confused undergrad
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Hello,
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology and minoring in Public Health and Chemistry. I just finished my second year. I was pre-med when I first entered college, but am now thinking about going to grad school for a PhD for a few reasons:
So, I guess my question is, what would you do if you were in my shoes? Any advice?
Thank you! Much appreciated!
I am an undergraduate student majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology and minoring in Public Health and Chemistry. I just finished my second year. I was pre-med when I first entered college, but am now thinking about going to grad school for a PhD for a few reasons:
- I have a deep interest in cell biology, biochemistry, and organic chemistry and would love to explore these subjects through grad school. I don’t think I would like memorizing the massive volume of information that med students do.
- I have a passion for tutoring undergrads and helping students understand science concepts. I think I would enjoy being a professor and lecturing. I’ve been told by many that I would make a good teacher.
- I am also interested in research and a PhD would also allow me to do research and have my own lab.
- I think it would take less time than an MD, but that depends on the residency I chose (4 years med school and 3+ years residency) and on how long it takes to complete the PhD (varies from 4-6 years).
- Cheaper! Grad students can be teaching assistants to fund their education. Med school is expensive (although, I guess as a doctor, I wouldn’t have any problem repaying my loans).
- I have read and heard (first-hand from my professors) that it is extremely difficult to get a job as a professor at a university. It is even harder to get a tenure-track position. On the other hand, it is relatively easier get a job as a doctor.
- Even if you do get a job as a professor, the salary is relatively low. Average seems to be $60-$80k (sometimes less). A doctor’s salary is obviously much higher.
- Most PhDs have to do post-docs anyway, so the time it takes to get a job as a professor may equal the time it takes to get a job as a doctor.
- I could do research and teach as an MD. I just don’t know how I would go about this, but I have seen this done by some MDs, and is something I want to learn more about.
- I mentioned this already, but my biggest fear is spending 4-6 years getting a PhD in Molecular Biology or something and not getting a job as a professor or having a really low-paying job.
So, I guess my question is, what would you do if you were in my shoes? Any advice?
Thank you! Much appreciated!