Quitting Med School to persue Art.

[RadicalRadialis]

I have just started 4th year and I have found out that medicine is just not what I was meant to do on this planet. I have many other things that I feel like I am needing to do, and going to school anymore simply is just not one of them. I have always wanted to make paintings, and I wonder how far that would get me in life rather than being a doctor. As a reference, my undergrad gpa was a 3.8 and I got a 37 on the MCAT, so it's not like I was MADE to be a doctor. As the years of grad school slowly went by I hated it, and realized that I may be more inclined to drop everything and pursue art. Has anyone else had these feelings?

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[evilbooyaa]

Personally I can't stand art, but if you're serious, then good luck to you.

I'd ask you to reconsider along with your 150k+ of debt that is going to be accruing interest.

It's extremely unfortunate that you've only realized this now however. Unless you become a wildly famous artist, it is going to be difficult to start making significant progress on paying that off.

So at the end of the day, make 100% sure that this is your final decision. If there's the slightest chance at all I'd recommend finishing your 4th year and at least having your MD so you can re-join the match at some point in the future if you decide to come back.

Think back to what made you take the MCAT and apply to med school in the first place. If that is still there, I imagine you're going to want to keep going with it.

 

[RadicalRadialis]

Personally I can't stand art, but if you're serious, then good luck to you.

I'd ask you to reconsider along with your 150k+ of debt that is going to be accruing interest.

It's extremely unfortunate that you've only realized this now however. Unless you become a wildly famous artist, it is going to be difficult to start making significant progress on paying that off.

So at the end of the day, make 100% sure that this is your final decision. If there's the slightest chance at all I'd recommend finishing your 4th year and at least having your MD so you can re-join the match at some point in the future if you decide to come back.

Think back to what made you take the MCAT and apply to med school in the first place. If that is still there, I imagine you're going to want to keep going with it.

Well the thing is, science came easy to me and I grew up in a family with a medical background. I wasn't really pressured into where I am now..But to me it felt like if I wanted to make this decision earlier in my life when I was younger it would have been 100 times harder if you can get what I mean?

 

[FunnyCurrent]

I am calling a troll alert b/c the OP misspelled pursue.

 

[SpecterGT260]

. As a reference, my undergrad gpa was a 3.8 and I got a 37 on the MCAT, so it's not like I was MADE to be a doctor. ?

I think you're trolling..... based on your input in the car thread and now this ......

 

[docelh]

I have just started 4th year and I have found out that medicine is just not what I was meant to do on this planet. I have many other things that I feel like I am needing to do, and going to school anymore simply is just not one of them. I have always wanted to make paintings, and I wonder how far that would get me in life rather than being a doctor. As a reference, my undergrad gpa was a 3.8 and I got a 37 on the MCAT, so it's not like I was MADE to be a doctor. As the years of grad school slowly went by I hated it, and realized that I may be more inclined to drop everything and pursue art. Has anyone else had these feelings?

Yes, I have.

In my teenage years, I put off pursuing my passions and exploring myself to follow the expectations shaped by my teachers, parents, family, extended family, and peers. I did the competitive high-school thing and got accepted to a few top 10 U.S. universities. Under bad advice from my parents and family, I chose to go to school X. School X was a miserable experience, but I did well enough. Everyone at school X was on route to the next stop of molding their life as a series of jumping hoops.

I went to work in the corporate sector and as a freelancer after school. It was a good and a bad experience, but further helped me get closer to my true self. I took a break from my previous career a few years back to re-think my options. I have tremendous empathy for your predicament, but here's what I can share with you from my experiences:

• Figuring yourself out comes on its own time beyond your control.
• While you may have figured it out now, you may change later. So you may wish to not do art later, or to integrate it with something else (like medicine or some other career).
• If you want to be a true artist, you have to prepared for some severe financial deprivation beyond what you can now fully comprehend.
• If you've taken out loans, those loans have to repaid. And this will add to your deprivation.

I want to do something creative in addition to medicine, and I'm structuring my path in a way that will offer me the chance to try to do that. Whether I succeed or not, who knows. But I'll make an effort at it.

