I am completely unable to decide what career path I would like to pursue.
Unlike most of my classmates, I did not have a firm career path in mind during high school, but thought this was normal at the time. After graduating I decided to save money by completing coursework part-time at a local state school while working in a retail pharmacy. I did this for 3 semesters before withdrawing in order to consider my options. I continued to work in the pharmacy, which eventually triggered my interest in healthcare.
During my semester off I applied and was accepted into a 6 year (2+4) PharmD program. During the Spring of my first year I accepted an additional position as a pharmacy technician working in the emergency department of a local hospital. My primary responsibility is to perform medication reconciliations, but I also have various opportunities to shadow multiple professionals during rounds and in codes. This experience lead me to think about medical school. At the start of my second year I decided to declare a pre-medical studies minor to further explore this thought. Since then I have completed the minor, and began studying for the MCAT. Also, I do feel pressured by my family to become a doctor.
But yet again, I feel that I am in the process of changing my mind. In my fourth year, I am now participating in basic sciences and lab work, as to complete honors credit requirements. In addition, I have been required to work with faculty to develop help sessions, which also granted me the opportunity to give several lengthy review lectures for my class of about 250 students. This added to the confusion by making me believe I would like academia. Presently I am more interested in basic science, specifically involving pharmacology. I've recently looking into doctoral programs in translational medicine in hope of finding a career that may encompass all of my interests.
All of this makes me question whether I was ever truly interested in medical school, or pharmacy school for that matter; or if I just obsess over what career path is most relevant to my current situation. I feel completely lost and noticed an impact on my mood and relationships this past semester. I am currently in the second semester of my fouth year with a cumulative GPA of 3.94, and still feel motivated to continue my education in some manner after completing my PharmD. I have not yet taken the MCAT, but planned to do so this summer. Initially, I had no intention to take the GRE, but now I am unsure about either exam. I know that eventually I will need to make this decision for myself soon. I was hoping this post would allow me to hear from people who have been in similar situations. At this point I am open to ANY advice.
Sorry for the long post, and I really appreciate any feedback!
Unlike most of my classmates, I did not have a firm career path in mind during high school, but thought this was normal at the time. After graduating I decided to save money by completing coursework part-time at a local state school while working in a retail pharmacy. I did this for 3 semesters before withdrawing in order to consider my options. I continued to work in the pharmacy, which eventually triggered my interest in healthcare.
During my semester off I applied and was accepted into a 6 year (2+4) PharmD program. During the Spring of my first year I accepted an additional position as a pharmacy technician working in the emergency department of a local hospital. My primary responsibility is to perform medication reconciliations, but I also have various opportunities to shadow multiple professionals during rounds and in codes. This experience lead me to think about medical school. At the start of my second year I decided to declare a pre-medical studies minor to further explore this thought. Since then I have completed the minor, and began studying for the MCAT. Also, I do feel pressured by my family to become a doctor.
But yet again, I feel that I am in the process of changing my mind. In my fourth year, I am now participating in basic sciences and lab work, as to complete honors credit requirements. In addition, I have been required to work with faculty to develop help sessions, which also granted me the opportunity to give several lengthy review lectures for my class of about 250 students. This added to the confusion by making me believe I would like academia. Presently I am more interested in basic science, specifically involving pharmacology. I've recently looking into doctoral programs in translational medicine in hope of finding a career that may encompass all of my interests.
All of this makes me question whether I was ever truly interested in medical school, or pharmacy school for that matter; or if I just obsess over what career path is most relevant to my current situation. I feel completely lost and noticed an impact on my mood and relationships this past semester. I am currently in the second semester of my fouth year with a cumulative GPA of 3.94, and still feel motivated to continue my education in some manner after completing my PharmD. I have not yet taken the MCAT, but planned to do so this summer. Initially, I had no intention to take the GRE, but now I am unsure about either exam. I know that eventually I will need to make this decision for myself soon. I was hoping this post would allow me to hear from people who have been in similar situations. At this point I am open to ANY advice.
Sorry for the long post, and I really appreciate any feedback!
