Why medicine?

[calmthedarkness]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey everyone,

I've been a lurker here since my sophomore year of high school, and I never really bothered to make an account until today for the sole purpose of getting some feedback for my question..

Why medicine? - I don't care if you are in undergrad, in medical school, or are a practicing physician, I want to know why / how you came to your decision that medicine was for you and whether or not you believe I would be suitable for the field.

My circumstances, a very long read:

For as long as I can remember, I've always "wanted" to be a doctor, so I worked tirelessly for all of these years, made excellent grades, obtained strong LORs, got my clinical experiences in, worked(ing) at a private practice, stomped the MCAT, jumped through all of the hoops, etc, etc.

I don't know if I am just unbelievably burnt out or if I've finally seen through my disillusioned reality, but for the past six~ months, I have lost all of my motivation and interest in medicine. I will even go so far as to say that since the end of spring semester, I have done nothing related to medicine other than going to work.

I am currently working at a private practice right now, and I actually dreaded going there for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I thought I was just having a bad day but it has gotten to the point where I want to quit because everything about it seems uninteresting.

I had my whole cookie cutter life planned out and I never actually questioned my decision to pursue medicine because I was so foreclosed on it. Can I see myself as a competent physician? Yes. Can I see myself as a happy physician? I don't know.

I know that this topic has been absolutely beaten to death, but I was compelled to post this today because frankly, I am completely lost.

My entire family is supporting my venture to medical school and my parents will pay for tuition so there really are no strings attached. My relatives quite literally, took me aside and asked me to take over their practices & patients once I get certified, depending on which specialty (if I even..) that I choose. Every one of my pre-med friends have questioned my sanity when I explain my situation to them, but I am unsure if this is what I really want.

I am currently leaning toward taking this summer off and trying to figure out what I want out of my life, but I feel that sitting around for the next two months won't lead me to the answer that I am looking for.

I am aware of the golden rule: "Don't enter medicine if there is something else you would rather do." But after spending more than half of my life obsessively chasing this so-called dream of mine, it would be a waste to give it all up and pursue something else entirely, would it not? Another thing is that certain circumstances in my extended family have led my relatives to label me as the centerpiece of my generation, and I don't want to disappoint everyone by suddenly following this change of heart. Not to mention, they took the liberty of asking some of their colleagues and friends to mentor me through medical school once I got in.. So the more time that I waste deliberating, the more the plan for me to go to medical school materializes.

Is there anything else I would rather do? I really, really, really, don't know. I have always been an adaptable person, never really liking or hating things that were thrown my way. To me, medicine is just, eh. So is managing my portfolio. So is playing online poker. So is learning another language. To me these are all just things to do, neither incredibly enjoyable nor mind-numbingly boring, just bearable.

When I really think about it, even if physicians made only half of what they currently make, it would still be, eh.
But if the path to becoming one only took half of the time, I would probably finish my applications by tonight.

I think I am afraid of committing over a decade of my life just to become a physician, let alone spending a large portion of the rest of my life working as one. I currently no longer see medicine as a calling as I once did in the past, and this frightens me.

Is it time to give up on medicine? Or is it time to see a therapist? Or both?

Thank you in advanced for taking the time to respond.

 

[theWUbear]

Well, I did medicine (although I would never say this in an interview, the most cliche thing ever) because I derive happiness from helping people - especially those who have been provided less socioeconomically than I was lucky to have in life. Regarding the content of the work, I enjoy the sciences as well - I think it's fascinating and I'm contributing to society.

It would not be a waste of time if you walked away, if there is something you love and could see yourself doing more.

What makes you happy? Are there other things you can see yourself doing?

Maybe a year off is a good idea for you. I took years off, admittedly, because I messed up in college. Sure, I took more classes, but I also worked and traveled. I'm excited to start medical school and feel like it was an amazing decision (even if it was forced on me) to let loose and see a bit of the world. It has energized me to get back into it and grind through med school.

Just some thoughts, hopefully they help.

 

[StarlingForce1]

The reasons why I am pursuing a career in medicine, are two-fold.

