- Joined
- May 22, 2013
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- 199
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As an undergraduate researcher, I've been exposed to countless pre-med events I've organized or been invited to as part of my lab. This has put me before current medical students, and I've noticed something that is unnerving to say the least.
The main difference between premedical students, medical students and physicians I've met is a quickly decreasing idealism that permeates not only their personal lives (through cynicism) but through the underlying value they place on their professions, as well.
As undergraduates, we are bound to this idea of being unabashedly committed to this profession. Doubt, as a pre-med student, is a death sentence. If anyone even catches a whiff of humanity in your personal statement or interview, you might as well consider yourself rejected in advance.
Why have we fostered this culture of fanaticism around a job? Yes, medicine is noble—but no more noble than any other public service work.
Are we doomed to perpetuate this unrealistic and deceitful mantra, over and over again? As professionals working toward a common "good," why are we the first to lie to ourselves and others?
Just a thought.
The main difference between premedical students, medical students and physicians I've met is a quickly decreasing idealism that permeates not only their personal lives (through cynicism) but through the underlying value they place on their professions, as well.
As undergraduates, we are bound to this idea of being unabashedly committed to this profession. Doubt, as a pre-med student, is a death sentence. If anyone even catches a whiff of humanity in your personal statement or interview, you might as well consider yourself rejected in advance.
Why have we fostered this culture of fanaticism around a job? Yes, medicine is noble—but no more noble than any other public service work.
Are we doomed to perpetuate this unrealistic and deceitful mantra, over and over again? As professionals working toward a common "good," why are we the first to lie to ourselves and others?
Just a thought.