As far as jobs go, I still think being an MD is the best of the lot. Higher than being a business executive or lawyer. That's why I'm doing it. I still have to live in this world and pay some dues.

 

[RadicalRadialis]

I am calling a troll alert b/c the OP misspelled pursue.

Where did I do that?

 

[eject]

Where did I do that?

lolz

can't. tell. if. serious.

 

[RadicalRadialis]

Yes, I have.

In my teenage years, I put off pursuing my passions and exploring myself to follow the expectations shaped by my teachers, parents, family, extended family, and peers. I did the competitive high-school thing and got accepted to a few top 10 U.S. universities. Under bad advice from my parents and family, I chose to go to school X. School X was a miserable experience, but I did well enough. Everyone at school X was on route to the next stop of molding their life as a series of jumping hoops.

I went to work in the corporate sector and as a freelancer after school. It was a good and a bad experience, but further helped me get closer to my true self. I took a break from my previous career a few years back to re-think my options. I have tremendous empathy for your predicament, but here's what I can share with you from my experiences:

• Figuring yourself out comes on its own time beyond your control.
• While you may have figured it out now, you may change later. So you may wish to not do art later, or to integrate it with something else (like medicine or some other career).
• If you want to be a true artist, you have to prepared for some severe financial deprivation beyond what you can now fully comprehend.
• If you've taken out loans, those loans have to repaid. And this will add to your deprivation.

I want to do something creative in addition to medicine, and I'm structuring my path in a way that will offer me the chance to try to do that. Whether I succeed or not, who knows. But I'll make an effort at it.

As far as jobs go, I still think being an MD is the best of the lot. Higher than being a business executive or lawyer. That's why I'm doing it. I still have to live in this world and pay some dues.

You make several good points and thanks for your response. Just when I see the people that I work with/go to school with they all seem to have it out for themselves. It seems like it'll be staying that way for the next 50-60 years if I stay in this field. I heard stories of people living in vans and campers for a few years and it just seems so much nicer than brown nosing for the attending's attention. I don't know, maybe I'm just getting burnt out these days.

 

[gasblaster]

:troll:

 

[evilbooyaa]

K didn't realize it was the same guy. I'm done with you on all points.

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

Maybe you should just mod civics for a living instead.

 

[487806]

I think I found out it's a troll when OP said he's MS-4 planning to quit med school to pursue art (out of all things). I'm probably wrong, but isn't MS-1 the worst year in med school and the most likely time for students to drop out?

What about the Step 1 score (just curious) since I thought that's more important than MCAT for med students?

 

[gasblaster]

I think I found out it's a troll when OP said he's MS-4 planning to quit med school to pursue art (out of all things). I'm probably wrong, but isn't MS-1 the worst year in med school and the most likely time for students to drop out?

What about the Step 1 score (just curious) since I thought that's more important than MCAT for med students?

MCAT means nothing once you're in medical school.

 

[OveractiveBrain]

I have just started 4th year and I have found out that medicine is just not what I was meant to do on this planet. I have many other things that I feel like I am needing to do, and going to school anymore simply is just not one of them. I have always wanted to make paintings, and I wonder how far that would get me in life rather than being a doctor. As a reference, my undergrad gpa was a 3.8 and I got a 37 on the MCAT, so it's not like I was MADE to be a doctor. As the years of grad school slowly went by I hated it, and realized that I may be more inclined to drop everything and pursue art. Has anyone else had these feelings?

I didn't read anything after "i have just started 4th year". Not a reply. Not the rest of your post. ******ed. Period. (i hope you noticed that i put a period after ******ed and period, for emphasis). When you are this close to finishing, just finish. Get the letters.

Will you have skillz? No. Will you have any way of getting a job? Not in the US. But what the hell is the point of going this far to quit now? Persue art. And shit, volunteer your knowledge in places that need it (i.e. every country not the US or Western Europe).

