Why on earth would you go to med school?

[Law2Doc]

One last word. The money matter.

Some of the posters here attempt to undermine my credibility by alleging that money was my primary motivation when I decided to pursue medicine.

We didn't allege anything. We quoted YOU jealously complaining that your high school friends were all driving BMWs. If that wasn't your focus, you wouldn't care. I think folks should read between the lines here. Nilf made a bad choice, given his expectations and goals. Those of you of like mind are also making a bad choice. But if you are coming from a different point and with a different target, it might not be a bad choice. It all depends on what YOU are all about. As I said before medicine can be a great career for some, and a horrible career for others. As can law, as can business, as can dentistry, etc. Explore a lot of options and only then decide what jibes for you. Don't waste time with cost benefit analysis -- this isn't how you choose a long term career, this is how you make a short term investment. Because the money is never going to be worth it if you don't enjoy it -- when you are spending 60+ hours/day at your job, that is pretty much the bulk of your life, not something you can put a price tag on.

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[nimbusadjust120]

No matter how much i need to sacrifice to make it into medical school and graduated to become a respiratory specialist, i feel that it is worth it. I don't really care about my salary and i don't even care whether they are going to pay me or not. I just need some money to eat, for accommodation and that's it. The interest in studying medicine, to be someone whom others can look up to you when they fell ill, to be someone useful to the society..

Well, anyway.. i am from Singapore and my country is in severe shortage of doctors. I am an asthmatic too and i feel that i should do something to help my own 'kind' of people..

To thread OP, your post will not cause any impact on my future decision and career. I have already made up my mind to become a slave doctor for my home country forever..

 

[uclabruins47]

Nilf is right.

4 years down the line, don't say you weren't warned.

 

[Wylde]

It's because I sat down, and made a cost-benefit analysis of my past 10 years.

Include the next 10 years as well, then see what you think??

Medical education is very time consuming (obviously), but look at the benefits you get when it's all over.

 

[135892]

Nilf is right.

4 years down the line, don't say you weren't warned.

Ha, do you regret going into medicine as well then?

 

[uclabruins47]

Ha, do you regret going into medicine as well then?

After doing some tweaking with numbers on my debt of $200k, and the current cost of buying a house and other expenses, and the current interest rate of 7%, short answer is yes.

 

[uclabruins47]

Include the next 10 years as well, then see what you think??

Medical education is very time consuming (obviously), but look at the benefits you get when it's all over.

You are overestimating the benefits you will receive as an attending.
Most people only look at themselves as being the top 5% of the nation's salary earners. they fail to realize the cost of
-200k debt
-25-100k malpractice
-higher tax bracket
all of which other jobs do not incur, and yet their salary is only slightly lower.

 

[LuckyMiner]

 

[Gut Shot]

she wished she could do it all over again and be an architect.

That's pretty funny. Architects as a whole have an incredible lack of job stability, and the vast majority of them work their tails off for slave wages. The income/stability distribution reminds me of actors, where a select few can command choice jobs and salaries, and the rest scrape to get by.

 

[DadofDr2B]

are you kidding??? Doctor is probably is one of the most secure jobs out there. I mean, why would all the people just all of a sudden stop falling sick? Yeah, you can say that physicians aren't being compensated as they used to, they are losing their independence to CEOs of insurance companies and the government, etc. but to say that doctors' future is very uncertain is rubbish. The number of medical school seats is very tightly regulated and there is projected to be a HUGE physician shortage in the future, especially with all these baby boomers retiring.

C'om dude, I think you are troll

I just read that an OB-Gyn is thinking of closing his practice in Atlanta. He delivers medicaid babies and is reimbursed $1200 for the full term of treatment including delivery from the State of Georgia. Right now it is costing him $2200 per baby with no profit.

I guess he needs a bigger practice so he can go in the hole faster or he needs to stop helping the poor.

If you do the economic analysis, you will not do as well as you might expect. As the gentlemen stated there is a huge opportunity cost when entering MD field. Many other jobs selling medically important equipment to doing your own research and patenting your own discoveries to teaching or being a medical illustrator can be just as fulfilling and may be more profitable.

