Is it for me?

[Drugsarebad]

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Hi all, long time reader here.

Felt like writing in because im not sure if i am suited to do medicine when I listen to other peoples reasons. I am already in College but I am considering pursuing my first choice, medicine, when I finish.

First of all, I do not want to become a doctor simply to help people. I have tried to make myself believe that is my primary reason but its not, although I do believe it is important. If I was that humanitarian I would be volunteering and the like, but I am not.

My main strength is in the sciences, and since starting college I have become fascinated by the workings of the human body. Medicine seems like an obvious choice to try and capitalise on my love of science and seems like an extremely exciting and challenging job.

I am willing to dedicate my life to a career and medicine seems like a worthy cause, and to be quite honest, I would also be lying if I said that status was unimportant.

Sorry if I sound a bit cold but I am trying to be as objective as possible.

Regards,
Richard

 

[cfdavid]

Hi all, long time reader here.

Felt like writing in because im not sure if i am suited to do medicine when I listen to other peoples reasons. I am already in College but I am considering pursuing my first choice, medicine, when I finish.

First of all, I do not want to become a doctor simply to help people. I have tried to make myself believe that is my primary reason but its not, although I do believe it is important. If I was that humanitarian I would be volunteering and the like, but I am not.

My main strength is in the sciences, and since starting college I have become fascinated by the workings of the human body. Medicine seems like an obvious choice to try and capitalise on my love of science and seems like an extremely exciting and challenging job.

I am willing to dedicate my life to a career and medicine seems like a worthy cause, and to be quite honest, I would also be lying if I said that status was unimportant.

Sorry if I sound a bit cold but I am trying to be as objective as possible.

Regards,
Richard

Richard,

First of all, by no means should you let other people's stated reasons for becoming a physician influence why YOU should or should not go into medicine. The BS can get very thick, especially during personal statement and interviewing time.... Yet, for some odd reason dermatology is one of the most sought after specialties that only the best and brightest are able to obtain right now. Any idea why?

My personal view is that the reasons you've stated (aside from perhaps status) are much more sustainable in terms of whether medicine is right for you than would be attempting to save the world. Because, if you were motivated mainly be altruism, it seems that the potential for burn out or disenchantment would be much greater when reality fails (or not) to meet expectations.

That being said, I do think that social apptitude has, in the past, been a bit underrated. So, hopefully, you can show compassion to people. If you really don't FEEL that, can you fake it?? (I'm kidding, but only a bit) And, ideally, you'd have a high tolerance for dealing with others, especially in very "intimate" ways. But, assuming this is true of you (you're not a sociopath are you??), then I'd expect you'd do just fine. Oh, and it would be very good if you're a really hard worker.

Also, you may find that while you really don't get much out of helping serve poor people at a soup kitchen, you feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment when you successfully reconstruct someone's knee after a serious car accident. You may be one of those future physicians that screams of how rewarding the profession is to you (and I don't mean financially). And, while you may be mainly motivated by your surgical mastery, you may also find it rewarding on a humanistic level. Who knows? But, it's hard to figure that out when you're doing more remedial volunteer work. Perhaps you'll only get that when you're at the helm and they're YOUR patient.

 

[Drugsarebad]

Hey, thanks for the reply.

I do really want to help people, but Im just not the type of person who volunteers in third world countries and the like. Whenever I hear about other peoples applications and even guidelines about applying from some Colleges, they all say that volunteer work is "essential" to show your dedicated to helping people.

That said, I would love the opportunity to do it and have great respect for people who do, however it would mean leaving my family and obligations at home which is something I am not prepared to do.

I am studying a pharmacy degree at the moment and enjoy the pharmacology aspect, however it is rather frustrating to learn about all the exciting therapies in development and to then be restricted to double checking a prescription, rather than to be involved in the decision process. I work hard and am easy to get along with, but I cant see myself in a managerial role as I hate having to argue with people and I prefer to do things myself rather than to ask others.

I guess Im just trying to cut the BS and to reaffirm if this is what I really want to do.

