I'm torn

[Miercat]

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Hi guys, this is my first post on the SDN forums so go easy on me.

Anyway, I'm about to enter my first year of College, and I'm torn between pursuing pre-medicine and pursuing Physics (if I go this route, I'd like to pursue doctoral studies.) I know it's way too early to actually be worried about what I'm going to do with the rest of my life, but unfortunately, I AM worried.

The question I'm here to ask, is basically, how do I decide, and how would I do it in such a way as to have no regrets in the future.

Ever since I was a little kid, I've been interested in both the art and science of medicine, and the mechanics of our universe, I know that sounds a tiny bit corny.

Thanks in advance for your help.

-Miercat

 

[yocharlie]

I was in your exact situation. Started off as a civil engineering and environmental studies major. But then switch paths into the biological sciences. My suggestion is the best way to know, is to immerse yourself in different activities, internships, fellowships, groups, jobs, etc. that relate to those fields. Then you will know. I have taught 6th graders, shadowed physicians, done research alongside physicist, worked in development work abroad, chatted up with some engineers, considered dentistry etc. You will start realizing what you eventually want to go towards or what you dont want to go towards. Go with your gut but always do something that will ultimately make you and your future happy. You got plenty of time to figure this all out, don't pressure yourself. Work hard in college but enjoy college. It is a time to discover your potentials.

 

[VictorAlpha]

Hi guys, this is my first post on the SDN forums so go easy on me.

Anyway, I'm about to enter my first year of College, and I'm torn between pursuing pre-medicine and pursuing Physics (if I go this route, I'd like to pursue doctoral studies.) I know it's way too early to actually be worried about what I'm going to do with the rest of my life, but unfortunately, I AM worried.

The question I'm here to ask, is basically, how do I decide, and how would I do it in such a way as to have no regrets in the future.

Ever since I was a little kid, I've been interested in both the art and science of medicine, and the mechanics of our universe, I know that sounds a tiny bit corny.

Thanks in advance for your help.

-Miercat

I would start shadowing if I were you. This will give you some idea of the patient contact. Also, bear in mind that if you pursue physics you'll hit a lot of the pre-reqs anyway and if you are interested in academic medicine, I'm not expert but I bet you could find a nice niche with an MD in biophysics or radiology research or something like that. The complement to shadowing an MD is getting involved in undergraduate physics research. This might give you a good idea about what is required for a career in research and what that is like.

 

[Girly X]

Read and learn everything you can find on both career paths. Think about your personality and what you most enjoy doing and see if there is a fit. If you can find doctors (or other health professionals) who will allow you to shadow them this summer, perhaps that will also help. Work at your study habits in your first semester. Figure out how you learn best.

You definitely have time to decide. But try to do well from the get go in your freshman year so that all options will remain on the table for you for as long as possible.

 

[deleted407021]

Does your school include physics in their standard pre-med line-up? Mine does. If so, you could do both and when the time to really decide comes around, you are prepared for both routes.

 

[yocharlie]

I would start shadowing if I were you. This will give you some idea of the patient contact. Also, bear in mind that if you pursue physics you'll hit a lot of the pre-reqs anyway and if you are interested in academic medicine, I'm not expert but I bet you could find a nice niche with an MD in biophysics or radiology research or something like that. The complement to shadowing an MD is getting involved in undergraduate physics research. This might give you a good idea about what is required for a career in research and what that is like.

This is a great route as well. I did some research in the radiation oncology department as an undergraduate and that was when I got to work alongside physicist and physicians. Definitely a good way to network and talk to people about their career.

 

[PursuingHappy]

Major in physics and take the pre-reqs for medical school. Medical school does not require a specific major.

 

[Birdnals]

Physics all the way. If I were to start over again I'd with go physics or with what I'm doing now (statistics). You can still knock out all your premed perquisites while pursuing a physics degree. The benefit of physics is it's a field that relies heavily on critical thinking and adapting theory into practice. This will serve you well as you prepare for the MCAT, go through medical school and work as a physician. Not to say other fields don't but in my opinion physics does this far more than the other fields I've been exposed to sans engineering. Plus do a quick search for how different degrees fare on the MCAT (hint: physics is #1). This alone isn't the reason to be a physics major but it is something to consider (as we say in statistics correlation does necessarily indicate causation).

The only reason I would say not to go the physics route is if you don't think you can hack it GPA wise. Upper level physics is HARD and if you can't cut it with ac solid GPA you'll only make getting into med school that much harder.

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[DokterMom]

Major in physics and take the pre-reqs for medical school. Medical school does not require a specific major.

👍

 

[Urnathok]

Who says you need to choose?

Like everyone else has said, you can major in Physics and still tackle pre-med courses. In fact, if you enjoy it, it's a fantastic science to get you started; physics majors tend to do very well on the MCAT.

Volunteer/shadow at clinics where you get the chance, and that tends to tell someone definitively whether medicine is for him/her.

But! If you still like medicine and don't want to get out of physics, you can always shoot for Biomedical Engineering and other things in medicine that benefit from a physics degree. Engineering is the opposite side of the world for me, so I don't know what the full range of options comprises, but there's always room for creative application.

 

[Irish Football]

Shadow some doctors and then shadow some physicists.

 

[deleted303591]

But! If you still like medicine and don't want to get out of physics, you can always shoot for Biomedical Engineering and other things in medicine that benefit from a physics degree. Engineering is the opposite side of the world for me, so I don't know what the full range of options comprises, but there's always room for creative application.

Biomedical engineering may be closest engineering to the pre-med prerequisite courses but it is not a very employable degree, when you graduate bachelor's of science.

Unless you are planning on going off to graduate school or medical school, stay away from BME.