How do I know if medicine is right for me?

[deleted799625]

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I failed my chemistry midterm and I feel like crap. I questioned my dreams many times since then and it really discouraged me to pursue my goals anymore... My parents are doctors and I always wanted to be a doctor. Ive never considered anything else and never tried learning new things besides science-y subjects (in college). I came to America just to become a doctor. My parents told me if I wanted to do something else than medicine, I'd have to stay in my home country. I don't know anymore if I'm doing the right thing. How do I know if medicine is right for me? I get discouraged every time I fail. I'm perfectionist and knowing that I failed the easiest and basic chemistry class is super depressing. Someone any advice?


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[pandamic]

Besides seeing your parents work, have you ever shadowed another doctor or volunteered at a hospital? Doing something like that on a long-term basis might help you see if you really would enjoy this career path. Also, I would just make sure you aren't choosing medicine because of your parents. Becoming a doctor takes so much effort and time, and it is hard to finish the training if you don't have your own passion/desire to be in this career. If you like science, but not so much medicine, there are plenty of careers in science (research, teaching, etc) that don't involve being a doctor. I'm not sure how to help you with your parents wanting you to return if you don't study medicine, so that is something you may have to talk to them about.

If you truly do want to continue, failing one exam is not the end of the world! Just move on and learn how to improve for the next chemistry test. Talk to your professor, ask other students for help, or see if your school has a tutoring center. Everybody messes up on exams sometimes, it's just all about learning from your mistakes and correcting what you did wrong.

 

[Goro]

Shadow some doctors and more importantly, volunteer with patients.

I failed my chemistry midterm and I feel like crap. I questioned my dreams many times since then and it really discouraged me to pursue my goals anymore... My parents are doctors and I always wanted to be a doctor. Ive never considered anything else and never tried learning new things besides science-y subjects (in college). I came to America just to become a doctor. My parents told me if I wanted to do something else than medicine, I'd have to stay in my home country. I don't know anymore if I'm doing the right thing. How do I know if medicine is right for me? I get discouraged every time I fail. I'm perfectionist and knowing that I failed the easiest and basic chemistry class is super depressing. Someone any advice?


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[mistafab]

Hey there.

It doesn't sound like if you know if you want to be a doctor or not.

This isn't what your parents want, this is your life. Shadow some docs and do some self-reflection before you invest more of your life into this path.

I wish you all the best. I hope you find what works for you, medicine or not.

I failed my chemistry midterm and I feel like crap. I questioned my dreams many times since then and it really discouraged me to pursue my goals anymore... My parents are doctors and I always wanted to be a doctor. Ive never considered anything else and never tried learning new things besides science-y subjects (in college). I came to America just to become a doctor. My parents told me if I wanted to do something else than medicine, I'd have to stay in my home country. I don't know anymore if I'm doing the right thing. How do I know if medicine is right for me? I get discouraged every time I fail. I'm perfectionist and knowing that I failed the easiest and basic chemistry class is super depressing. Someone any advice?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[featherdelights]

Shadowing will help