Only go into medicine if it is the only thing that will satisfy you. The money could be a problem because many MD's do not have a clue about finances nor how to make the banks and insurance people compete for the money that comes through a practice. Many are defrauded by employees, many are exploited by insurance companies, many are exploited by their patients, and many don't know business as well as they know medicine.

Making money is sometimes easier to make than to keep.

 

[Nilf]

- chicks
- access to drugs
- money
- prestige
- chicks
- the opportunity to crack people open
- chicks dig blood stains
- the cash
- autonomy
- to pimp the white coat
- chicks

i think that about covers it all...

Scratch autonomy from the list. And few nurses look like the ones from TV shows.

 

[Nilf]

This the beauty of an MD - it is recognized world wide. I will be practicing in other countries, and I've done a lot of research and found that an MD from a United States medical school is incredibly versatile and flexible. The sheer options I will have excite me.

Very poor reason to go into medicine. I seriously hope you didn't mention it on your interview. Overwhelming majority of MDs do not practice outside of US. Once you are established here, it is very difficult logistically to 'practice in other countries'. There MIGHT be locum tenents (check spelling) opportunities abroad, but these are limited at best IMO. Doctors without borders usually seek certain specialties, and you are unlikely to turn this into a career. Once you practice here, your partners willl expect you to do your work.

 

[Nilf]

No matter how much i need to sacrifice to make it into medical school and graduated to become a respiratory specialist, i feel that it is worth it. I don't really care about my salary and i don't even care whether they are going to pay me or not. I just need some money to eat, for accommodation and that's it. The interest in studying medicine, to be someone whom others can look up to you when they fell ill, to be someone useful to the society..

Well, anyway.. i am from Singapore and my country is in severe shortage of doctors. I am an asthmatic too and i feel that i should do something to help my own 'kind' of people..

To thread OP, your post will not cause any impact on my future decision and career. I have already made up my mind to become a slave doctor for my home country forever..

I must congratulate you on your decision, it's very noble and altruistic. However, most premeds in the US have other motivations than you.

 

[majik1213]

I'd rather be simply appreciated than esteemed .. the prestige means nothing to me, the money, nothing. I wouldn't mind becoming a US doctor and going to Africa to practice.

 

[Nilf]

You are overestimating the benefits you will receive as an attending.
Most people only look at themselves as being the top 5% of the nation's salary earners. they fail to realize the cost of
-200k debt
-25-100k malpractice
-higher tax bracket
all of which other jobs do not incur, and yet their salary is only slightly lower.

Don't forget to add that while you were slaving away in medschool, residency, and fellowship for 10 years, the other people were saving money and putting them into CDs and mutual funds. It's all about opportunity cost.

 

[Logjammin]

Some of you pre-meds are delusional.

Medicine is going to undergo some seriously scary changes, and take a turn for the worst. Get ready for when the next president tries to socialize healthcare

The profession has taken a giant dump for so many reasons. 10 years is a long time and you will not be able to get it back when you are forced into doing cash only botique medicine. I have so much respect for physicians - i wish it were legal for you all to unionize and turn some of this garbage around for the profession.

Best career option as far as I am concerned is Dentistry or Pharmacy if you are interested in staying in the realm of medicine. Both are absolutely booming right now, opposed to being in other specialties of medicine. Can't beat working 35 hours a week, and grossing astronomical numbers, and saving about 6 years of your life. You just have to have a passion for it, luckily I do

 

[8744]

I have to say that I don't think much of your comments. You are definitely prophesying doom where I don't think any is much to be found. I also don't think that you have a healthy perception of the value of being in the medical field...


...I am not going into medicine for the money or the autonomy or the prestige. I am going into medicine because I love science and I love thinking and I love being able to offer people life, both in quantity and quality. To be able to indulge myself in each of the three to a tremendous degree day in and day out provides me with an incredible sense of personal reward. I fail to see changes that will take those out of medicine...

Har har. Bwahhahhaa. Oh man. Stop. Your killing me!

I would say that you are somewhat sheltered from the realities of medicine. I may not agree completely with the OP but I agree completely with his sentiments. For my part, there is no way in hell, knowing what I know now, I would have done what I have done. I'm not saying I don't like being a doctor because I do but only that I can see that I would have been just as happy doing something else, and probably more successful. I was a much better structural engineer than I am a doctor, you understand.

 

[patiencebites]

Thanks guys, that was a thought provoking thread. It really helped clear up the lingering doubts I have had about medicine.

It's easy to talk about 8 years of commitment for nothing, but for most of that time I will be increasingly involved in patient care, learning new skills and new things all along.

Would I rather be 200K in the hole, with eight years that I feel good about, where I tried my hardest and really did something? Or would I rather be at some job, with a meticulously kept record of all my great investments, and 401K's, and bank accounts- and a nice car and a big TV to think about while I wait for another day of my life to end so I can go home and be with them?

You only live once.

 

[fisko82]

Hear me now, pre-med fools. Choose another path before it's too late. The path you're on now leads toward certain misery and defeat. Those in medicine are truly Satan's most miserable children. Devoid of happiness and filled with regret, these medical bores are doomed to eternal damnation. Don't make their same mistake. Get out now. Save yourself. If you choose to continue down this path, don't say I didn't warn you--you'll have my pity, and nothing more. May God have mercy on your pre-med soul.

 

[Mr hawkings]

I have have this conversation at length with my wife (an anesthesiologist) and what ive come to realize is that if i'm going to do this, its certanly not going to be for money or prestige. its just not a smart financial decision.

i'm lucky enough that her income when i do start will be enough that i will not have to worry about the monetary aspect of this argument so i can pursue medicine based solely on my altruistic goals to help people from my country where there are less than 200 doctors for a nation of 20 million.
I do think though that my wife does sometimes regret choosing medicine based on the post med school debt and dealing with the health care system so i understand anyone who says they would not do it if they has a second chance.

 

[Auron]

Hear me now, pre-med fools. Choose another path before it's too late. The path you're on now leads toward certain misery and defeat. Those in medicine are truly Satan's most miserable children. Devoid of happiness and filled with regret, these medical bores are doomed to eternal damnation. Don't make their same mistake. Get out now. Save yourself. If you choose to continue down this path, don't say I didn't warn you--you'll have my pity, and nothing more. May God have mercy on your pre-med soul.

Wait a minute, are you telling me that medicine is in fact not all rainbows and kittens?

 

[Nilf]

Har har. Bwahhahhaa. Oh man. Stop. Your killing me!

I would say that you are somewhat sheltered from the realities of medicine. I may not agree completely with the OP but I agree completely with his sentiments. For my part, there is no way in hell, knowing what I know now, I would have done what I have done. I'm not saying I don't like being a doctor because I do but only that I can see that I would have been just as happy doing something else, and probably more successful. I was a much better structural engineer than I am a doctor, you understand.

I agree with the above 100% (I smell a paradox

 

[Concubine]

Does anyone else actually get a rush from all of this?

- 200K debt? Bring it on.
- long hours? Bring it on.
- malpractice stress? Bring it on.
- dead-beat patients, annoying pharm reps, and lawyers on your *** 24/7? Bring it on.

I've heard from many people that going into medicine is the equivelant of committing career suicide. I feel like a lemming about to run off a cliff. However, I'm no stranger to this. My whole life up till now has been running off of cliffs. So, the only thing I can do is keep going. So, bring it on.

 

[Auron]

Does anyone else actually get a rush from all of this?

- 200K debt? Bring it on.
- long hours? Bring it on.
- malpractice stress? Bring it on.
- dead-beat patients, annoying pharm reps, and lawyers on your *** 24/7? Bring it on.

I've heard from many people that going into medicine is the equivelant of committing career suicide. I feel like a lemming about to run off a cliff. However, I'm no stranger to this. My whole life up till now has been running off of cliffs. So, the only thing I can do is keep going. So, bring it on.

You go concubine! Jump off that cliff like no other, I believe in you.

Joking aside, I'm not phased a bit by the OP and others like him. If you've ever seen people in other professions you'll realize that no profession is free from politics and irritating people. Compared to most other professions and considering a number of factors - Medicine is excellent.

I always keep this in mind: "Nothing worth having in life is easy." Medicine is difficult no doubt, but I love a challenge, and look forward to it.

 

[Jolie South]

Does anyone else actually get a rush from all of this?

- 200K debt? Bring it on.
- long hours? Bring it on.
- malpractice stress? Bring it on.
- dead-beat patients, annoying pharm reps, and lawyers on your *** 24/7? Bring it on.

I've heard from many people that going into medicine is the equivelant of committing career suicide. I feel like a lemming about to run off a cliff. However, I'm no stranger to this. My whole life up till now has been running off of cliffs. So, the only thing I can do is keep going. So, bring it on.

I'm actually the same way.

Moving to a hella hot place where you don't know anyone and can't speak the language - check

trying to work and get people to like you in the environment mentioned above - check

getting into a motorcycle accident, having the driver abandon you, and then struggling to make your way to a hospital 40 miles away while bleeding in above environment which lacks EMS - check

getting married to a non-english speaking foreigner and then helping him adapt to American life while at the same time bringing in money to keep myself afloat financially - check

moving in with parents when they have met said husband a total of one time - check

I'm all over it. If something's easy, it's not worth it.

 

[Nilf]

Does anyone else actually get a rush from all of this?

- 200K debt? Bring it on.
- long hours? Bring it on.
- malpractice stress? Bring it on.
- dead-beat patients, annoying pharm reps, and lawyers on your *** 24/7? Bring it on.

I've heard from many people that going into medicine is the equivelant of committing career suicide. I feel like a lemming about to run off a cliff. However, I'm no stranger to this. My whole life up till now has been running off of cliffs. So, the only thing I can do is keep going. So, bring it on.

It's more than that.

You will discover soon that most patients don't like you. Then, you'll discover that you don't like most patients. Then you'll find out that 'helping others', 'giving people life', and 'increasing human life both in quantity and quality' translates into chasing paperwork on the floor, politics with hospital staff, staying up whole night in the OR while holding retractor and then being yelled at for closing your eyes during morning rounds.

 

[coldweatherblue]

It's more than that.

You will discover soon that most patients don't like you. Then, you'll discover that you don't like most patients.

What may be true for you may not be true for someone else.

As I said before, much respect for you as you have gone through the process of medical education. However, you should understand that your opinions and views regarding medicine are representative of both external pressures AND your own personality and the way that you respond to those pressures.

Different people thrive in different situations, and while you may feel it necessary to come into a pre-medical forum and express your disappointment with the investment you have made in medicine, it doesn't mean that what you have experienced will be true for everyone; like I said your opinion is a product of the external forces (paperwork, insurance, rude attendings) AND your response to them. While all of us here will likely experience similar problems, each of us will respond to them differently and it is our right to be able to determine whether or not we thrive in these situations.

So thank you for taking the time to share your views; I am sorry you have been disappointed by medicine. With an MD there are many options one can pursue so I am sure that you will find something you enjoy. I remain confident that matriculating is not "career suicide" and that within medicine one will always be able to find a stable, valued, well-compensated career.

 

[Concubine]

It's more than that.

You will discover soon that most patients don't like you. Then, you'll discover that you don't like most patients. Then you'll find out that 'helping others', 'giving people life', and 'increasing human life both in quantity and quality' translates into chasing paperwork on the floor, politics with hospital staff, staying up whole night in the OR while holding retractor and then being yelled at for closing your eyes during morning rounds.

Yes, I can totally see myself as giving the same advice as you are years down the road. Overall, I think I'll be ok because (someone please correct me if these are not attributes of being a physician):

1. I like responsibility.
2. I like being challenged.
3. I like continually changing/improving/learning.
4. I like the people that are in medicine. It's kind of refreshing to work in and around them (they are a different breed).
5. I like accomplishment, seeing the direct benefits of what I do.