Im not saying go into residency. Thats another THREE years at a minimum. But anyone who would quit now is ******ed. Like legit, IQ < 70. Did medical school suck the hairiest pair of donkey balls ever to be fashioned by intelligent design... uh, i mean, Aliens... uh, I mean Jesus's dad... ever? Yes. I wanted to, quoting Slipknot, "dig my fingers into my eyes." But the good you can do. The power you will have. The knowledge you already possess. Now is not the time to quit. Hopes of being the next Sir Conan Doyle or Michael Crighton is foolish. Do what you love, of course. If you can't do medicine, so be it. But do not give up now. It is a waste of your talent. It is a waste of your ability.

Most importantly, it is a waste of your spot. You took the spot of someone who, albeit probably less qualified for the position, would go on to do great work. Would they be good at it? Maybe not. But they would go help people. Cure the sick, mend the wounded. But they couldnt, because you took their spot. Only to drop out? Impossible.

Med School Blows, welcome to life. Do not quit now. Even if you don't practice a day in your life, at least you will have the letters. And if your soul ever craves the idealism you had when you entered medical school, as long as you have those letters, you can do real good in the world. Maybe you will leave the world with the best piece of art we have ever seen. Maybe you wont. For the practicality of money, for the sake of the world, for your own soul...

DO NOT QUIT NOW

 

[wjs010]

I didn't read anything after "i have just started 4th year". Not a reply. Not the rest of your post. ******ed. Period. (i hope you noticed that i put a period after ******ed and period, for emphasis). When you are this close to finishing, just finish. Get the letters.

Will you have skillz? No. Will you have any way of getting a job? Not in the US. But what the hell is the point of going this far to quit now? Persue art. And shit, volunteer your knowledge in places that need it (i.e. every country not the US or Western Europe).

Im not saying go into residency. Thats another THREE years at a minimum. But anyone who would quit now is ******ed. Like legit, IQ < 70. Did medical school suck the hairiest pair of donkey balls ever to be fashioned by intelligent design... uh, i mean, Aliens... uh, I mean Jesus's dad... ever? Yes. I wanted to, quoting Slipknot, "dig my fingers into my eyes." But the good you can do. The power you will have. The knowledge you already possess. Now is not the time to quit. Hopes of being the next Sir Conan Doyle or Michael Crighton is foolish. Do what you love, of course. If you can't do medicine, so be it. But do not give up now. It is a waste of your talent. It is a waste of your ability.

Most importantly, it is a waste of your spot. You took the spot of someone who, albeit probably less qualified for the position, would go on to do great work. Would they be good at it? Maybe not. But they would go help people. Cure the sick, mend the wounded. But they couldnt, because you took their spot. Only to drop out? Impossible.

Med School Blows, welcome to life. Do not quit now. Even if you don't practice a day in your life, at least you will have the letters. And if your soul ever craves the idealism you had when you entered medical school, as long as you have those letters, you can do real good in the world. Maybe you will leave the world with the best piece of art we have ever seen. Maybe you wont. For the practicality of money, for the sake of the world, for your own soul...

DO NOT QUIT NOW

I could totally hear dr. Cox from scrubs saying that first paragraph.

Oh and op, troll, don't quit to do art, you idiot

 

[Shnurek]

Oh and op, troll, don't quit to do art, you idiot

lol I swear I really think this is straight up troll status. But for what its worth, I seriously thought about being a park ranger or just doing what survivor man does and maybe putting a scientific spin on it. Such as which species of flora will allow the creation of a fire the most efficiently two hours after an intense rain storm. I found a middle road where I'll just finish my degree, move to a rural area and enjoy the high income/low cost of living along with the ability to work part time in my profession.

 

[evilbooyaa]

I didn't read anything after "i have just started 4th year". Not a reply. Not the rest of your post. ******ed. Period. (i hope you noticed that i put a period after ******ed and period, for emphasis). When you are this close to finishing, just finish. Get the letters.

Will you have skillz? No. Will you have any way of getting a job? Not in the US. But what the hell is the point of going this far to quit now? Persue art. And shit, volunteer your knowledge in places that need it (i.e. every country not the US or Western Europe).

