So, would you do it again?

[Sartre79]

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There has been quite a few threads lately that have put a very negative spin on the medical school/residency process. I was wondering what the general consensus was among those that have completed, or are near completing their residency/medical education etc. Would you do it again? Is the process worth it? Is it horrible? so on etc. Any insight is appreciated.

 

[Dr.Evil1]

There has been quite a few threads lately that have put a very negative spin on the medical school/residency process. I was wondering what the general consensus was among those that have completed, or are near completing their residency/medical education etc. Would you do it again? Is the process worth it? Is it horrible? so on etc. Any insight is appreciated.

Yes, I would do it again. I worked for a year at a "real job" and was miserable. Doing medicine is very very hard and takes up a great deal of time but I don't think that I could be happy doing anything else. We all gripe and complain but that's just part of the culture. I love what I do.

 

[Fantasy Sports]

Hell yeah I would do it again. Everyone has crap they complain about, but I think the advantages of medicine so outweigh the disadvantages that its totally worth it.

Also, you have to remember that people are much more likely to start a thread saying that something is bad rather than being good. That is simply the nature of human beings.

 

[doc05]

maybe. probably about a 50/50 chance. there's a load of crap to deal with, and medicine itself isn't that exciting. of course, regular jobs suck too, so it's not that bad in comparison.

 

[BenYossarian]

your screenname reminds me of my existentialism prof in college who dropped out of med school at michigan when he learned about nietzsche's theory of eternal return...which is all about doing it again. As for me, I'm not far enoug into it yet to make a decision, but I'm enjoying it so far.

 

[Fantasy Sports]

Another thing to consider is that most of America is unhappy with their jobs. I think a lot of doctors don't appreciate how crappy other jobs can be (and with much less pay and less security).

The nature of our training makes it more likely to find people from other professions entering medicine, and very few going the other way.

But I think nontrads have a better sense of how crappy most work is, which might factor into all of this.

 

[scootad.]

yep, everyone in med school should rent office space and that'll make em feel a little better.

still, the most important decision is not whether to go to medical school but which specialty to choose.

 

[Dr.Bevo]

Another thing to consider is that most of America is unhappy with their jobs. I think a lot of doctors don't appreciate how crappy other jobs can be (and with much less pay and less security).

The nature of our training makes it more likely to find people from other professions entering medicine, and very few going the other way.

But I think nontrads have a better sense of how crappy most work is, which might factor into all of this.

This is so true. I don't know if I would do it again, but I do know that I would have taken some time between college and med school if I could go back.

 

[donnyfire]

I'm only an M-1, so I realize it's a little premature to be thinking this way.

However, I'm not too sure I would do it again.
I worked for six years as a Firefighter prior to med school. As far as I'm concerned, that was by far the best job/lifestyle I've experienced. It was challenging, rewarding, and I enjoyed going to work every day.
Why did you leave, then? You ask.
I guess sometimes you think the grass really is greener, so to speak.

Anyway, I digress...

There are times I really enjoy med school (anything clinical), and there are times I loath it (didactic b.s.). I get good grades, and have a decent social life, but I just really don't enjoy preclinical medical education at all.

So I guess my answer changes day to day. I'm hoping that when I get to the clinical years, things will look up, and I will end up happy with my decision.

 

[Discobolus]

I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I can't speak for residency and beyond but I'm in the middle of my 2nd year, which is the year that EVERYONE here says is the hardest, and I don't mind it at all. I really think all in all it is pretty easy. I've worked Summer factory jobs where I made little to nothing and I can tell you medical school is not bad at all.

 

[monstermatch]

Everyone hates residency - its inevitable. One day, you too will be miserable, jaded and full of regret. Happly, you'll eventually finish, move one, and hopefully have a fun and rewarding career/family.