in the same boat and it’s frustrating.

I'm in the exact same boat. I have to make a decision on my med school offer and I am so indecisive. My background is Neuroscience and I would love to practice knowledge of the brain and mind. My intention is to become a well rounded brain/mind/body expert and mainly solve my patient's problem with non medicinal interventions. Is 11 years of education an overkill for such purpose? Is the high fee of visiting a psychiatrist justified for patients? they might as well go to a counsellor/therapist/psychotherapist? but I feel like one needs to be able to understand and examine the body as well...

 

[Goro]

Hi all,
I’ve found myself to be having a lot of doubt around medical school. I’ve wanted to pursue this option to specialize in psychiatry but I find myself way too interested in mental health, although I know psychiatry is a medical specialty. I’ve noticed I’m not very happy about the coursework in undergrad and feel a little slugish while completing it.. did anyone else feel this way? May this be hinting that Med school May not be the right choice for me? Would appreciate opinions.

thanks.

Med schools aren't going anywhere. Take some time off to revaluate your interests and life.

 

[phagocytosis41]

Hi all,
I’ve found myself to be having a lot of doubt around medical school. I’ve wanted to pursue this option to specialize in psychiatry but I find myself way too interested in mental health, although I know psychiatry is a medical specialty. I’ve noticed I’m not very happy about the coursework in undergrad and feel a little slugish while completing it.. did anyone else feel this way? May this be hinting that Med school May not be the right choice for me? Would appreciate opinions.

thanks.

What do you mean sluggish? Well I'd definitely want to at least be good at it or enjoy it somewhat. You are dealing with the material in some form during residency and practice. I don't think that means med school isn't for you, I think you just have to think about the reasons you're going into med school.
You're not necessarily going to be using the cell bio, genetics, biochem stuff in premed when you're a doctor, it's much more clinically oriented. I wouldn't give up yet.

 

[mmiller1998]

If you want to prescribe, please go to medical school. These prescribing clinical psychologists have a lot of autonomy in prescribing medication without comprehensive education in physiology and whole body pathology. It would scare me to be in that position, and I hope that it would scare you as well. If it's only to do some basic things like SSRIs/SNRIs, then leave that to primary care physicians.

I understand the need to fill a gap especially in places of need, but there's no reason to choose improper education in order to meet it. The majority of psychologist training revolves around psychotherapy, which is in dire need in mental health. A psychologist can have a fulfilling career centered on therapy and change the lives of many people. Everyone has their own roles and specialties. It's best for the patient's health to delegate each need to someone who is best equipped to handle it.

I would like to do therapy and prescribe medicine when it is needed.. but I feel as if psychiatrists can do more.

 

[NeuroPsychosis]

If you want to prescribe, please go to medical school. These prescribing clinical psychologists have a lot of autonomy in prescribing medication without comprehensive education in physiology and whole body pathology.

False. To become a prescribing psychologist you have to attain at least 3 years of postdoc training in clinical psychopharmacology which involves two years of medical coursework (clinical pathology, neuro, psychopharm, labs, etc.) with an additional 500-1000 hours of supervised prescribing and must pass national board exam to be able to practice prescribing in those few states. Let's not lie to each other, no medical doctor comes out of medical school using whole body pathology textbook knowledge in their everyday specialty practice.

False. Prescribing psychologists don't have much autonomy. They are only allowed to prescribe psych meds and usually defer heavy polypharmacy cases to physicians.

There are plenty of providers who don't go to medical school and still prescribe (podiatrists, optometrists, DNPs, and etc. to name a few). I can also say the same about psychiatry, medical school does not train you to develop competence in psychotherapy and psych residency doesn't either in comparison to the 5-6 years mastering it in a psychology program. So there is a balance to play here. Medical school isn't about and certainly is not the only way to prescribing.

It would scare me to be in that position, and I hope that it would scare you as well. If it's only to do some basic things like SSRIs/SNRIs, then leave that to primary care physicians.

"If you are scared to explore ways to advance the healing of human illnesses, you should not be part of the healing process." And, giving primary care physicians who aren't trained in mental health more pathway to psychotropics is the true danger.

I understand the need to fill a gap especially in places of need, but there's no reason to choose improper education in order to meet it. The majority of psychologist training revolves around psychotherapy, which is in dire need in mental health.

Again, False. Psychologist training does not revolve around psychotherapy. Psychologist are trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders both clinically and scientifically. Psychological testing (something psychiatrists and medical doctors aren't allowed to do) and diagnostics (e.g., differentials and the rule out of medical conditions, and when to refer out) is a big part of the training.

A psychologist can have a fulfilling career centered on therapy and change the lives of many people. Everyone has their own roles and specialties. It's best for the patient's health to delegate each need to someone who is best equipped to handle it.

Again, you repeat falsehood. Psychologists' careers aren't centered on psychotherapy. The vast majority of psychologists are scientists (PhDs > PsyDs) and many are neuroscientists including AMC graduates who are behavioral medicine psychologists and neuropsychologists. The mental health field is a whole world of its own with lots of vulnerabilities that mental health doctors (psychiatrists and psychologists) strive to tread a fine line walking it. A few hours on a mental health topic in medical school brings you nowhere near the ins and outs of the mental health training and its pathological density. It's not textbook black and white like how you are taught to see certain things in medical school. The best equipped healthcare provider to handle psychopathology is the one who has the power to prescribe and unprescribe, one who can closely monitor and manage their patients who are on psychotropics (e.g., medication assisted psychotherapy who are seen weekly/biweekly), and finally, one who is a learner and is willing to take on an evidence-based approach to healing with appropriate credentials (that prescribing psychologist have to go through to prove competency). Your statement alludes to how much the medical community remains ignorant of how much training is involved in other doctoral careers, and hence, becomes dismissive by throwing in an additional problem (giving PCP the steering wheel to psychotropics) rather than resolving an existing one. I highly recommend that you see this from a different lens than what the AMA boards feeds you to believe. This training remains optional for psychologists and a pathway to reducing suffering when a psychiatrist is nowhere to be found. US military and states like Louisiana and New Mexico have been doing it for over 30 years and so far what came out of it is stats showing decreased rates of suicide from both of these states.

 

[chilly_md]

This thread has been inactive for 5 years and most of the posters here have not been on SDN in multiple years as well now.

Closing.