Just to get one other thing off my chest.. Do you find that you try to hide that want to do medicine? I know it sounds stupid, but I really prefer to not let people know, especially at college. The last thing I want is for people to find out.. Ive only told my family and made them promise not to tell people. I guess im afraid that I wont get in, but I also dont want people to think Im a typical "med-head".

Richard

 

[ArminTamzarian]

Hey, thanks for the reply.

I do really want to help people, but Im just not the type of person who volunteers in third world countries and the like. Whenever I hear about other peoples applications and even guidelines about applying from some Colleges, they all say that volunteer work is "essential" to show your dedicated to helping people.

That said, I would love the opportunity to do it and have great respect for people who do, however it would mean leaving my family and obligations at home which is something I am not prepared to do.

I am studying a pharmacy degree at the moment and enjoy the pharmacology aspect, however it is rather frustrating to learn about all the exciting therapies in development and to then be restricted to double checking a prescription, rather than to be involved in the decision process. I work hard and am easy to get along with, but I cant see myself in a managerial role as I hate having to argue with people and I prefer to do things myself rather than to ask others.

I guess Im just trying to cut the BS and to reaffirm if this is what I really want to do.

Just to get one other thing off my chest.. Do you find that you try to hide that want to do medicine? I know it sounds stupid, but I really prefer to not let people know, especially at college. The last thing I want is for people to find out.. Ive only told my family and made them promise not to tell people. I guess im afraid that I wont get in, but I also dont want people to think Im a typical "med-head".

Richard

It is not strange at all to 'hide' your interest. I was so sick of the pre-meds at my school I didn't tell anyone outside my classmates in Chemical Engineering (only about 40 people). Even after getting accepted, I just tell people I'm a student. I still meet too many premeds. At my school I know very few of them will get in.

I would just ask myself if you are more interested in the science or the healing. If it really is the science the MD might not be the best idea. You might consider the PhD route or maybe the MD/PhD. I think there is very little science in the daily exercises of MDs.

 

[cfdavid]

It is not strange at all to 'hide' your interest. I was so sick of the pre-meds at my school I didn't tell anyone outside my classmates in Chemical Engineering (only about 40 people). Even after getting accepted, I just tell people I'm a student. I still meet too many premeds. At my school I know very few of them will get in.

I would just ask myself if you are more interested in the science or the healing. If it really is the science the MD might not be the best idea. You might consider the PhD route or maybe the MD/PhD. I think there is very little science in the daily exercises of MDs.

I disagree with this one. But, maybe we're not thinking about it in the same way. I'd say there's a lot of applied science/physio/pharm in everyday medicine. It's not bench work obviously, but definitely science being applied in neat ways to solve some tough problems.

To the OP, you SHOULD get in some volunteer experience. Don't worry about some medical mission to Africa. That's not necessary. But, I would get going in some sort of volunteer work. In your case, make it medically related.

You could do hospice, work in the the ER, stuff like that. If possible, try to do something you'll enjoy. It'll make it a lot easier. Also, keep an open mind. I never really liked "volunteering" either, but it had it's moments. I had a very good experience with hospice, and it was very moving. I also saw some cool stuff and was able to do a few cool things in my ER volunteering. But, it WAS, generally underwhelming. In retrospect, I should have done things I feel more passionate about like getting my dog enrolled in a program to then go visit kids at a children's hospital. THAT would have been great. So, try to think of something you'd be more passionate about. If you can't find something, then just do something like I suggested. Perhaps others can provide you some additional ideas.

Good luck!

 

[RxnMan]

You could do hospice, work in the the ER, stuff like that. If possible, try to do something you'll enjoy. It'll make it a lot easier. Also, keep an open mind. I never really liked "volunteering" either, but it had it's moments. I had a very good experience with hospice, and it was very moving. I also saw some cool stuff and was able to do a few cool things in my ER volunteering. But, it WAS, generally underwhelming. In retrospect, I should have done things I feel more passionate about like getting my dog enrolled in a program to then go visit kids at a children's hospital. THAT would have been great. So, try to think of something you'd be more passionate about. If you can't find something, then just do something like I suggested. Perhaps others can provide you some additional ideas.

Good luck!

