Volunteer/Pay Suggestions
- Thread starter Moki
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Keep in mind that if all goes well, and you gain entrance to med school on the first shot, you'll finish your psychiatry residency when you're 44 years old. Just something to think about.
Also keep in mind that the majority of students entering medical school will change their minds as to their specialty after their clinical rotations. What you may like now might not be what you'll like a few years from now.
You didn't mention why you want out of the law field. That can be good fodder for a personal statement.
To get into a med school, you'll certainly need some medical-type exposure. Preferably something not primarily in a lab. As you mentined, EMT is a good way to start. Others more psychiatry related can be volunterring in a psych ER, or by shadowing a psychiatrist. Also, you can try volunteering at a psychiatric hospital, though these positions tend to be difficult to procure due to privacy violations.
Do lots of reading, read some journals, and certainly try to observe a psychiatrist at work. It'll help you get a better feel for what you'd like to do.
Also keep in mind that the majority of students entering medical school will change their minds as to their specialty after their clinical rotations. What you may like now might not be what you'll like a few years from now.
You didn't mention why you want out of the law field. That can be good fodder for a personal statement.
To get into a med school, you'll certainly need some medical-type exposure. Preferably something not primarily in a lab. As you mentined, EMT is a good way to start. Others more psychiatry related can be volunterring in a psych ER, or by shadowing a psychiatrist. Also, you can try volunteering at a psychiatric hospital, though these positions tend to be difficult to procure due to privacy violations.
Do lots of reading, read some journals, and certainly try to observe a psychiatrist at work. It'll help you get a better feel for what you'd like to do.
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Two words: Forensic psychiatry.
Sazi--what's wrong with finishing residency in your early 40s?
Forty is the new thirty, dude. 😀
Sazi--what's wrong with finishing residency in your early 40s?
Forty is the new thirty, dude. 😀
Thank you, Anasazi23 for your reply. Most appreciated.
I have definitely considered the age aspect of going to medical school and beyond into residency. In many ways, I see it as a benefit rather than as a detraction.
I did not include my reasons for contemplating this switch of career, simply because I need to sit with it and explore and come to a more clear understanding of my own true motivations; a process that I believe is far better kept internal at this stage. Clarity on the matter will come in large part from what I do now in furtherance of medical school and with time.
I will look into your suggestions and will definitely continue to read journals, articles, and books. I am amazed by how much there is to learn. . . .
Thank you, again.
I have definitely considered the age aspect of going to medical school and beyond into residency. In many ways, I see it as a benefit rather than as a detraction.
I did not include my reasons for contemplating this switch of career, simply because I need to sit with it and explore and come to a more clear understanding of my own true motivations; a process that I believe is far better kept internal at this stage. Clarity on the matter will come in large part from what I do now in furtherance of medical school and with time.
I will look into your suggestions and will definitely continue to read journals, articles, and books. I am amazed by how much there is to learn. . . .
Thank you, again.
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OldPsychDoc said:
Yeah, the the new 30 is getting to me.
😡
I'm in my early 30's and feeling the burn from residency and this endless education. I can't tell you how much I want to get out, and be my own boss - away from hospital politics, beaucracy, and other similar nonsense. Initiate, time and terminate treatment how I see fit. Not do extra evening therapy because long-term psychotherapy cases are "good for me." Of course, I realize that there is other nonsense and beauracracy in the "real world" too.
Does anyone have specific suggestions for the Boston area? Specific institutions. . . people? Although I am not opposed to forging my own way, it would be nice to have a more definite entrance point.
Sazi - hang in there. That burn out hits us all and colors our perspective. Who knows, you might miss academia one day?
Sazi - hang in there. That burn out hits us all and colors our perspective. Who knows, you might miss academia one day?
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Moki said:
If you're working in downtown Boston, MGH is pretty much right there, and has a ton of research going on. Also has a Psychiatry and the Law subspecialty practice that publishes a fair amount. Maybe they'd be interested in a lawyer that could help with their research (they have a few MD/JDs already on staff). Anyway, Ron Schouten is the director... might be worth a call.
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back in the day, I got my first exposure to inpt psych as an OT aide (unlicensed in most states, I think), doing groups, etc. It would be... ah... a significant salary cut. 😉
maybe volunteer at a suicide hotline? You'll get your fill of Cluster Bs!
maybe volunteer at a suicide hotline? You'll get your fill of Cluster Bs!
Thank you, Doc Samson and Fiatslug.
Interesting that Ron Schouten's name should come up. I spoke with him several months back. Very nice man. I should circle back. Any perceived issues with going the research route to gain experience in terms of exposure to psychiatry and for medicsl school applications? I suppose that it would depend on the particular project. Perhaps, I've answered my own question. : )
Interesting that Ron Schouten's name should come up. I spoke with him several months back. Very nice man. I should circle back. Any perceived issues with going the research route to gain experience in terms of exposure to psychiatry and for medicsl school applications? I suppose that it would depend on the particular project. Perhaps, I've answered my own question. : )
