Is it all worth it?

[slowanimals]

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I've considered being a doctor since I was little, and in recent times it's been the lead canidate in my career pool. I'm specifically considering a specialty in radiology or cardiology. I think I would find those fulfilling career paths. I am however being held back by financial reasons.

I have just about no money avaliabe for college tuition, and my parents won't pay any of my tution (including premed), but nonmerit based scholarships are out of the question (I'm a white male who has upper middle class parents). So, long story short, there's going to be a lot, A LOT, of student loan debt.

Yes, physicians are compensated well, but after malpractice insurance, massive loan debt, a decade of education, and long hours, is it really worth it? I mean, how much can I realistically expect to make after so many deductions, and how long will it take to get rid of that debt burden?

 

[TheWeeIceMan]

Only you can determine if it's worth it or not.

If no merit scholarships are an option, then I'd say going to a state school is going to be huge, both for UG and (potentially) medical school. Even without parental support, you can probably still keep your debt load at a manageable level if you play your cards right. You might have to work harder than the kid that has his parents paying for school, but it can be done.

My point is, if you decide that medical school is something you want to pursue, then you shouldn't let this stop you. There are ways to make it work out.

 

[Tolbert]

Only you can determine if it's worth it or not.

If no merit scholarships are an option, then I'd say going to a state school is going to be huge, both for UG and (potentially) medical school. Even without parental support, you can probably still keep your debt load at a manageable level if you play your cards right. You might have to work harder than the kid that has his parents paying for school, but it can be done.

My point is, if you decide that medical school is something you want to pursue, then you shouldn't let this stop you. There are ways to make it work out.

👍👍 i agree with this. Also though, just saying, hSDN might not be the best place to post this due to the fact most are still in high school personally I'd try the pre-allo and/or allo forums.

 

[Mesinan]

👍👍 i agree with this. Also though, just saying, hSDN might not be the best place to post this due to the fact most are still in high school personally I'd try the pre-allo and/or allo forums.

A mod is just going to throw it back in here since she's still in high school.

 

[da8s0859q]

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[Tolbert]

A mod is just going to throw it back in here since she's still in high school.

oh i see. my bad; didn't think of that one.

 

[V3NOM]

I've considered being a doctor since I was little, and in recent times it's been the lead canidate in my career pool. I'm specifically considering a specialty in radiology or cardiology. I think I would find those fulfilling career paths. I am however being held back by financial reasons.

I have just about no money avaliabe for college tuition, and my parents won't pay any of my tution (including premed), but nonmerit based scholarships are out of the question (I'm a white male who has upper middle class parents). So, long story short, there's going to be a lot, A LOT, of student loan debt.

Yes, physicians are compensated well, but after malpractice insurance, massive loan debt, a decade of education, and long hours, is it really worth it? I mean, how much can I realistically expect to make after so many deductions, and how long will it take to get rid of that debt burden?

Depends on you bro. I'm happy that you are aware of what is really the field of this.

 

[deleted393595]

Rads right now is in a really bad squeeze...

 

[TheWeeIceMan]

Rads right now is in a really bad squeeze...

I've heard the same regarding cardiology....

 

[TheWeeIceMan]

Rads right now is in a really bad squeeze...

.

 

[da8s0859q]

In all fairness, it is impossible to predict details on what the fields will look like by the time you guys are applying to their residency/fellowship programs many years from now. Don't put too much stock in what you read from disgruntled posters on SDN.

 

[iforget2]

There are residents and attendings who do "ask me anything" threads in pre-allo who might have been in your position at one point or have colleagues who were in that position. Try going over there and see what they say!

 

[JPodel]

I think the "Is it worth it" question can only be answered by yourself! If you think the satisfaction outweighs the other stuff that comes along with being a physician, go for it! If not, I personally don't think you will be happy doing it. Just remember, happiness is #1 motivator. If you are not happy, most likely, you won't be motivated to excel. Good luck OPPA!

 

[Instatewaiter]

Reimbursement will go down, cost of education will go up... this is just how it has been.

That said, being a doctor is a pretty incredible journey. You will learn things that excite you. You will learn larger amounts of information than you thought possible. You will be forced to endure things that test your confidence, the limits of your physical stamina and when you come out on the otherside you will say what an incredible ride.

I have finished my residency and am now doing a fellowship. At least now, I think it is worth it.

 

[Tolbert]

Reimbursement will go down, cost of education will go up... this is just how it has been.

That said, being a doctor is a pretty incredible journey. You will learn things that excite you. You will learn larger amounts of information than you thought possible. You will be forced to endure things that test your confidence, the limits of your physical stamina and when you come out on the otherside you will say what an incredible ride.

I have finished my residency and am now doing a fellowship. At least now, I think it is worth it.

if you don't mind me asking (and if you actually see this), what did you specialize in?

 

[docwei88]

Only you can determine if it's worth it or not.

If no merit scholarships are an option, then I'd say going to a state school is going to be huge, both for UG and (potentially) medical school. Even without parental support, you can probably still keep your debt load at a manageable level if you play your cards right. You might have to work harder than the kid that has his parents paying for school, but it can be done.

My point is, if you decide that medical school is something you want to pursue, then you shouldn't let this stop you. There are ways to make it work out.

DETERMINATION+CHOICES+DECIDING WHAT IS BEST=PATH

I would say that if you really really really want to be a doctor and it is your life goal-DONT BACK OUT.
Go to a cheaper college because in the long run, it matters not where you go, but what you are, do, and what you majored in.
Or go to a community college and two years in, transfer to a better college. Use the two years before to try to get money for the better college. Different options, you know?
I know this man who went to a CC, transferred, and now owns a good business.
Work hard, strive for the best, FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS.