Looking back, would you have deferred if you had the chance?

[username2013]

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Apologies in advance if this is in the wrong forum, but I just wanted to get some feedback from current medical students.

I'm 2 years out of college and after 2 cycles, I'm finally holding an acceptance at a school. However, the last 2 years were incredibly stressful, between family members falling ill and the entire application process as a whole. Since receiving my acceptance this past month, it feels like a giant weight has been lifted! But now I'm worried about school and how medicine will be consuming my life for the next 7+ years while I'm training. I burnt out pretty bad my junior year in college and I'm worried it will happen again.

My current job actually brought me on to a new project where I'll be working on a clinical trial that just got approved and I'm really excited to be a part of it. So if I do defer, I'll have a steady income. But the biggest thing for me is that I feel like all I've done is work towards getting into medical school and I never had time to do things for myself (travel, volunteer work abroad, visiting family members in another country that I haven't seen in years, etc). I've never really taken the time to explore other things that interested in me and I feel like this is my last chance to do things for me before I'm immersed in medicine.

My question is: as current medical students, if you were approved to defer the year before school, would you have?

I just recently starting thinking about deferring and wanted to get some insight from people who are currently in school. Thank you all in advance.

 

[ijn]

I deferred one year to engage in hedonist activities. While sometimes I wish I was done with this **** a year earlier, it's pretty clear to me that that year off gave me the clarity to focus like a laser beam on my academics for the past 3 years.

 

[Anastomoses]

I would have to say that when you enter med school you should be hungry. If not, it's probably not the right time. Hard to make that call though. Good luck!

 

[theshellyb]

I spent a total of 3 years out of school, quit my job in early June before school started, and went to the Galapagos and just hung out around the country for July. It was great.

I've honestly heard of VERY few people who ever say they "regret" their deferment, and if you feel close to burnt out now, I say try to get one. The best part of taking time off between college and med school is to avoid that burnt-out "I hate school I've been doing it nonstop forever" feeling. While you've obviously taken some time off, it seems like the 2 years wasn't quite as rejuvenating as they could have been. What are your hesitations with taking a year off? I honestly don't see a downside. Be part of a cool clinical trial, then travel, then start med school with your guaranteed spot. Isn't that wins all around?

 

[vandyam]

You couldn't have paid me to defer...mainly because I knew that the sooner I started, the sooner I would be able to do (IMHO) the coolest job in the world. I just couldn't bare delaying that to work/do research, etc. However, a year before I matriculated, I was able to live abroad for a semester/explore other countries, so perhaps that's what left me not feeling "burnt out."

It sounds as though you really feel the need to have that last year of freedom though, so I say go for it if you can stand to wait another year before you graduate. Also, make sure that this is what you really want. It's a long road, so be sure!

 

[Stewabeet]

I deferred to do research for another year. I'm taking off the summer to travel around the USA to visit family and generally chill. I'm extremely happy I deferred! Definitely have a "hungry" feeling for medical school that I didn't have at all last year.

 

[sbuxaddict]

"Hungry" for med school. I'm about to start and I'm definitely not hungry...I'm terrified

 

[John Lannister]

Deferring is a great idea if you feel like you need to.

You want to be ready to go when it's time. It's a hard process so it's best if you're 100%.

 

[Anastomoses]

"Hungry" for med school. I'm about to start and I'm definitely not hungry...I'm terrified

fight or flight!

 

[Sabate]

My question is: as current medical students, if you were approved to defer the year before school, would you have?
.

Would I? Hell no. The year after UG was enough for me after many years in the real world beforehand.Should you? Not my call at all. If you feel like burnout is just around the corner, bask in your success and take a year to do all the things you won't be able to in med school. There's so much out there that you won't easily be able to do with a career and 200k of loans afterwards. No reason to rush right in especially if you think its going to negatively impact your ability to focus.

Also, congrats on your acceptance! A huge weight lifted indeed.

 

[BuddyTheElf]

"Hungry" for med school. I'm about to start and I'm definitely not hungry...I'm terrified

This is exactly how I feel. Not hungry. Just terrified (Maybe a little hungry... )

 

[username2013]

Thanks for your responses everyone.