I also understand that like any job, I'll have to put up with the bull**** I don't like to do (such as):

1. Repetitive paperwork and signing my name a million times a day (unfortunately, I already do this).
2. Red tape and Beauracracy.
3. Dealing with cranky people.

 

[Concubine]

Amendment: And damn, I've explored a lot of other careers and I really can't imagine doing anything else.

 

[Doublecortin]

I just read that an OB-Gyn is thinking of closing his practice in Atlanta. He delivers medicaid babies and is reimbursed $1200 for the full term of treatment including delivery from the State of Georgia. Right now it is costing him $2200 per baby with no profit.

I guess he needs a bigger practice so he can go in the hole faster or he needs to stop helping the poor.

If you do the economic analysis, you will not do as well as you might expect. As the gentlemen stated there is a huge opportunity cost when entering MD field. Many other jobs selling medically important equipment to doing your own research and patenting your own discoveries to teaching or being a medical illustrator can be just as fulfilling and may be more profitable.

Only go into medicine if it is the only thing that will satisfy you. The money could be a problem because many MD's do not have a clue about finances nor how to make the banks and insurance people compete for the money that comes through a practice. Many are defrauded by employees, many are exploited by insurance companies, many are exploited by their patients, and many don't know business as well as they know medicine.

Making money is sometimes easier to make than to keep.

yeah, I agree that many doctors are SOO clueless about the business of medicine. I think the whole culture needs to be changed, I think many pre-meds and med students feel like since they are going to be doctors, the money issue is a taboo, they feel like if they mention the "M" word, they'll automatically be looked upon as greedy bastards by their classmates, administration, and general public as "doing it for the $$$".
That's wrong, I don't see a contradiction about caring about the financial health of your practice/family and physical and psychological health of your patients .

 

[Concubine]

yeah, I agree that many doctors are SOO clueless about the business of medicine. I think the whole culture needs to be changed, I think many pre-meds and med students feel like since they are going to be doctors, the money issue is a taboo, they feel like if they mention the "M" word, they'll automatically be looked upon as greedy bastards by their classmates, administration, and general public as "doing it for the $$$".
That's wrong, I don't see a contradiction about caring about the financial health of your practice/family and physical and psychological health of your patients .

If I'm going to be putting a lot of time/effort/sweat/tears/blood into becoming a doctor, they sure as hell better compensate me for it.

 

[sunny1]

It's more than that.

You will discover soon that most patients don't like you. Then, you'll discover that you don't like most patients.

Look, I'm obviously not a physician, but I'm sorry -- this just isn't true from my experiences working in clinical settings in different departments. Sure there are times the physicians derive some dark humor from a family's sad or, heck, pathetic situation and there are other patients (or relatives of theirs) they truly don't like to deal with, but the majority are liked and cared for. Vice versa with the patients liking their docs. Again, maybe it's just the departments I've been in, but if most patients don't like you and you don't like most patients, I'd say the problem is you.

However, you're in Path and happy (as you have previously posted). Looks like you made the best choice for your situation.

 

[tncekm]

Make another column, and put everything that you WOULD have achieved if you didn't go to medschool. You may look at your old college friends and what they do now. Now add both columns together. That's the true cost of career in medicine.

Assuming what one WOULD have achieved had they chosen a course of action that seems better, in hind-sight, than their current isn't something one could count on as a reasonable judgement, IMHO.

As of uncertain future, open Wall Street Journal, Economist, or NY Times sometimes to get more answers.

I can't argue with this. I really want to go into medicine for what I believe are all the right reasons. I'm willing to absorb the opportunity-cost that I have already considered. However, looking at the current state of politics I am quite scared to make this decision because I don't want to have $150k in debt only to have my life ruined by politicians who think my sacrifices weren't worth a salary that can cover my educational loans and who believe that government employees, far removed from the field of medicine, know what's best for each and every person in this country and will regulate me accordingly.

 

[Concubine]

Look, I'm obviously not a physician, but I'm sorry -- this just isn't true from my experiences working in clinical settings in different departments. Sure there are times the physicians derive some dark humor from a family's sad or, heck, pathetic situation and there are other patients (or relatives of theirs) they truly don't like to deal with, but the majority are liked and cared for. Vice versa with the patients liking their docs. Again, maybe it's just the departments I've been in, but if most patients don't like you and you don't like most patients, I'd say the problem is you.

