Valedictorian of high school class- debating between MD and CRNA?

[UnicornDemon]

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So, I was valedictorian of my high school class and I'm considering a career as a nurse anesthetist.

I hope I don't come across as arrogant. If it makes me appear more humble, I can tell you that the main reason I achieved valedictorian was simply because I studied a lot and didn't have the same social life of my classmates. I'm not some kind of genius (although I have above average intelligence).

Nearly all my friends and family have expected me to go to medical school and become a doctor (or do something of similar demand/prestige- such as attending a T14 law school). But, I don't really want to.

I'm not a materialistic person. I'd like to have a nice income to support my hobbies, but I wouldn't be much happier making $400k than I would be making $175k, especially if I was expected to work longer hours to earn the extra money. I value time much more than money. For these reasons, I've considered pursuing the route of CRNA. By doing so, I would actually be able to enjoy my life while attaining my education, since the educational demands of nursing school/ICU experience are much less than those of med-school/residency. Furthermore, post-education CRNAs work much better hours than anesthesiologists (many of which have been accused as clock punchers on these forums). I'd rather have extra time to pursue my hobbies than extra money to purchase a BMW.

The one and only thing preventing me from pursuing the CRNA route is that it feels demeaning. My friends and family will view me as lazy. For the rest of my life, I'll be looked down upon by anesthesiologists and surgeons. I'll never be held in the same intellectual association of such prestigious men and women and will forever deem myself as a wannabe-doctor.

So, I ask you practicing anesthesiologists who may have faced the same dilemma such as myself, what route should I take? Should I take the easy road and allow myself to live a happier life, while suffering a massive blow to my ego? Or should I keep my ego and pride intact and achieve my full capacity, while sacrificing massive amounts of my valuable free time?

 

[Guillemot]

You havent provided much information of substance that would let anyone advise you in the direction of CRNA vs anesthesiology vs any other career.


Consider dentistry, pharmacy, optometry also if you want a career in the health professions that is less time consuming.

 

[codeb1ue]

You have a lot to learn if you think the only difference between an MD and CRNA is prestige and income.

 

[urge]

I think most people here will tell you to be a physician. You should post your question in a nursing board.

 

[Arch Guillotti]

Closing. This forum is a not the appropriate venue for this sort of question.

Go to college, lead a normal life and do the best that you can.

Decide if you want to be a nurse or physician. I do not look down on any of the anesthetists that I work with. I treat them with the utmost respect. However, they are nurses and I am a physician. Some of them may not quite realize this all of the time but I will never wonder.