1. I have always been fascinated by the living world- proteins just get it, they know what to do, and they do it well. And when something as simple as the wrong base pair becomes inserted in a codon- BAM! You have sickle-cell anemia now. The processes underlying the sustainment of life, and how these molecular events translate to cellular events, and how these cellular events carry implications for the tissue, organ, and the person as a whole - it truly is remarkable. I have long wanted a career where I can go to work, every day, and call upon my understanding of such processes, to apply them in a practical fashion, to solve problems. Now, if I am able to do this and the end result be a benefit to society, my fellow man, then that truly is a privilege - a pursuit of intellectual fulfillment while at the same time, making a difference in the community, touching peoples lives in a meaningful way.

2. I have long watched friends and family members struggle with chronic illness, disability, and disease. The consequences, are far reaching - well beyond the scope of the patients body. Quality of life, independence, involvement in the community, fulfillment of your role in society, work, or home - all can be drastically impeded by disease. So, I am pursuing a career in medicine, so that I may help other people and their families avoid the turmoil brought about by illness which my family has endured.

Medicine is the only career in which I stand to make a difference in peoples lives and the community, while also allowing for my pursuit of intellectual fulfillment and self actualization. Too many people have suffered and/or died in my life, that I cannot let their deaths be in vein - a career in medicine is the only way I will ever accomplish this.

 

[HipChick]

Honestly? Because I want to educate the public/my future patients (I hope) in their ability to be advocates for their own health. To take personal responsibility for their well being. I want to be a physician that not only diagnose and treats with my brain, but with my eyes, hands, and heart.

I think as clinicians, "we" have continuously improved on treated conditions and ailments, while suffering in treating the person.
Cheesy as hell right?

*edited because I'm not wearing my spectacles, am on my iPhone and missed a ton of typos...

 

[StarlingForce1]

Honestly? Because I want to educate the public/my future patients (I hope) in their ability to be advocates for their own health. To take personal responsibility for their well bring. I want to be a physician that not only diagnosis and treats with my brain, but with my eyes, hands, and heart.

Cheesy as hell right?

It's only cheesy if it's an affectation. I look forward to the day where I can work alongside people who hold sentiments like you.

My hat, I tip to you, Madame.

 

[911 Turbo]

Kind of because I want that unbelievably hot cheerleader in high school or that perfectly shaped sorority girl in college to be on my arm. Not kidding

But mostly because the human body is amazing, a ballet of complexity

 

[HipChick]

It's only cheesy if it's an affectation. I look forward to the day where I can work alongside people who hold sentiments like you.

My hat, I tip to you, Madame.

*BLUSH... Wait I'm AA... I don't blush. You get the idea! Thank you sincerely...

Kind of because I want that unbelievably hot cheerleader in high school or that perfectly shaped sorority girl in college to be on my arm. Not kidding

But mostly because the human body is amazing, a ballet of complexity

Heehee.
I always tell my students, "the human body, the most perfect machine we'll destroy"

 

[StarlingForce1]

*BLUSH... Wait I'm AA... I don't blush. You get the idea! Thank you sincerely...


Heehee.
I always tell my students, "the human body, the most perfect machine we'll destroy"

Hehe, I think I missed something here... What does AA mean, here?

 

[mapandterritory]

Regardless of whether I go to medical school or not, many of my interests are related to medicine and human advancement.

I'm particularly interested in the human body, but all life is fascinating to me. Although our bodies are primitive for our current way of life, I am grateful to the wonderful people of the past who contributed to where we are today. Even if they're not in the history books, they all contributed to something bigger than themselves. Also, thinking about my loved ones who are still alive and some who passed away reminds me of how much I want to improve the quality of life of every person on Earth.

 

[911 Turbo]

Hehe, I think I missed something here... What does AA mean, here?

It means she has a good chance of getting into any medical school she wants provided she has decent stats.

(African American)

 

[gettheleadout]

Kind of because I want that unbelievably hot cheerleader in high school or that perfectly shaped sorority girl in college to be on my arm. Not kidding

Chris Hansen might want to have a word with you if this is your goal when you're a 30 y/o doctor.

 

[ceasefire]

Well, I did medicine (although I would never say this in an interview, the most cliche thing ever) because I derive happiness from helping people - especially those who have been provided less socioeconomically than I was lucky to have in life. Regarding the content of the work, I enjoy the sciences as well - I think it's fascinating and I'm contributing to society.

What's wrong with saying this in an interview?

