Medicine as a Career

[Segway]

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Hello,

I wanted to ask about medicine as a career to people who are currently in it.

Let me start by saying that I didn't start college till 22 and now work, at age 27, in telemetry at a large teaching hospital. Prior to college I worked in an unrelated-entry-level-career field. Even though I am thankful for my current job I feel that, professionally, I'm not very successful & feel unsatisfied. I think this is because of I have a lack of responsibility, don't get to make any real decisions, and have no real options to climb-the-ladder so to speak. Mostly I think I want to be the executive decision maker in someones health - an uncontested expert in medicine.

My whole adult life I always considered medicine as a career but it has always seemed out of reach. Keeping my options open, as an UG student, I took the prerequisite classes for medical school and performed well (3.7 gpa). I enjoy the science as I work a second job (only PT 15hrs/wk) as a molecular biology researcher.

Is it uncommon for someone my age to consider medicine as a career? Is it impractical as a married guy (without kids) to enter medical school at 28?

After my telemetry shifts I clock out, stop by the ICU where many of my telemetry patients are being cared for, and give an update to the intensivist coming [the ones who don't mind talking to me lol] on duty about any ekg changes from the night before. I really enjoy the cantor and the knowledge I glean from those discussions. I envy their careers. Is a career in ICU medicine, perhaps after an anesthesia residency, satisfying for those who are in it?

Thank you.

 

[scudrunner]

You are going to get a mixed bag of responses here. It all boils down to whether you want to be a physician or not. Can you see yourself in any other career? If not, go for it. You are not too old by any stretch of the imagination. I entered medical school married, with kids, have done well, and have no regrets.

 

[imfrankie]

My class did a surprise roast of me in pathology class during my first year of medical school--the day of my 30th birthday.

It sounds like you will be excellent and happy about your choice to go into medicine. Don't do it for money and you will have great satisfaction caring for others. Congratulations on your decision in advance and welcome to a fulfilling calling.

 

[BobBarker]

You need to go for it.

 

[AngryBird69]

We have a 43 y/o former tour guide in our class and he's living his dream. One of the most enthusiastic people I have ever met. So, in short, GO FOR IT!

 

[Jay K]

I know multitudes of second-career physicians, those who previously worked in healthcare and others in wholly unrelated fields, even of one who attended after their child and daughter-in-law finished medical school. Go for it, sounds like you'll appreciate the opportunity.