masters in bioscience/biomedicine or medicine

[DoctorC++]

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i can't figure out if i want to go into the biomedical field or go to medical school. i'm currently leaning towards applying to medical schools that also offer the masters in biomedicine/bioscience. i'm still finishing up my pre-reqs for medical school and am taking the MCAT next month. i think i would be good at research, but i don't want to be behind a computer all day. i'm previously a software engineer and left my job to pursue medicine. i know i'm in the right field... i'm just trying to figure out what i want to do and see the realistic side of things (doctor = 7 yrs, bioscience + job = 3?).

anyone been here before where they had to choose between masters in bioscience and actual medical school? what were your factors and your final decision?

i know i want to be in a field where i'm helping people and not ONLY making money. i need to feel that i'm making a difference. the biomedicine sounds good so far from what i've read, but i haven't talked to anyone personally about it yet.

 

[PhDtoDO]

If you're going into research, you have to have an MD or a PhD or you will have to stay in the pharm industry.

If you get an MD, chances are you will make more money, have more control over your career path (in the long run not the short run) and can choose between academic research or clinical medicine or some combination there of.

If you really want to help and interact with people as part of your career you need to consider were you want to be or where you would like to be in 10 years. Literally imagine several job/life situations that you would like ten years from now then reflect on the schooling you'll need or could use to get to that spot.

Only you know which direction to go.

And if you still can't decide, a masters is a good stepping stone.

I recommend finding one that is less expensive or perhaps has funding like a teaching stipend...which are sort of hard to find.

It's only a year...maybe two. It will give you a taste for academics and more exposure. If you get the MCAT out of the way before, you won't be distracted if you decide to go ahead with the med school applications while finishing up your masters.

In order of rank and difficulty...

Masters....easiest...1-2yrs
MD/DO...hard but not hardest...4yrs
PhD...hardest by far! and takes the longest even if it does cost less!4-7yrs!

Just my opinion!

-s

 

[moranwoods]

I'm in a similar boat. Been accepted to med school and deferred for a year. Now I'm not so sure that MD is the best route. I have an MSEE and think medical electronics might be worth looking into, but I've been away from engineering for 3 years now.

Thinking about where you want to be and what you want to be doing 10 years down the road is good advice.