However, you're in Path and happy (as you have previously posted). Looks like you made the best choice for your situation.

Medicine is a people job. I can see Nilf's point, but I think I get along great with people. Yeah there are some I don't like, but there are also plenty (most people) I do like. I usually don't get along with the people that seem to always have a chip on thier shoulder. However, I'm pretty tolerant/patient and can put on a good face when I need to.

 

[Luxian]

getting into a motorcycle accident, having the driver abandon you, and then struggling to make your way to a hospital 40 miles away while bleeding in above environment which lacks EMS - check

Whoo-boy! You are one tough chick! Brava!

You too Concubine. Bring it on!

I think us non-trads finally have an advantage here. We're coming at this with a little bit more realism. Having worked in and with government agencies for the last five years, I don't have the illusion that there's some lalaland that has no bureaucracy.

Some people dream of going into private practice and being their own boss, not realizing that this also means they will be their own HR person, biller, admin, and janitor. Some people dream of saving lives and then forget that the human race has a 100% mortality rate. This is still an amazing profession, don't get me wrong, but anyone who thinks the hard stuff ends when you graduate med school, well, they've got the wrong idea.

 

[tncekm]

It's more than that.

You will discover soon that most patients don't like you. Then, you'll discover that you don't like most patients.

My moms tenant, a BSN working in the ICU, (and probably the nicest lady on the planet), was just complaining that she got screamed at, after simply introducing herself to her patient in English, by some little Mexican lady because she didn't speak spanish... She was pretty irate and she says that does happen around here (CA). However, despite all that she seems to really love what she does.

I also worked with a Nephrologist who seemed to genuinely like working with his patients, and they all seemed to genuinely like him. I worked with a Neurosurgeon who loved what he does! I also worked with two radiologists: one was a businessman and the other was a doctor working for a businessman who wishes he was a businessmen--he sounded like you talking about opportunity cost, etc, etc.

I think the point is, everybody is different and I'm pretty sure that none of us will really know if we'll enjoy this career or not until we're in it. Those of us who got into it for the money may regret it quicker than those of us who didn't, however, we won't know until we're at the position you're at now. In addition, I'm glad to hear you're in Path Seems like a perfect fit!

 

[Nilf]

Medicine is a people job. I can see Nilf's point, but I think I get along great with people. Yeah there are some I don't like, but there are also plenty (most people) I do like. I usually don't get along with the people that seem to always have a chip on thier shoulder. However, I'm pretty tolerant/patient and can put on a good face when I need to.

I'll responding to Concubine's multiple posts.

1. You're saying that you chose medicine because like the responsibility, challenge, you like continuously improve and learn, you get along great with people, etc.

My answer: almost every career will give you plenty of the above. Look wider.

2. You're saying: "If I'm going to be putting a lot of time/effort/sweat/tears/blood into becoming a doctor, they sure as hell better compensate me for it."

My answer: they won't.

3. You're saying: "And damn, I've explored a lot of other careers and I really can't imagine doing anything else."

My answer: you didn't explore the medical career ENOUGH.

 

[Jolie South]

Whoo-boy! You are one tough chick! Brava!

I think us non-trads finally have an advantage here. We're coming at this with a little bit more realism. Having worked in and with government agencies for the last five years, I don't have the illusion that there's some lalaland that has no bureaucracy.

Some people dream of going into private practice and being their own boss, not realizing that this also means they will be their own HR person, biller, admin, and janitor. Some people dream of saving lives and then forget that the human race has a 100% mortality rate. This is still an amazing profession, don't get me wrong, but anyone who thinks the hard stuff ends when you graduate med school, well, they've got the wrong idea.

You're so right about the lalaland without bureaucracy. It's everywhere!

 

[Concubine]

I'll responding to Concubine's multiple posts.

3. You're saying: "And damn, I've explored a lot of other careers and I really can't imagine doing anything else."

My answer: you didn't explore the medical career ENOUGH.

