Premed vs PharmD?

[orthomyxo]

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I am currently a freshman in a six year PharmD program, but have been debating on whether or not to switch to premed and go on to med school. I would love to be a doctor, but I don't think I can stomach the fact that I may not make it; my MCAT scores might not be up to par, and I could never live with the fact that I opted out of an almost guaranteed career as a Pharmacist. Have any of you guys had similar experiences? If so, do you have an advice/words of wisdom for me?

 

[greatnt249]

I am currently a freshman in a six year PharmD program, but have been debating on whether or not to switch to premed and go on to med school. I would love to be a doctor, but I don't think I can stomach the fact that I may not make it; my MCAT scores might not be up to par, and I could never live with the fact that I opted out of an almost guaranteed career as a Pharmacist. Have any of you guys had similar experiences? If so, do you have an advice/words of wisdom for me?

None of us knew if our MCAT scores would be "up to par"; that didn't stop us from applying, though. Only you can know what you really want to do, but if you want my opinion, being scared of the MCAT is kind of a weak excuse for not going to medicine if that's really what you want to do.

 

[DrYoda]

I am currently a freshman in a six year PharmD program, but have been debating on whether or not to switch to premed and go on to med school. I would love to be a doctor, but I don't think I can stomach the fact that I may not make it; my MCAT scores might not be up to par, and I could never live with the fact that I opted out of an almost guaranteed career as a Pharmacist. Have any of you guys had similar experiences? If so, do you have an advice/words of wisdom for me?

Why is the bolded true? Pharmacy is only a good career if you like it.

 

[rx515]

I did a 6 year Pharm.D. and graduated this past May. I am in MD school right now. I don't recommend taking my path. Much like you I didnt want to throw away an opportunity. Here is what I would probably do if I did it all over again. The first two years are considered pre-pharm. These are pretty much identical to pre-med. (bio, chem,o-chem, sometimes physics) I would stay in the program and see how you are doing after the first year or year and a half. Also shadow some MDs and PharmDs to get more experience with both professions and see how you feel. If you are killing it in classes and still feel this way then don't follow through with pharmacy program. At my program students have to interview (pretty much a formality) during the second pre-pharm year so you would just withdraw at that point. This might not work if your program is a stand alone pharm college though since I'm not sure what kind of courses they offer and the need to transfer if you dont enter the professional program. So you change your major to bio or something and get a bachelors and you right on track with everyone else.

 

[orthomyxo]

Well I go to MCPHS, so they don't offer many majors. Basically, if I switch out of the PharmD program my only choices are Chemistry and Pre-med. @rx515: I really appreciate you warning me. Your advice is very good, and I considered the fact that I may complete the PharmD and then want go on to Med school, and it's really a position that I would like to avoid. I wish you the best of luck in your studies.

 

[Bacchus]

Does MCPHS offer a 4-year degree if you don't get through your 5th year and rotations? This was something USP was looking into doing but I don't know what has happened with it. If the 4-year is a possibility, act like you love pharmacy (to appease the admins) and then leave/graduate after year 4.

 

[rx515]

I see MCPHS offers a BS in Pharmaceutical Science. My school did the same. I know somebody that left the PharmD program after second pre-pharm year and got that and then applied to med school. It seems like a good option to me if you want to stay at MCPHS.

I see they also offer a BS in Pharmacology & Toxicology. That sounds interesting also. Dont know how much these degrees have in common with the pre-pharm coursework though.

 

[J ROD]

Well, I am finishing pharm school and applying to med school. Personally, I want to have both knowledge sets. MD diagnosis and PharmD treatment with drugs

I still am not sure I have what it takes to get into MD. But, I have a great career in pharmacy if I dont.

I guess it really depends on how much you like school. lol

It works for me. But, I would not recommend it to others also, haha!!

 

[orthomyxo]

Well, I am finishing pharm school and applying to med school. Personally, I want to have both knowledge sets. MD diagnosis and PharmD treatment with drugs

Damn, that's a lot of education!

 

[J ROD]

Damn, that's a lot of education!

I didnt even mention my BA and MBA, lol!!

Plus, I only need about 25hrs to get another BS. So tempting......😀

Hence, "professional student". This is just not my job, but my passion!