I agree with the above, with the exception of the bolded parts - ED underwhelming? Then again, on my second volunteer shift, I got to hold a man's heart in my hands 😎.

OP, medicine is an incredibly diverse field with something for everyone. Be open to everything and that something will find you.

 

[QofQuimica]

Hi all, long time reader here.

Felt like writing in because im not sure if i am suited to do medicine when I listen to other peoples reasons. I am already in College but I am considering pursuing my first choice, medicine, when I finish.

First of all, I do not want to become a doctor simply to help people. I have tried to make myself believe that is my primary reason but its not, although I do believe it is important. If I was that humanitarian I would be volunteering and the like, but I am not.

My main strength is in the sciences, and since starting college I have become fascinated by the workings of the human body. Medicine seems like an obvious choice to try and capitalise on my love of science and seems like an extremely exciting and challenging job.

I am willing to dedicate my life to a career and medicine seems like a worthy cause, and to be quite honest, I would also be lying if I said that status was unimportant.

Sorry if I sound a bit cold but I am trying to be as objective as possible.

Regards,
Richard

I think most people have a combination of reasons, both selfish and unselfish, for wanting to go into medicine. I suppose my selfish reason would be because I love a challenge: it's a hard thing to do, most people can't do it, etc. At the same time, though, those same aspects of medicine that make it such a difficult thing to do are going to just drown you if you don't also have a bit of an altruistic streak in you. Even *I* have my masochism limits. 😉

Helping people is a very broad area. I get the impression from your posts that the problem isn't that you don't want to help people; it's that your conception of what it means to help people is too narrow. As some of the previous posters have suggested, there are many ways to help people that don't involve you going any further than over to your local school or hospital. Think about the things that bring you the greatest joy in life, and share those with other people. I, like you, love science. One of the volunteer gigs I had was to go to an inner city elementary school and do chemistry demonstrations for the kids. It was so much fun; they loved it and I did too.

I also mentored undergraduate lab workers. I had one kid (now halfway through med school himself) who I mentored for his UG thesis; I even got to serve as one of his committee members while still a grad student. I had several other UGs that I worked with for a summer or a semester. As I got toward the end of grad school myself, I also helped train the new grad students and mentored them. I found from my experiences as a mentor and a TA that I really loved teaching, and I got more into doing that as well (both paid and unpaid).

I'm giving you my examples because you said you are a person who loves science. My suggestion to you is that you share that love of science with younger students and/or kids. It's a great way to help others that will probably be very enjoyable for you as well. to you. 🙂

 

[Quix]

Two things come to mind if you genuinely love the science but are iffy on the medicine. First, graduate education in the sciences, specifically physiology or medicinal chemistry. Second, graduate education in public health or public policy - coursework in epidemiology, pathophysiology, etc.

The reason I ask is that from what little I've seen, you don't seem to really want to be a doctor (as you've stated that you don't want people to know), and you don't really seem to have an idea about the day-to-day life of a doctor (especially as an intern and resident), and you could be setting yourself up for a very unpleasant future when you find yourself trapped in a career that isn't really what you wanted. I think it's good that you're having a gut-check, and by asking yourself this question you are lightyears ahead of many of the college kids who are pre-med because it's something to do and sounds good.

No one here can make this decision for you, nor should we, but in all honestly, I'm not hearing the fire in the belly necessary to wade through all of the bureaucracy and nonsense that is medical education and practice. It might be there, but it's not coming out in this thread.

 

[cfdavid]

I agree with the above, with the exception of the bolded parts - ED underwhelming? Then again, on my second volunteer shift, I got to hold a man's heart in my hands 😎.

OP, medicine is an incredibly diverse field with something for everyone. Be open to everything and that something will find you.

Wow. That's one hell of an experience! I was at a smaller community hospital, so the pathology was a bit different, and much less traumatic in the literal sense. But, I did watch a temporary pacemaker placement that totally saved a dudes life. I was the first person to speak to the family as I was the one that got to go out and retrieve them from the waiting room. It was very rewarding and I remember being very moved at how technology and knowledge literally saved this dudes life, and his wife and daughter from a whole lot of pain. It was pretty damn inspirational.