For me, everything I've done (up until my acceptance) was calculated and with the intent of getting into school. Now that I've gotten in, I feel like there's still other things to do before my life is dedicated to medicine again. That, combined with the near-paralyzing fear of burning out and ruining everything I've worked for is really pushing me to ask to defer. I don't want to be stressed out during exams and think about what I could be doing instead...I want to be fresh for school.

I guess I'm hesitant because:
1) A lot of people have been saying that I've worked so hard to get where I am..why wouldn't I just keep going.
2) Some people have even said to just "get it over with" so I can make an attending's salary already and start my career.
3) I've been out of a classroom for 2 years, and maybe a 3rd year make it more difficult to get back into it?

 

[mvenus929]

I was given the chance to defer, with money, and opted not to do it. Mostly because I absolutely hated my job and was really looking for a change in pace. I don't regret it at all.

I know several people in my class would have gladly taken the opportunity knowing what they know now, though. It's really a personal decision more than anything.

Also, don't underestimate your ability to do things outside of medicine. We had a guy in the class below us keep doing marching band during first and second year (I still can't fathom how he did it). Another is a super talented musician and frequently does concerts. Many people are taking the opportunity to travel during med school, either between first and second year, or during fourth year. We have a number of people that are getting a second degree, and some who are taking a year off for personal reasons. It's entirely possible to have a life outside of medicine, you just have to make it a priority.

 

[Trogghunter]

I deferred one year to engage in hedonist activities. While sometimes I wish I was done with this **** a year earlier, it's pretty clear to me that that year off gave me the clarity to focus like a laser beam on my academics for the past 3 years.

You are very wise. It took me 2years of m1m2 to get my hedonism out. A lot of trips to Vegas and spring breaks with undergrads. lots--lots of student loans.

 

[Kaustikos]

I didn't start this **** until 4 years after college. I worked in pharm/tox and had a career... got to experience what I wanted and realize what I didn't want. I was 110% certain I wanted medicine before I applied. Now I'm in 2nd year studying for boards... But I know I wouldn't want anything else.

 

[username2013]

I was given the chance to defer, with money, and opted not to do it. Mostly because I absolutely hated my job and was really looking for a change in pace. I don't regret it at all.

I know several people in my class would have gladly taken the opportunity knowing what they know now, though. It's really a personal decision more than anything.

Also, don't underestimate your ability to do things outside of medicine. We had a guy in the class below us keep doing marching band during first and second year (I still can't fathom how he did it). Another is a super talented musician and frequently does concerts. Many people are taking the opportunity to travel during med school, either between first and second year, or during fourth year. We have a number of people that are getting a second degree, and some who are taking a year off for personal reasons. It's entirely possible to have a life outside of medicine, you just have to make it a priority.

When you say "knowing what they know now", do you mean in terms of the workload and stress that's in med school?

 

[numberwunn]

Take the time off! Work for a few months, relax, and then quit your job early and travel. Go backpack around Europe for a month or two, develop a hobby, something. A year may seem long now -- but in 20, 30 years, you won't regret it. Anybody who tells you otherwise is nuts.

Another year off won't make a difference in terms of your ability to study. A couple of weeks before you start (no more!), take a study skills course. Get linked in to any resources at your school when you arrive.

I had four years "off" between UG and med school, and wouldn't have traded them for anything. I had some memorable adventures and returned 110% focused.

 

[darkelven29]

There's always the other side. Don't defer. Why wait if you genuinely love medicine?

You can always take a break while in school. 10-15% of medical students take one year off to do research, have a baby, take care of family who is ill, or work on a degree (MBA or MPH) with more flexible schedule for traveling/enjoying life.

Also, you have to have very good reasons for deferring (having a baby, family has serious illness... etc). Not just I'm burned out and want to take a year off. One year is too long to throw around if you don't have serious reasons for it. You will have opportunities to work on clinical trials in your medical career once you have chosen your specialty. Don't let research prevent you from going into medical school, that you can always do later.

Enjoy the next 1-2 months before medical school. You will also have a summer break between 1st and 2nd year. I think 1 month for traveling is enough, and spend some quality time with people you might not see for a while.

 

[evilbooyaa]

If I could've extended by 7-year program into an 8-year program, I would have done it in a heartbeat. Missing out on senior year of college sucked when I was studying for M1 exams instead of drinking and going out like all my friends that were seniors in UG.

 

[mvenus929]

When you say "knowing what they know now", do you mean in terms of the workload and stress that's in med school?

Not necessarily. My class was the first class with a 'new' curriculum, and we had a lot of growing pains. I know a lot of my classmates that would now choose to defer in an attempt to avoid those growing pains. In reality, I think it wouldn't have made much difference either way to them.

In contrast, my roommate first year was someone who came straight through, and she had absolutely no desire to defer, even when we were dealing with all our growing pains. She wanted to plow straight through, no looking back. As I said, it's all about personal preference.

 

[link2swim06]

300K dollar mistake?
Basically.

You can always work part time as an attending and do cool ****. Even working 1 week a month, you can probably clear 70K for the year. This is a lot better than wasting time at some **** minimum wage job as a 22 year old so you can 'travel.'

With a three year residency you can be an attending at 29 years old. There isn't anything you can't do at 29 that you could do at 22.

 

[ar2388]

iit sounds like you want to defer and have a pretty good plan lined up. i think its better to take ayear of before med school than during school.
if you get approved, why not? your place will be held in school right? take a year to get some money and enjoy life and then jump into med school.
fyi, i went straight through from undergrad to medschool and now to residency. i dont regret not deferring or taking time off, but everyone is different.

 

[ijn]

300K dollar mistake?
Basically.

You can always work part time as an attending and do cool ****. Even working 1 week a month, you can probably clear 70K for the year. This is a lot better than wasting time at some **** minimum wage job as a 22 year old so you can 'travel.'

With a three year residency you can be an attending at 29 years old. There isn't anything you can't do at 29 that you could do at 22.

Sure, if you wanted to go into a non-competitive area where C=MD=garunteed residency spot somewhere. But if that year off meant you could go from being a below average / average student to raping class and board exams left and right... then it might be worth 300k. I needed the rest after college. I grew up a little (jk) and found my drive.

 

[Oo Cipher oO]

The match is getting more competitive every year. Get in as soon as you can. In the coming years we will have more US med students graduating then residency spots. You don't want to be the person caught without a chair to sit in when the music stops.

 

[Textbookversion]

Sure, if you wanted to go into a non-competitive area where C=MD=garunteed residency spot somewhere. But if that year off meant you could go from being a below average / average student to raping class and board exams left and right... then it might be worth 300k. I needed the rest after college. I grew up a little (jk) and found my drive.

thank you for the "jk" mr lincoln, any time "I grew up" and "raping class" are used in the same post my left eye starts to twitch.

 

[docvino]

im not sure you will ever really be ready for it. but, i think you are better off starting med school now. and you've already had 2 years off.

i took some time off between college and starting med school to do research and figure out what i wanted.
now, ill be 40 before im debt free. and the thought of having a nice income and living comfortably is more attractive to me than ever before.

med school leaves plenty of time for travel...hell take the summer off, use your spring break. and 4th year at plenty of schools leaves lots of time to travel or do stuff for yourself.

being part of research can be very exciting. but do you want to be a researcher or a clinician? what do you really have to gain in the long term if you spend an extra year doing research?

i never even considered em until the end of my 3rd year of med school. all those years i did research didn't really help me out in the end. unfortunately few programs i interviewed at seemed to really care about the time i spent pursuing research in a completely unrelated field.

i wouldn't go so far as to say i regret the path i took, but i would def do it different if i had to do it over. good luck.

 

[darkelven29]

i never even considered em until the end of my 3rd year of med school. all those years i did research didn't really help me out in the end. unfortunately few programs i interviewed at seemed to really care about the time i spent pursuing research in a completely unrelated field.

Again echo this. The research you do now most likely will not be applicable to your final career choice and the research you will do in the future (unless the research works toward a degree). Your current position should not factor into the equation. If you already took two years off, don't defer now. Start delegating your work responsibilities so you have easy schedule to enjoy life for the next 1-2 months before med school starts.

