I'm a somewhat non-trad in my mid 20s finishing the chemistry sequence and deciding what to do. What do you wish you knew?
It seems like optometry would be an equally fruitful career both personally and financially as my initial plan of internal medicine (likely through the DO route).
A few huge pluses: I just really value vision and love the meaning of the field (I wear glasses/contacts and have been underserved). Most patients have overall positive experiences, no residency, less intense admissions process (no MCAT -the OAT is considered way less intense and you can take it anytime), work-life balance and job style
Cons: No public option for school where I am, cannot work abroad which I've considered, few tele-health/remote opportunities which I've valued in past jobs but at least I'll stay grounded, possibly not as recession proof, retail?? tbh I think that's kind of fun w/ the accessory aspect if it's not like my main income. It also seems like many schools don't accept online prereqs which I've already had to take, general ROI for healthcare..in theory
However, I figured out the math and my current IM specialties of interest vs optometry wouldnt break even until my mid 50s. Thats on top of all the stress of probably extra grad work, med school and residency. At that point I would literally do better just being able to buy a house or save for retirement sooner.
I guess if you want to, talk me out of optometry? I want to make informed decisions but there is limited availability to be fair
It seems like optometry would be an equally fruitful career both personally and financially as my initial plan of internal medicine (likely through the DO route).
A few huge pluses: I just really value vision and love the meaning of the field (I wear glasses/contacts and have been underserved). Most patients have overall positive experiences, no residency, less intense admissions process (no MCAT -the OAT is considered way less intense and you can take it anytime), work-life balance and job style
Cons: No public option for school where I am, cannot work abroad which I've considered, few tele-health/remote opportunities which I've valued in past jobs but at least I'll stay grounded, possibly not as recession proof, retail?? tbh I think that's kind of fun w/ the accessory aspect if it's not like my main income. It also seems like many schools don't accept online prereqs which I've already had to take, general ROI for healthcare..in theory
However, I figured out the math and my current IM specialties of interest vs optometry wouldnt break even until my mid 50s. Thats on top of all the stress of probably extra grad work, med school and residency. At that point I would literally do better just being able to buy a house or save for retirement sooner.
I guess if you want to, talk me out of optometry? I want to make informed decisions but there is limited availability to be fair