This guy would have died had he not received intervention. After the catheter/electrodes were secured, he was sitting up chatting with his family (he likely had no idea how close things came..). I remember the cardiologist (he was called in and finished up the cath placement to relieve the EM dude) coming in all disheveled. It was about 1 a.m., and his hair was all messed up and his clothes were all wrinkled....LOL But, he got the job done and was a very nice guy. Again, very cool.

 

[cfdavid]

I think most people have a combination of reasons, both selfish and unselfish, for wanting to go into medicine. I suppose my selfish reason would be because I love a challenge: it's a hard thing to do, most people can't do it, etc. At the same time, though, those same aspects of medicine that make it such a difficult thing to do are going to just drown you if you don't also have a bit of an altruistic streak in you. Even *I* have my masochism limits. 😉

Helping people is a very broad area. I get the impression from your posts that the problem isn't that you don't want to help people; it's that your conception of what it means to help people is too narrow. As some of the previous posters have suggested, there are many ways to help people that don't involve you going any further than over to your local school or hospital. Think about the things that bring you the greatest joy in life, and share those with other people. I, like you, love science. One of the volunteer gigs I had was to go to an inner city elementary school and do chemistry demonstrations for the kids. It was so much fun; they loved it and I did too.

I also mentored undergraduate lab workers. I had one kid (now halfway through med school himself) who I mentored for his UG thesis; I even got to serve as one of his committee members while still a grad student. I had several other UGs that I worked with for a summer or a semester. As I got toward the end of grad school myself, I also helped train the new grad students and mentored them. I found from my experiences as a mentor and a TA that I really loved teaching, and I got more into doing that as well (both paid and unpaid).

I'm giving you my examples because you said you are a person who loves science. My suggestion to you is that you share that love of science with younger students and/or kids. It's a great way to help others that will probably be very enjoyable for you as well. to you. 🙂

Nice post Q. I agree that it really helps to be a bit creative in how you go about volunteering ones time. Like I said, if I had been more creative, I would have LOVED (and I still may do this, even now) to bring my pooch in to meet/greet little kids in the hospital. She's a golden retriever and very friendly. This little dog LOVES people..LOL My only challenge would be to keep her from jumping onto the bed and lopping em in the face! lol

OP, I think you're getting the point in that it really may be a healthy thing for you to be motivated by some selfish reasons. Now, you just need to consider all of the other aspects of the diversity of medicine as a career.

Also, consider this. You may not be the type that sits around feeling sorry for people. We're all shaped by our experiences. But, perhaps youre altruism will come out in more "extreme" situations such as in major trauma or disease etc. That's a different story, and just because you may not feel the plight of those that may be considered just ignorant (as an example) and thus are their own worst enemies, you may find immense satisfaction in other aspects of caring for patients (or NOT caring for patients, as in the case of Rads, Path etc.).

 

[fractalgal]

Wow. That's one hell of an experience! I was at a smaller community hospital, so the pathology was a bit different, and much less traumatic in the literal sense. But, I did watch a temporary pacemaker placement that totally saved a dudes life. I was the first person to speak to the family as I was the one that got to go out and retrieve them from the waiting room. It was very rewarding and I remember being very moved at how technology and knowledge literally saved this dudes life, and his wife and daughter from a whole lot of pain. It was pretty damn inspirational.

This guy would have died had he not received intervention. After the catheter/electrodes were secured, he was sitting up chatting with his family (he likely had no idea how close things came..). I remember the cardiologist (he was called in and finished up the cath placement to relieve the EM dude) coming in all disheveled. It was about 1 a.m., and his hair was all messed up and his clothes were all wrinkled....LOL But, he got the job done and was a very nice guy. Again, very cool.

That is very inspirational. Thanks for sharing it.