 

[username2013]

Is it really going to be that scary to match in the next few years?

As for traveling during medical school, everyone is making it sound like it's easy to do so. But financially it doesn't seem possible and once I start, I want to throw myself into it and just focus on doing well.


I wouldn't necessarily say that the research/clinical trial is the only thing holding me back, although it would be something cool to be a part of.
I understand that the potential for burning out is not enough to ask for deferment. The other big thing is seeing family in another country. My grandfather has recently fallen ill and if I don't see him in the the fall, I won't be able to see him again. This summer is not possible due to financial reasons, and plane tickets are already selling out. So that, combined with the clinical trial opportunity and pursuing other things for myself are really adding up.

I know it sounds silly and even naive, judging by people's reactions when I tell them my idea, but I'm going to be completely immersed in studying and training for the next 7+ years. I'm not the smartest person by a long shot and I'm very grateful/lucky for getting in...I know I'm going to have to study a ton and most likely more than others. Yes, medicine is what I really want to do. But I've spent the last 6 years prepping to get in, and now that I'm in, I just want to be able to have a breather and pursue a few other things. My next chance likely won't be until after residency and even then...lots of loans to pay off

 

[yehhhboiii]

you have more schools opening up and more schools are graduating larger classes
meanwhile, the number of residency slots stays the same

 

[sbuxaddict]

you have more schools opening up and more schools are graduating larger classes
meanwhile, the number of residency slots stays the same

I thought that would mostly be affecting the Caribbean grads and IMGs 😳

 

[Brigade4Radiant]

you have more schools opening up and more schools are graduating larger classes
meanwhile, the number of residency slots stays the same

The number of residency spots has been increasing NRMP shows this.

 

[Wordead]

Get your crap together before you start medical school. 1 year is not going to make a difference in terms of whether or not you match; on the other hand getting sidetracked by stupid personal issues will.

 

[mvenus929]

Is it really going to be that scary to match in the next few years?

As for traveling during medical school, everyone is making it sound like it's easy to do so. But financially it doesn't seem possible and once I start, I want to throw myself into it and just focus on doing well.


I wouldn't necessarily say that the research/clinical trial is the only thing holding me back, although it would be something cool to be a part of.
I understand that the potential for burning out is not enough to ask for deferment. The other big thing is seeing family in another country. My grandfather has recently fallen ill and if I don't see him in the the fall, I won't be able to see him again. This summer is not possible due to financial reasons, and plane tickets are already selling out. So that, combined with the clinical trial opportunity and pursuing other things for myself are really adding up.

I know it sounds silly and even naive, judging by people's reactions when I tell them my idea, but I'm going to be completely immersed in studying and training for the next 7+ years. I'm not the smartest person by a long shot and I'm very grateful/lucky for getting in...I know I'm going to have to study a ton and most likely more than others. Yes, medicine is what I really want to do. But I've spent the last 6 years prepping to get in, and now that I'm in, I just want to be able to have a breather and pursue a few other things. My next chance likely won't be until after residency and even then...lots of loans to pay off

Couple things.

There's nothing wrong with taking an extra year off. But it's your decision, and no one else can make it for you.

Even if you're the type of person to go all in, you're going to need to take some time for yourself during medical school and residency. You should absolutely not be working 80 hours a week, every week, for all of med school and residency. If you are, you're doing something wrong, and you're going to end up hating life.

I understand the financial concerns, really I do. But you can spend an extra $500 a year (depending on where you are and who you know, you can often spend a lot less) to take some sort of vacation if it means that you keep your sanity. Encourage people to give gifts of money, or things you really need but can't afford, so that you can make it happen. It will absolutely be worth it.

Finally, fourth year really is a time to enjoy yourself. Beyond studying for Step 2, you are only studying for your own benefit, not another exam. Most schools have minimal requirements, and you generally work hard for the first couple months of fourth year, and then get to explore other things. If you want to travel to Asia, but don't think you can afford it, you can always check with your school to see if there are any scholarships available.

Life doesn't stop when you start medical school, and you shouldn't let it.