 

[gettheleadout]

What's wrong with saying this in an interview?

It sounds cliché and thus insincere/unthoughtful.

 

[green1221]

OP I'm in the exact same position as you... unfortunately I have absolutely no advice for you except taking a year off and therapy have not helped me in the least bit... it has actually left me more confused than ever because it has given me more time to think everything to death. I also work at a private practice and recently started dreading going work... not sure if its this specific job that I'm getting sick of or if its the general field. I'm not ready to leave behind everything that I've worked for but at the same time I'm not 100% sure about going forward with it and if I don't... I'm not sure what else to do. if you manage to find helpful answers please share!!!!

 

[StarlingForce1]

I would also like to add, that I am the only member of my family who has not endured some tragic disease; cancer, heart failure, cerebral palsy - in my direct family alone. I am truly blessed with health, and a very big part of me feels that I would be taking this for granted if I pursued any other career besides medicine.

 

[911 Turbo]

Chris Hansen might want to have a word with you if this is your goal when you're a 30 y/o doctor.

Obviously the cheerleaders age would have progressed with mine. -.-



Not gonna lie tho there are some pretty hot 18 year old cheerleaders that any guy be attracted to... Just saying

 

[searun]

Hehe, I think I missed something here... What does AA mean, here?

AA means Alcoholics Anonymous. Yeah, it is pretty tough when all of your doctor relatives are pressuring you to become a doctor. After I graduated from college, I spent two years doing dirt bag construction work, traveling all over the west, sleeping on the floor in cheap hotels, with undocumented workers from down south, pretty nice guys for the most part, hard workers who did not complain, taught me alot about life, that has come in pretty handy as a second year surgical resident.

 

[JESSFALLING]

My interest in medicine evolved from my experiences as a patient. Basically, I realized that I wished I was standing in their shoes.

 

[MedPR]

Because House MD.

 

[StarlingForce1]

Because House MD.

I saw a shirt that has the definition of lupus on the front, and on the back it says "It's never Lupus." $8, had to buy it - couldn't pass that one up lol.

 

[ceasefire]

It sounds cliché and thus insincere/unthoughtful.

Hmmm, I then need to edit my reasons for interviews.

I think these reasons are cliche because many people become physicians for a similar reason. Oh well.

 

[theWUbear]

Well, I did medicine (although I would never say this in an interview, the most cliche thing ever) because I derive happiness from helping people -

What's wrong with saying this in an interview?

Ceasefire: that phrase, before I brushed it up and posted, read, "I did medicine because I like to help people".

In that form, that is the most generic, cliche reason ever for being a doctor - and that is not a reason that specifically implies medicine - which leads into predictable interview route #1 (why not work for a non-profit? "i like healthcare though" why not be a nurse? "uhhh")

Be more precise with your reason for liking medicine - you can still involve compassion in it.

 

[VisionaryTics]

Hmmm, I then need to edit my reasons for interviews.

I think these reasons are cliche because many people become physicians for a similar reason. Oh well.

This always bugged me. Why do all 20,000 people accepted to medical school need to have "unique" reasons for entering the field? Pretty much everyone falls into the "science is cool, helping people is great, and job security is neat" camp, in varying proportions.

But then what do I know. My personal statement was awful.

 

[theseeker4]

Hey everyone,

I've been a lurker here since my sophomore year of high school, and I never really bothered to make an account until today for the sole purpose of getting some feedback for my question..

Why medicine? - I don't care if you are in undergrad, in medical school, or are a practicing physician, I want to know why / how you came to your decision that medicine was for you and whether or not you believe I would be suitable for the field.

My circumstances, a very long read:

For as long as I can remember, I've always "wanted" to be a doctor, so I worked tirelessly for all of these years, made excellent grades, obtained strong LORs, got my clinical experiences in, worked(ing) at a private practice, stomped the MCAT, jumped through all of the hoops, etc, etc.

I don't know if I am just unbelievably burnt out or if I've finally seen through my disillusioned reality, but for the past six~ months, I have lost all of my motivation and interest in medicine. I will even go so far as to say that since the end of spring semester, I have done nothing related to medicine other than going to work.

I am currently working at a private practice right now, and I actually dreaded going there for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I thought I was just having a bad day but it has gotten to the point where I want to quit because everything about it seems uninteresting.