Im not saying go into residency. Thats another THREE years at a minimum. But anyone who would quit now is ******ed. Like legit, IQ < 70. Did medical school suck the hairiest pair of donkey balls ever to be fashioned by intelligent design... uh, i mean, Aliens... uh, I mean Jesus's dad... ever? Yes. I wanted to, quoting Slipknot, "dig my fingers into my eyes." But the good you can do. The power you will have. The knowledge you already possess. Now is not the time to quit. Hopes of being the next Sir Conan Doyle or Michael Crighton is foolish. Do what you love, of course. If you can't do medicine, so be it. But do not give up now. It is a waste of your talent. It is a waste of your ability.

Most importantly, it is a waste of your spot. You took the spot of someone who, albeit probably less qualified for the position, would go on to do great work. Would they be good at it? Maybe not. But they would go help people. Cure the sick, mend the wounded. But they couldnt, because you took their spot. Only to drop out? Impossible.

Med School Blows, welcome to life. Do not quit now. Even if you don't practice a day in your life, at least you will have the letters. And if your soul ever craves the idealism you had when you entered medical school, as long as you have those letters, you can do real good in the world. Maybe you will leave the world with the best piece of art we have ever seen. Maybe you wont. For the practicality of money, for the sake of the world, for your own soul...

DO NOT QUIT NOW

LOL'd heavily.

 

[zoner]

Personally I can't stand art, but if you're serious, then good luck to you.

I'd ask you to reconsider along with your 150k+ of debt that is going to be accruing interest.

Think back to what made you take the MCAT and apply to med school in the first place. If that is still there, I imagine you're going to want to keep going with it.

👍👍👍👍👍

its a toy for the wealthy!

 

[DrSnips]

👍👍👍👍👍

its a toy for the wealthy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQVnRKIpzAU

 

[Hoju]

Yes, I have.

In my teenage years, I put off pursuing my passions and EXPLORING MYSELF to follow the expectations shaped by my teachers, parents, family, extended family, and peers.............

Impressive. Quite the sacrifice.

 

[tkim]

 

[Siggy]

What about working at The Gap?

 

[KnuxNole]

Dont quit med school to be a barista 🙁

 

[RadicalRadialis]

Here's an example of my inspiration. It's by Picasso. It's made from a bike seat and handlebars. It's a bull.

 

[duckie99]

I have just started 4th year and I have found out that medicine is just not what I was meant to do on this planet. I have many other things that I feel like I am needing to do, and going to school anymore simply is just not one of them. I have always wanted to make paintings, and I wonder how far that would get me in life rather than being a doctor. As a reference, my undergrad gpa was a 3.8 and I got a 37 on the MCAT, so it's not like I was MADE to be a doctor. As the years of grad school slowly went by I hated it, and realized that I may be more inclined to drop everything and pursue art. Has anyone else had these feelings?

why don't you just do art in your free time? Pick a field where the training is only 3 years such as EM, peds, IM, FM, etc then get a job and paint has a hobby. Lots of doctors paint/pursue artistic endeavors and medicine does not dominate their lives. But at some point you have to have a job to pay the bills (med school loans aren't cheap and I doubt you could pay it on an artist's income).

 

[SpecterGT260]

Here's an example of my inspiration. It's by Picasso. It's made from a bike seat and handlebars. It's a bull.

Troll confirmed

 

[TraumaGirl]

What about working at The Gap?

Seriously made my day...and damnit...I am the sensitive soul...

OP Don't. You. Dare. Quit!!! Put on your big girl panties and fight for your finish. If you are really a fourth year...I would trade you in a second!

 

[TraumaGirl]

Troll confirmed

What is a troll? I have seen it in several posts...

 

[SpecterGT260]

What is a troll? I have seen it in several posts...

Someone who enters a forum for the sole purpose of pissing people off. Usually through making idiot posts and promoting ideas opposite of the community norm. For example someone posting about how awesome hondas are in a ford forum.

