Psychology vs. Medicine? Seeking advice

[Haqiqa]

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Hey All - I am trying to decide between pursuing medical school (I would opt towards becoming a DO) or becoming a clinical psychologist/ therapist. I am really split down the middle in terms of my interests - were I to become a doctor, I would absolutely seek additional training in therapy. However what is holding me back from focusing on medical school right now is that I am afraid I'll realize it was a mistake, and that my mind is more psychology-oriented rather than oriented towards the physical sciences. I am afraid I'll make a big mistake. But my interests are what they are, and I can't seem to let the med school idea go. I find psychosomatic illness interesting, and I know there are many routes to approach this field.
Just to give you my background, I feel my interests and abilities are most strongly in the realm of clinical psychology, but I still have a persistant interest in health/ illness in the physical body. As an undergrad I majored in psychology and neuroscience, and took some chemistry and biology & did well, but would still have to return to post-bacc classes to fill premed requirements. I have research experience in psychology, so at this point I feel ready to apply to graduate school. I just want to make this decision already and focus on one path!
Since there are many of you on this forum who appear who have similar interests as me, in both psychology and medicine, could you please tell me about your experience, or offer any advice you can?

 

[chaos]

If psychology is your first love, don't forget that you're going to be away from it for a while if you go to med school...like for 3 years (I think that's how it goes, I'm a bit ignorant about med school, but I believe you start to specialize in your 4th year) Either way, it's a while, so just bear that in mind during your decision. in clinical psych, you might begin to WISH to get away from pure psychology for a while, since I don't think you do any other kind of classes in grad school.

 

[pschmom1]

Haqiqa,
I totally understand where you're coming from. I am majoring in psychology with plans on pursuing psychiatry. I love psychology and therapy, yet, I also love medicine so it was a hard decision for me as well. Obviously psychiatry won the battle, but I have full intentions on incorporating therapy as much as possible. Either decision will be a wonderful one I'm sure, as they are both wonderful careers. Good luck to you 🙂