I had my whole cookie cutter life planned out and I never actually questioned my decision to pursue medicine because I was so foreclosed on it. Can I see myself as a competent physician? Yes. Can I see myself as a happy physician? I don't know.

I know that this topic has been absolutely beaten to death, but I was compelled to post this today because frankly, I am completely lost.

My entire family is supporting my venture to medical school and my parents will pay for tuition so there really are no strings attached. My relatives quite literally, took me aside and asked me to take over their practices & patients once I get certified, depending on which specialty (if I even..) that I choose. Every one of my pre-med friends have questioned my sanity when I explain my situation to them, but I am unsure if this is what I really want.

I am currently leaning toward taking this summer off and trying to figure out what I want out of my life, but I feel that sitting around for the next two months won't lead me to the answer that I am looking for.

I am aware of the golden rule: "Don't enter medicine if there is something else you would rather do." But after spending more than half of my life obsessively chasing this so-called dream of mine, it would be a waste to give it all up and pursue something else entirely, would it not? Another thing is that certain circumstances in my extended family have led my relatives to label me as the centerpiece of my generation, and I don't want to disappoint everyone by suddenly following this change of heart. Not to mention, they took the liberty of asking some of their colleagues and friends to mentor me through medical school once I got in.. So the more time that I waste deliberating, the more the plan for me to go to medical school materializes.

Is there anything else I would rather do? I really, really, really, don't know. I have always been an adaptable person, never really liking or hating things that were thrown my way. To me, medicine is just, eh. So is managing my portfolio. So is playing online poker. So is learning another language. To me these are all just things to do, neither incredibly enjoyable nor mind-numbingly boring, just bearable.

When I really think about it, even if physicians made only half of what they currently make, it would still be, eh.
But if the path to becoming one only took half of the time, I would probably finish my applications by tonight.

I think I am afraid of committing over a decade of my life just to become a physician, let alone spending a large portion of the rest of my life working as one. I currently no longer see medicine as a calling as I once did in the past, and this frightens me.

Is it time to give up on medicine? Or is it time to see a therapist? Or both?

Thank you in advanced for taking the time to respond.

Sounds like you need a break. Take time off from school and anything medically related. Get a job doing something else. Step away from the pre-set college-to-med school-to-doctor highway and see how it feels. If, after a few months or a year, you start feeling the desire to get back into it, you were probably just burnt out. Start up again, slowly, with some volunteering or shadowing or something else clinical, and see if the dread at coming to "work" returns. If it does, start exploring other careers. If not, get back into the swing of things understanding you were burnt out, and knowing that it could happen again.

 

[Cozell]

Hey everyone,

I've been a lurker here since my sophomore year of high school, and I never really bothered to make an account until today for the sole purpose of getting some feedback for my question..

Why medicine? - I don't care if you are in undergrad, in medical school, or are a practicing physician, I want to know why / how you came to your decision that medicine was for you and whether or not you believe I would be suitable for the field.

My circumstances, a very long read:

For as long as I can remember, I've always "wanted" to be a doctor, so I worked tirelessly for all of these years, made excellent grades, obtained strong LORs, got my clinical experiences in, worked(ing) at a private practice, stomped the MCAT, jumped through all of the hoops, etc, etc.

I don't know if I am just unbelievably burnt out or if I've finally seen through my disillusioned reality, but for the past six~ months, I have lost all of my motivation and interest in medicine. I will even go so far as to say that since the end of spring semester, I have done nothing related to medicine other than going to work.

I am currently working at a private practice right now, and I actually dreaded going there for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I thought I was just having a bad day but it has gotten to the point where I want to quit because everything about it seems uninteresting.

I had my whole cookie cutter life planned out and I never actually questioned my decision to pursue medicine because I was so foreclosed on it. Can I see myself as a competent physician? Yes. Can I see myself as a happy physician? I don't know.

I know that this topic has been absolutely beaten to death, but I was compelled to post this today because frankly, I am completely lost.

My entire family is supporting my venture to medical school and my parents will pay for tuition so there really are no strings attached. My relatives quite literally, took me aside and asked me to take over their practices & patients once I get certified, depending on which specialty (if I even..) that I choose. Every one of my pre-med friends have questioned my sanity when I explain my situation to them, but I am unsure if this is what I really want.

I am currently leaning toward taking this summer off and trying to figure out what I want out of my life, but I feel that sitting around for the next two months won't lead me to the answer that I am looking for.

I am aware of the golden rule: "Don't enter medicine if there is something else you would rather do." But after spending more than half of my life obsessively chasing this so-called dream of mine, it would be a waste to give it all up and pursue something else entirely, would it not? Another thing is that certain circumstances in my extended family have led my relatives to label me as the centerpiece of my generation, and I don't want to disappoint everyone by suddenly following this change of heart. Not to mention, they took the liberty of asking some of their colleagues and friends to mentor me through medical school once I got in.. So the more time that I waste deliberating, the more the plan for me to go to medical school materializes.

Is there anything else I would rather do? I really, really, really, don't know. I have always been an adaptable person, never really liking or hating things that were thrown my way. To me, medicine is just, eh. So is managing my portfolio. So is playing online poker. So is learning another language. To me these are all just things to do, neither incredibly enjoyable nor mind-numbingly boring, just bearable.

When I really think about it, even if physicians made only half of what they currently make, it would still be, eh.
But if the path to becoming one only took half of the time, I would probably finish my applications by tonight.

I think I am afraid of committing over a decade of my life just to become a physician, let alone spending a large portion of the rest of my life working as one. I currently no longer see medicine as a calling as I once did in the past, and this frightens me.

Is it time to give up on medicine? Or is it time to see a therapist? Or both?

Thank you in advanced for taking the time to respond.

MY SUGGESTION.....DONT WASTE A MED SCHOOL SEAT



I am also AA (not alcoholics anonymous) and this does not mean I will getinto any school I want if I have decent stats, might have a leg up if all elseis equal though.

You seem like a well to do kid your family is filled with doctors your medschool will be paid. No wonder you lack motivation. I had to pay bills for myfamily when I was 16 and have seen so many of my fellow AA’s make nothing ofthemselves. Being a screw up is nowhere on my agenda. I would be wide eyed andjaw dragging all 4 years of medical school just being in a white coat.

Go live off your parents for 8 years then decide what you want to do butthere are people out here who have more things riding on this than pleasing momand dad. I could uplift an entire community; give kids of all ethnicities in socioeconomicallydisadvantaged neighborhoods that belief that they can make something ofthemselves.

This making 1 less gang member or 1 less inmate and 1 more engineer or 1more pirate(ECU). It’s not just about me that is our difference.

Sorry if I came Off A little.... "STRONG".

 

[Cozell]

I choose medicine because:

1. I want to practice medicine
2. I want to apply medicine to help people in need of healthcare AND feel good about it
3. I want to have fun!
4. I want to get paid

^^ALL AT THE SAME TIME!!!!

Why not nurse:
Because nurses do not know everything about medicine. I could never be a nurse and have only a LIMITED knowledge in medicine. I want tons and tons of medical knowledge to satisfy this desire to practice medicine most efficiently and help people and have fun and get paid.

What do you guys think?
I hate how people need to have a some traumatic event that leads them to medicine to get into medical school!

My reason Plus this. 👍

 

[theWUbear]

This always bugged me. Why do all 20,000 people accepted to medical school need to have "unique" reasons for entering the field? Pretty much everyone falls into the "science is cool, helping people is great, and job security is neat" camp, in varying proportions.

But then what do I know. My personal statement was awful.

Regarding "because I like to help people", it's not that it's not unique - it's that it doesn't define the medical field. On its own it's just not a good answer.

 

[StarlingForce1]

I agree with WUBear. It would seem that, while medicine is a career that calls for much altruism and sacrifice for the benefit of others (the long path of training, the debt you will acquire in said training, the choices you will need to make with your free time, among a litany of other things) the desire to act on this altruism, to commit yourself to the service of others, by itself, leaves a long list of career options: police officer, nurse, gym teacher, non-profits, the peace corps, teach for america, firefighter, EMT/paramedic, are all shorter roads to achieving the same career goal of "helping others." Many people realize this, and as such, consider pursuing these avenues instead. With this in mind, while "wanting to help others" is an important quality to possess in the field of medicine, that, by itself, is not support enough that a career in medicine will allow for your contribution to community and society in ways that you would otherwise not be able to make, or by fulfilling a different role in healthcare, such as that of a nurse, surgical assistant, x-ray technician, social worker, physicians assistant, paramedic, etc. So while it is somewhat cliché in making the claim that you're interested in a career in medicine because it is a career that allows you to help people, it is important to explain how/why becoming a physician or a surgeon confers the greatest potential for you to accomplish this goal of service to others, as opposed to those other professions aforementioned.

 

[Starlightembers]

Hey everyone,

I've been a lurker here since my sophomore year of high school, and I never really bothered to make an account until today for the sole purpose of getting some feedback for my question..

Why medicine? - I don't care if you are in undergrad, in medical school, or are a practicing physician, I want to know why / how you came to your decision that medicine was for you and whether or not you believe I would be suitable for the field.

My desire to pursue medicine first began after a few years of struggling with a variety of serious, [at times] life-threatening health complications -- namely, mental illness (Complex-PTSD), tardive dyskinesia as a result of inappropriately prescribed medication and, now, it seems, the first signs of an autoimmune condition of some sort (still being tested). Throughout this time, I have experienced, both through my own life and those of my peers, the pain, disability and heartache that illness can bring; more importantly, I also experienced what it was like to go from a state in which many were convinced that I was going to be disabled throughout my life to one in which I was starting college early, living on my own and holding down a variety of jobs that I truly enjoyed. This success was, primarily, thanks to a wonderful psychiatrist who has been there for me, and treated me with above average competency, throughout my darkest moments. I saw what kind of impact he had on my life and that of other patients -- a (deep) passion was sparked to do the same.

As a physician -- in particular, a psychiatrist -- I want to be able to have that impact on others who are like I once was. I want to be the person who educates them, who empowers them and who breaks away from the stigmatized view that diagnosis of X mental illness = one cannot/should not/will not do Y. I saw far too many physicians who, due to my diagnosis of PTSD and severe depression, could only see me through the lens of that diagnosis. The core parts of who I am -- my passions, my hobbies, my abilities -- were no longer there. I want to be the physician who sees the person in the rubble of illness; who treats more than just symptoms.

In my pursuits, due to my strong interest in psychiatry in particular, I have been faced with, "Why not psychology?" or, at times, "Why not social work/family therapy/other masters-level therapy practitioners?" Though I believe that all professions deserve immense respect, the reason that I want to take the medical route is that, ultimately, I feel it will leave me with the ability to reach the most people and posses the most options to treat someone with. I want to do therapy, yes; but I also want to be able to manage medications, if needed, and, in general, be the one primarily responsible for the patient's treatment.

More recently, I have also become more motivated than I ever was to enter medicine with the goal of helping to combat health disparity. My mother, a 54-year old who would do anything to help those she cared about (especially the kids she taught at the daycare she was employed at--those children were her passion), died suddenly as a result of the complications of untreated/poorly managed asthma -- asthma that went poorly managed due to the cost of the inhalers that would have kept her alive. Before we took her off life support, I promised her -- or, really, as she was already brain dead, myself -- that I would do everything in my power to make sure that what happened to her, to us, did to not happen to anybody else. I feel that I have the best chance to help keep this promise through medicine, through both its ability to treat/reach out to those in need and to gain the extra training needed to fight for them in the policy/public health realm.

My circumstances, a very long read:
.....
I think I am afraid of committing over a decade of my life just to become a physician, let alone spending a large portion of the rest of my life working as one. I currently no longer see medicine as a calling as I once did in the past, and this frightens me.

Is it time to give up on medicine? Or is it time to see a therapist? Or both?

Thank you in advanced for taking the time to respond.

I would suggest taking a break from the high-pressure world of academia and premed. Travel, get a job in an unrelated field, seek out interests and hobbies you may not have pursued for awhile (or, perhaps, never had the chance to discover) and explore a world outside of medicine. As you yourself noted, medicine is a long and stressful road -- unless you are [as] sure [as you can be as an undergrad] that this is the path you want to take, it is best not to leap blindly into it.

It would, furthermore, most certainly not be a waste if you backed out now. What would be a waste is if you entered a profession you did not want to and, years down the road, came to regret your decision.

 

[AmirTimur]

Hey everyone,

I've been a lurker here since my sophomore year of high school, and I never really bothered to make an account until today for the sole purpose of getting some feedback for my question..

Why medicine? - I don't care if you are in undergrad, in medical school, or are a practicing physician, I want to know why / how you came to your decision that medicine was for you and whether or not you believe I would be suitable for the field.

My circumstances, a very long read:

For as long as I can remember, I've always "wanted" to be a doctor, so I worked tirelessly for all of these years, made excellent grades, obtained strong LORs, got my clinical experiences in, worked(ing) at a private practice, stomped the MCAT, jumped through all of the hoops, etc, etc.

I don't know if I am just unbelievably burnt out or if I've finally seen through my disillusioned reality, but for the past six~ months, I have lost all of my motivation and interest in medicine. I will even go so far as to say that since the end of spring semester, I have done nothing related to medicine other than going to work.

I am currently working at a private practice right now, and I actually dreaded going there for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I thought I was just having a bad day but it has gotten to the point where I want to quit because everything about it seems uninteresting.

I had my whole cookie cutter life planned out and I never actually questioned my decision to pursue medicine because I was so foreclosed on it. Can I see myself as a competent physician? Yes. Can I see myself as a happy physician? I don't know.

I know that this topic has been absolutely beaten to death, but I was compelled to post this today because frankly, I am completely lost.

My entire family is supporting my venture to medical school and my parents will pay for tuition so there really are no strings attached. My relatives quite literally, took me aside and asked me to take over their practices & patients once I get certified, depending on which specialty (if I even..) that I choose. Every one of my pre-med friends have questioned my sanity when I explain my situation to them, but I am unsure if this is what I really want.

I am currently leaning toward taking this summer off and trying to figure out what I want out of my life, but I feel that sitting around for the next two months won't lead me to the answer that I am looking for.

I am aware of the golden rule: "Don't enter medicine if there is something else you would rather do." But after spending more than half of my life obsessively chasing this so-called dream of mine, it would be a waste to give it all up and pursue something else entirely, would it not? Another thing is that certain circumstances in my extended family have led my relatives to label me as the centerpiece of my generation, and I don't want to disappoint everyone by suddenly following this change of heart. Not to mention, they took the liberty of asking some of their colleagues and friends to mentor me through medical school once I got in.. So the more time that I waste deliberating, the more the plan for me to go to medical school materializes.

Is there anything else I would rather do? I really, really, really, don't know. I have always been an adaptable person, never really liking or hating things that were thrown my way. To me, medicine is just, eh. So is managing my portfolio. So is playing online poker. So is learning another language. To me these are all just things to do, neither incredibly enjoyable nor mind-numbingly boring, just bearable.

When I really think about it, even if physicians made only half of what they currently make, it would still be, eh.
But if the path to becoming one only took half of the time, I would probably finish my applications by tonight.

I think I am afraid of committing over a decade of my life just to become a physician, let alone spending a large portion of the rest of my life working as one. I currently no longer see medicine as a calling as I once did in the past, and this frightens me.

Is it time to give up on medicine? Or is it time to see a therapist? Or both?

Thank you in advanced for taking the time to respond.

I'd like to chip in my 2 cents, and agree with some previous posters. TAKE SOME TIME OFF! It's OK to go to medical school at 25, you don't have to go straight to med school after college. Life is not all about medicine, there is so much more in terms of self discovery and so many other interests you may develop. TRAVEL. See the world, see what kind of people there are, how they live, what they do and why they do what they do, be open minded. Removing yourself from anything medical for a year or so will be crucial in letting you know where you stand and why you think the thoughts you think. Also, remember, there are so many career paths within medicine, that you don't even have to be the typical PCP or country doc. If you really love science, there is research etc...

 

[EnergyDrink]

When I was absurdly young I would have near panicking attacks about mortality. Not quite sure why. This eventually led into a desire to find purpose in life, and I started reading a lot about philosophy, physics, and religion. I started reading about early evolution, self-replicating ribozymes, a lot of Matt Ridley and Theodosius Dobzhansky. This is really how I started becoming interested in biology, especially the molecular and chemical underpinnings.

I wanted to stay in research, so I went to graduate school. I realized that the lab lacks regular interaction with people, something I enjoyed as a teacher and volunteer worker. I started measuring all of the things I enjoy. I shadowed some physicians and I fell in love with what they did, and saw myself doing that.

Unlike most applicants, my family isn't really excited that I'm going into medicine. I'm the only one in my family with an bachelors. They're proud of me, and they support me because they like seeing me happy, but they don't make it a secret that they'd rather see me doing something else. I love 'em, even if they don't think academic work is real work (I'll spend 12 hours in the lab and they wonder why I'm tired). It has sent me to the breaking point more than a few times, but I always come back to my dream.

 

[Morsetlis]

It sounds cliché and thus insincere/unthoughtful.

👍

 

[TheNewDocToBe]

Answer is "why not?"

 

[coyfish]

Well put Amir.

I hate the whole "passion for medicine" as a premed idea. How can you love riding bulls if you have never ridden a bull? The answer is you don't. You say, "oh that seems cool and then you do what it takes to get on that bull." Unfortunately for medicine it takes a lot of sacrifice to get on the bull for the first time which is why there are many unhappy physicians.

I thought I needed some cinderalla story to succeed at a medical career. Some higher calling... Took a year off to work to help look for that. I realized that it doesn't matter what you do... to succeed you work HARD.

I chose to go to med school because it makes me happy. I don't really care why.

 

[Starlightembers]

Well put Amir.

I hate the whole "passion for medicine" as a premed idea. How can you love riding bulls if you have never ridden a bull? The answer is you don't. You say, "oh that seems cool and then you do what it takes to get on that bull." Unfortunately for medicine it takes a lot of sacrifice to get on the bull for the first time which is why there are many unhappy physicians.

I thought I needed some cinderalla story to succeed at a medical career. Some higher calling... Took a year off to work to help look for that. I realized that it doesn't matter what you do... to succeed you work HARD.

I chose to go to med school because it makes me happy. I don't really care why.

I am curious as to how your statements do not contradict themselves. You state that you dislike the idea of premedical students feeling passion or love for medicine when they have not had the experience to know; but you then state that you yourself went to medical school as the end result would make you happy. How did you have any more ability to know at the time it would bring you happiness than the student who believes they feel passionate or love for it?

To note, I do not support the idea of an applicant needing a "Cinderella story" to do well, as people are too varied in their needs to make that assumption; but, as someone who has had close contact with the medical field for most of my life, I do not see how it is silly or absurd or hate-inducing that I feel passionate about wanting to have the same impact on others that my physicians had on me. Will I truly know if I love it until I am there? No, of course not, that would be impossible; however, I believe it possible to make an informed choice and to feel passionate about the idea of helping others in a way that only physicians can.

I'm not trying to criticize you or claim to know more, as a premedical student, than a medical student; but I couldn't help note the contradiction.

 

[coyfish]

"Will I truly know if I love it until I am there? No, of course not, that would be impossible"

That is my point starlight.

I agree with basically your entire post. Just realize I never said being a doctor is what made me happy. It probably will but I said that being a med student is what makes me happy.Right here right now. I just find it frustrating when people fool themselves / others into believing they are pursuing the goal of medicine for any other reason than the truth. Because medicine is more than just helping others. It is an evolving lifestyle.

 

[typicalindian]

Honestly? I loved medical tv shows as a child so I checked out the field as I got older. Obviously what I found out from volunteering and shadowing was completely different than TV, but it was so much more interesting and I've stuck with it since.

 

[painterly]

I decided that I wanted to go into medicine because I got a really intensive, 2-month experience on a surgical team and I thought it was fantastic. Loved everything about it, even the sleep deprivation was tolerable (barely).
Honestly, if you're having a crisis of faith, just take a year off, study different things, sign up to teach English abroad, just go spend some time away from the academic world for awhile doing something that would be relaxing and broaden your horizons. I've met someone who was in situation just like yours--grades, extracurriculars, MCAT, all good to go. But he had doubts about his reasons for going (whether he was going bc he wanted to, or if it was something his parents wanted him to do). So he took a year off, and then another year after that, and now he's happily on his way to getting a PhD in psychology with no regrets. It is possible out of medicine, find a field you actually enjoy, and still fulfill your family's high expectations (if that's something that's very important to you). Taking a year off won't tarnish your chances at medical school as long as you do something productive and you can talk about why you thought it was enriching at an interview. There is plenty of time to make your decision whether or not to go.