 

[QofQuimica]

Nice post Q. I agree that it really helps to be a bit creative in how you go about volunteering ones time. Like I said, if I had been more creative, I would have LOVED (and I still may do this, even now) to bring my pooch in to meet/greet little kids in the hospital. She's a golden retriever and very friendly. This little dog LOVES people..LOL My only challenge would be to keep her from jumping onto the bed and lopping em in the face! lol

I think that would be really fun and a nice thing to do also. 👍

Just to carry this discussion a little further, there are tons of great opportunities to do cool volunteering things in medical school too. Lots of students do things like work in free clinics, teach kids about health, volunteer at the local science museum, meet with interviewees and host them for the admissions office, run in 5Ks or other events to raise money for cancer research, etc. Several of the SDN staff members (all of whom are volunteers) are medical students and residents as well. I know some people are cynical about how much service students do once they get to medical school, but in my experience anyway, an awful lot of people do continue volunteering while in medical school and beyond. 😎

 

[Drugsarebad]

Hey guys this is great. Its good to hear about other peoples experiences and journeys.

I seem to have come across as a bit cold, but the reality couldnt be farther from the truth. In all honesty I really do feel for people and want to do my best for them, but sitting down and lamenting the ills of the world seems like a waste of time..

I guess im just a bit predjudiced against people who volunteer purely to put it on their CV, and from what iv seen, that seems to be the major motivation for many and I want to separate myself from that stereotype. I have worked in primary care (pharmacy) for the last couple of years during the holidays if that counts.. Great experience but a little disheartening in that theres a tonne of "shop" work and that you mainly help with minor ailments, but I guess its what you make it. That said i am NOT going to sell my soul to a chain! You do learn to listen and communicate, which is a valubale asset no matter what profession you are in, and is often the best medicine!

This year Im spending my holidays doing an undergraduate research placement with college, and afterwards im doing some time in a hospital. Not sure what ill be doing yet but I should be on the wards looking from the pharmacist point of view (no human heart in my hands there, just a trusty BNF!!).

I dont want to box myself into any one profession, eg doctor, dentist, physio. I would prefer to be a "physician", and in order to broaden my skill set and learn the best skills med seems like a good choice no matter what setting I end up in.. That said of course, many other people I know in college do a fantastic job. The nurses here are incredible and are on wards basically from the first month! Got a lot of respect for them after some of the stories ive heard. My class are stuck in the library all the time😴.

I would like to work in internal medicine and in the long term, my ultimate ambition would be to get into oncology. I grew up with a family member who had such a disease, so weve all been in and out of hospitals for quite a while, and I would like to do something eventually for similar families.

Im going to try anyway to get in. No matter what doctors will probably always be seen as the most respected profession, I guess I just need to prove it to myself that im not just going in for the name. But that wont be for another year or two yet.. Gotta finish my first degree!!!😉

 

[Drugsarebad]

(double post)

 

[RxnMan]

Wow. That's one hell of an experience! I was at a smaller community hospital, so the pathology was a bit different, and much less traumatic in the literal sense. But, I did watch a temporary pacemaker placement that totally saved a dudes life. I was the first person to speak to the family as I was the one that got to go out and retrieve them from the waiting room. It was very rewarding and I remember being very moved at how technology and knowledge literally saved this dudes life, and his wife and daughter from a whole lot of pain. It was pretty damn inspirational.

This guy would have died had he not received intervention. After the catheter/electrodes were secured, he was sitting up chatting with his family (he likely had no idea how close things came..). I remember the cardiologist (he was called in and finished up the cath placement to relieve the EM dude) coming in all disheveled. It was about 1 a.m., and his hair was all messed up and his clothes were all wrinkled....LOL But, he got the job done and was a very nice guy. Again, very cool.

Cool story.

My dude had massive blunt trauma to the chest and the docs did a thoracotomy. Pt. did not survive. But I had a chance to see the anatomy, so I had to take it.

I will get back to the topic, but first, another story: I was helping collect data for a research project this last year, and I had to follow around EM docs on the job. A lady with a GCS of 3 comes in, so the attending I was following let me "have a go" at intubating her!

OP - I did volunteering to see if I should be an MD or a PhD. I liked medical research, but I wanted to know about the clinical part. I knew that, in order to determine if medicine was for me, I had to go to the nastiest, buisiest, craziest ED in the area and volunteered there (think signal to noise ratio). The rest is history.