Questioning motivation...

[closertofine]

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Third year rotations are starting soon, and I'm not really excited or even really looking forward to them. I've started thinking about at least taking a leave of absence for a few different reasons...but how do you know what is "normal" questioning of motivation and what is beyond that?

I hesitate to post this here, but maybe someone else is having a similar problem. I've put two years into this, and while that isn't a reason by itself to stay in this career, it seems like maybe it means something that I've made it this far. Maybe I'm just anxious about starting rotations...but I'm not sure that's all there is to it.

Thanks...any thoughts welcomed.

 

[gschl1234]

Can you elaborate on the "few different reasons"? I'm about to start 3rd year too and from what everyone's told me, it's like turning over a new leaf since you're doing something totally different. The only people who really didn't like 3rd/4th year were people who really enjoyed the first 2 years of medical school. By that, I mean, people who like lectures and lots of studying. At any rate, 3rd year sounds a lot less boring.

 

[cdql]

I don't think it's that uncommon a feeling. A lot of people are just tired of med school after 2 grueling years and having to take the boards!

I dunno what is available at your school but our school offers an MBA program for those who want to take a year off or a research rotation. Something like that could help refresh you and would look unique on a CV when it comes time for applying to residency!

 

[closertofine]

Can you elaborate on the "few different reasons"? I'm about to start 3rd year too and from what everyone's told me, it's like turning over a new leaf since you're doing something totally different. The only people who really didn't like 3rd/4th year were people who really enjoyed the first 2 years of medical school. By that, I mean, people who like lectures and lots of studying. At any rate, 3rd year sounds a lot less boring.

Edit: I will just say "personal issues" since it's making me nervous to have so many people reading about it otherwise. But I'm just not sure I'm cut out for medicine either...I'm not sure it will be something that I "love," though I may enjoy parts of it...and maybe more than I think if I give 3rd year a chance, but I also don't want to jump into it and not end up finishing.

 

[closertofine]

I don't think it's that uncommon a feeling. A lot of people are just tired of med school after 2 grueling years and having to take the boards!

I dunno what is available at your school but our school offers an MBA program for those who want to take a year off or a research rotation. Something like that could help refresh you and would look unique on a CV when it comes time for applying to residency!

Thanks...yes, I think a research year would have been a good idea (I'm not at all business-oriented, but otherwise an MBA would be good too). I did work in a very clinical research office this past summer and liked it, and considered going back for a year...but when the time came to apply, I thought I was ready to go ahead with the regular 3rd year instead. And now it's far past the deadline to apply, with rotations coming up very soon...

 

[pauleuglis]

I'm also finishing up 2nd yr and I'm actually thinking of taking some time off myself. I've weighed the pros and cons of trying to go into a new field, and I'd say it would be best to get out now, because it makes less and less sense each year that goes by. There's too much sacrifice in pursuing a career as a physician if you aren't completely into it.

 

[McP]

I would try talking to someone at your school about clinical research opportunities that might still be available. It is late, but you never know... Also, I wouldn't worry about what people think about this decision. It's not uncommon to take a year off after second year to do research.

Plus, it's important to think seriously about medicine as a career and make sure it's what you really want. I'd hate to wake up 5 years from now and realize I'd made the complete wrong choice.

Think about what you want out of your career and if medicine still meets those qualifications. Also think about what it is that you like about medicine and what makes you miserable. There are a lot of directions you can take your degree, there might be an area that maximizes the good stuff and minimizes the stuff you don't like.

Hope this helps!

 

[Mayhem]

I think there's always a questioning around this time. I start 3rd year in 2 months (provided I pass my finals) and I was a little worried but i talked to a couple friends and almost everyone feels the same way. For one, i'm one of those people who actually like the studying part. I've been doing it my whole life so i'm kinda good at it now. The change to clinical medicine will be hard and i'm sure i'll lag behind the curve a bit (plus i really haven't seen anything on the rotation list that i might like) but think about it: after two years you might as well see what the clinical side looks like. It wasn't easy getting here and you should at least be informed when you make your decision whether or not to leave. So i say give it chance...you never know what can happen.

 

[dz88]

don't give up guys, you've made it this far.

 

[jennyboo]

One thing you can do if you're uncertain, is one or two clinical rotations before making a decision about time off. Unlike first and second year, the third year schedule is based on rotations that are just a few weeks at a time, and you don't have to decide "I'm going to take a year off" starting in July. You can take a few months off, or start your time off at any time of year. Whenever you start time off, you'll still lose a year in the application schedule, but this way you don't need to decide before starting rotations if you need to experience a rotation or two first.

I do think that if you're on the fence, trying a rotation before you make up your mind is a good strategy to take. You may find after a few weeks of clinical rotation that you're happy to continue -- it's so different from the first two years of med school that you might welcome the change of scenery.