I was wondering about all the people complaining that "med school sucks". The main argument is that its a lot of post baccalaureate education, but I actually really like learning. I would love to get into an MD/PhD program. I study for fun and I hate weekends because there are no lectures. Was anyone else like this during undergrad and did you get more jaded as time went on? P.S I worked as a CNA for a little while, so I can handle being disrespected by superiors (people seem to be saying late med school and residency is like that.)
Job Satisfaction
- Thread starter wfamtwsch
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2014
- Messages
- 295
- Reaction score
- 357
I think the term "med school sucks" spawns from med school sucking because it's hard. Average MD graduation rate is like 97%, so there's gotta be a little appreciation of the subjects. That basically sums up my undergrad experience. The material learned in upper division absolutely f**king rocked. It did get a little harder as time went on, just because most material compounded on itself and it was a bit tough to keep up some times. Just make sure your major is of interest to you!
Well, I'm majoring in chemistry, which everyone says is a bad idea, because its hard. I absolutely love chemistry though, maybe more than medicine. I don't think an easier major would necessarily give me a better gpa if I don't enjoy it.
- Joined
- Jun 18, 2015
- Messages
- 6,823
- Reaction score
- 8,004
I like school too. This whole medicine quest has been a ton of fun so far. I expect to like med school, even if it is hard. Facing something difficult and then overcoming it is one of life's greatest pleasures, imo.
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2012
- Messages
- 7,691
- Reaction score
- 13,051
Med school only sucks if you make it suck
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2014
- Messages
- 295
- Reaction score
- 357
Boom, there's your answer. Some would say Chemistry is even easier for you. Having a passion for a subject means you're more inclined to do the work assigned. Find a major you love, and you'll never work a day in your life...
Until analytical/PChem/OChem/QA and every other class imaginable. HA. It sure makes it a lot more bearable, though.
- Joined
- May 22, 2011
- Messages
- 1,699
- Reaction score
- 2,672
I loved learning in undergrad, too, when I was taking 15-18 hours a semester and had time to do some basic science research on the side, tutor 15 hours a week, be active in the clubs, volunteer, party with my friends on the weekend, and was still overprepared for most tests. When I got to med school the first two years were a dredge because the basic workload alone took up all that time and still left me with average grades but kept me worrying the few evenings a week I decided to take a break.
But in fairness, some very weird people love the first two years of med school because they get to study all day. Maybe you'll be one of those people, but there is no way of telling until you get there.
But in fairness, some very weird people love the first two years of med school because they get to study all day. Maybe you'll be one of those people, but there is no way of telling until you get there.
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2004
- Messages
- 30,872
- Reaction score
- 10,063
First, it doesn't suck, it's just very hard, very time intensive.
Second, a lot of people who love learning also love the success that comes from learning a subject well enough to do well on tests. But in med school, a school full of people who aced a lot of courses in college, half the people will be in the bottom half of the class. So that can be frustrating.
Third, the game changes halfway through med school. You may love the classroom and lecture setting and objective grading in the first two years, but in third year it's about rolling up your sleeves on the wards. The lectures become pretty minimal. You will be subjectively graded on things like teamwork, enthusiasm, professionalism. You will work in areas you hope to never see again after residency. You may work many overnights and weekends, thanklessly doing way too much of what some consider scut. And soon after you have to start interviewing for residency.
