Indecision

[CapnD]

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I recently graduated with a bachelors degree in biology from a small state university. I did great in school except for my second semester of junior year. I think I was suffering from burnout and family stress (no excuse, I know) but I started panicking as I was filling out my medical school applications that summer and was having a lot of trouble focusing on MCAT studying. I decided to explore optometry (I have always been fascinated with the eye) because of the shorter training and more flexibile lifestyle after talking to my optometrist. I decided to take a year to make up my mind, although I am applying to my state optometry school just in case. I am at the beginning of my "year off" and have been reading about the oversupply of optometrists and many recent grad's difficulties in finding full time jobs that pay enough to pay off loans. Although optometrists have some ability to treat ocular diseases, most are focusing more and more on just optics now. I am also beginning to realize that I may not be satisfied with the limited scope of optometry and will truly miss medicine, despite the longer work hours. I don't know if I will be happy with just being an OD. Does anyone have any advice? Is it too late to begin medical school two years after graduating from undergrad?

 

[sindadel]

1. Could you POSSIBLY seriously think that two years out of undergrad is too late?

2. Could you POSSIBLY seriously ask whether a field that you prospectively find dissatisfying and limited is worth pursuing?

Do some more research (on this forum and others) and soul-searching and don't jump back into medicine hastily.

 

[FutureDrB]

I recently graduated with a bachelors degree in biology from a small state university. I did great in school except for my second semester of junior year. I think I was suffering from burnout and family stress (no excuse, I know) but I started panicking as I was filling out my medical school applications that summer and was having a lot of trouble focusing on MCAT studying. I decided to explore optometry (I have always been fascinated with the eye) because of the shorter training and more flexibile lifestyle after talking to my optometrist. I decided to take a year to make up my mind, although I am applying to my state optometry school just in case. I am at the beginning of my "year off" and have been reading about the oversupply of optometrists and many recent grad's difficulties in finding full time jobs that pay enough to pay off loans. Although optometrists have some ability to treat ocular diseases, most are focusing more and more on just optics now. I am also beginning to realize that I may not be satisfied with the limited scope of optometry and will truly miss medicine, despite the longer work hours. I don't know if I will be happy with just being an OD. Does anyone have any advice? Is it too late to begin medical school two years after graduating from undergrad?

I can't provide any information about career prospects in optometry, but don't ever think it's too late to start medical school. Remember, you posted this in the "non-traditional" forum. Many of us are in our 30s, 40s, and 50s and are applying to medical school. Nobody can give you advice on what YOU want to do. Do what interests you and don't let anything stand in the way, whether that be optometry school or medical school.

 

[thinbludoc]

I agree totally with both responses!

The day you give up your dreams is the day you commit to spending the rest of your life in a prison constructed entirely of your own regret!