Welcome to the internet btw 🙂

 

[RadicalRadialis]

Guys, I don't appriciate the name calling. I'm not a troll, and don't enjoy being called one. Here's what I managed to scribble out earlier this morning. Tell me what you guys think?

 

[Poetic Silence]

Guys, I don't appriciate the name calling. I'm not a troll, and don't enjoy being called one. Here's what I managed to scribble out earlier this morning. Tell me what you guys think?

Why does this cat have a dick growing out of its face?

 

[DrSnips]

Someone who enters a forum for the sole purpose of pissing people off. Usually through making idiot posts and promoting ideas opposite of the community norm. For example someone posting about how awesome hondas are in a ford forum.

Welcome to the internet btw 🙂

Most of the people referred to as trolls on SDN are actually flamers. Flamers post controversial arguments about the topic at hand that are sure to incite a reaction from more mainstream viewpoints.

Trolls on the other hand merely serve to disrupt a forum. They care little about the topic being discussed and may derail the thread entirely if they think it will cause enough anger and confusion to keep heated arguments alive.

By the above definitions, Specter is correct that this OP would be properly considered a troll.

 

[SpecterGT260]

Most of the people referred to as trolls on SDN are actually flamers. Flamers post controversial arguments about the topic at hand that are sure to incite a reaction from more mainstream viewpoints.

Trolls on the other hand merely serve to disrupt a forum. They care little about the topic being discussed and may derail the thread entirely if they think it will cause enough anger and confusion to keep heated arguments alive.

By the above definitions, Specter is correct that this OP would be properly considered a troll.

Yep. I have gotten after some pre meds who like to throw "troll" out at noobs and then the noobs like to throw it back. This guy is a classic troll


Words lose their meaning when haphazardly thrown around. Love, hate, troll.... these words have meaning people!!!!!! 😀

 

[SpecterGT260]

Guys, I don't appriciate the name calling. I'm not a troll, and don't enjoy being called one. Here's what I managed to scribble out earlier this morning. Tell me what you guys think?

Can anyone backtrack this to an actual blog? I'm curious if the troll is "smart" enough to post from one of his own pages. Id look into it but I'm on my phone atm

 

[Doctor Feelgood]

Why does this cat have a dick growing out of its face?

cat? i thought that was it was a self portrait

 

[DrSnips]

Can anyone backtrack this to an actual blog? I'm curious if the troll is "smart" enough to post from one of his own pages. Id look into it but I'm on my phone atm

Here you go: http://www.dianatamblyn.com/2010_09_01_archive.html

 

[twizzlers713]

OP called med school grad school. Haha

 

[evilbooyaa]

GG OP, you played your hand.

There was suspicion before but it's all over now. GG WP for a few days.

 

[pure skill]

You make several good points and thanks for your response. Just when I see the people that I work with/go to school with they all seem to have it out for themselves. It seems like it'll be staying that way for the next 50-60 years if I stay in this field. I heard stories of people living in vans and campers for a few years and it just seems so much nicer than brown nosing for the attending's attention. I don't know, maybe I'm just getting burnt out these days.

From what I've heard, you're using your paper, not for drawing, but for rolling doobies! You're gonna be doing a lot of doobie-rolling when you're living in a van down by the river!

 

[TraumaGirl]

Yep. I have gotten after some pre meds who like to throw "troll" out at noobs and then the noobs like to throw it back. This guy is a classic troll


Words lose their meaning when haphazardly thrown around. Love, hate, troll.... these words have meaning people!!!!!! 😀

Someone who enters a forum for the sole purpose of pissing people off. Usually through making idiot posts and promoting ideas opposite of the community norm. For example someone posting about how awesome hondas are in a ford forum.

Welcome to the internet btw 🙂

Thanks for all the explanations...I feel so in the know...

 

[tiedyeddog]

Guys, I don't appriciate the name calling. I'm not a troll, and don't enjoy being called one. Here's what I managed to scribble out earlier this morning. Tell me what you guys think?

don't let the ban hammer hit you too hard on the way out. 😛

 

[GoSpursGo]

lol. I think this thread is done.