Perhaps, and I know I'm taking a gamble. However, if I am wrong, what better way to learn than to fall hard? If I'm right? Well need I say more?

I think I've done what I can to familiarize myself with medicine. My clinical exposure comes from (I know, pretty small) a miniscule 100 hours + of volunteering in the ER. However, I've been a microbiologist for 3 years now and I find myself craving a more direct application of my skills. I'll test a new antibiotic for a year or so, but will never get to see the actual clinical application. I'll simulate a plethora of clinical tests in the lab, but never do I get to see or do it in real-life. I think my time has come to do what I think I want to do!

 

[Concubine]

I'll responding to Concubine's multiple posts.

2. You're saying: "If I'm going to be putting a lot of time/effort/sweat/tears/blood into becoming a doctor, they sure as hell better compensate me for it."

My answer: they won't.

Grow up in a large family living on < $20,000 and what a doctor makes seems worth the effort to me.

 

[ladynice]

Lots of dumb premeds in this thread who thinks they now more about medicine than practicing physicians. For every reason you think you want to be in medicine you can assume that you will never experience that reason in your career.

 

[ladynice]

Grow up in a large family living on < $20,000 and what a doctor makes seems worth the effort to me.

And when you're a doctor you're not going to make what a doctor makes now. Wake up call

EDIT: oh and when you reach clinical medicine to see what your antibiotic did you will see that it either never reached clinical medicine or it gets over-prescribed and all bacteria gets resistant

 

[Concubine]

And when you're a doctor you're not going to make what a doctor makes now. Wake up call

EDIT: oh and when you reach clinical medicine to see what your antibiotic did you will see that it either never reached clinical medicine or it gets over-prescribed and all bacteria gets resistant

What? I'm still trying to make sense of your posts. If I don't make what a doctor makes currently then that's fine with me. Thats really wasn't the point of my post. I'm actually quite comfortable on my current salary, so any increase is a pretty good bonus.

Oh, and when I reach clinical medicine and see what my antibiotic did or didn't do, well then, that's where I get my high.

 

[novastorm]

this thread makes me laugh, especially the disgruntled residents. I kinda wish they required 1000 clinical hours like they do for PA applicants, that would get rid of most the people like you, and unfortunately your numbers are increasing because adcoms really don't give two ****s about if you actually want to be a doctor they just care about accepting the people with the highest grades.

I don't mean to offend but there was someone else that would have metaphorically killed to be in your shoes right now.

 

[sunny1]

It's kind of funny how this whole thread has evolved into all the pots calling the kettles black. Med students (ladynice) calling premeds dumb for wanting to go down this path, though they themselves are on the same road destined for...who knows at this point. Residents saying to turn around and never look back though some of them, too, are admittedly happy with their final situation even if they wouldn't choose it again. There's a lot of lusting after neighbors' lawns and dreaming of what ifs. It's good to have these conversations, but I think it's plain to see why some people refuse to be dissuaded from their goals aside from any naivete.

 

[coldweatherblue]

this thread reminds me of apocalypse hobo's:

Thanks for undermining our career decisions guys, I think I'll renounce my acceptance and keep waiting tables cause your anecdotal evidence has convinced me, "THE END OF MEDICINE IS NEAR!"

 

[Concubine]

Sorry for all of the posts, but am I wrong to be extatic about becoming a doctor? Maybe it is a "virgin" outlook on my future career, but it's one that none of you are likely to change.

There are a few things I believe strongly in: having a good attitude and being optimistic about everything I do. I also believe that regardless of how bad of an experience medicine may be, the least I'll get from it is a valuable life lesson.

 

[novastorm]

Sorry for all of the posts, but am I wrong to be extatic about becoming a doctor? Maybe it is a "virgin" outlook on my future career, but it's one that none of you are likely to change.

There are a few things I believe strongly in: having a good attitude and being optimistic about everything I do. I also believe that regardless of how bad of an experience medicine may be, the least I'll get from it is a valuable life lesson.

No this is a good thing. They just want you to be sure to understand that life is much more difficult and less rewarding then they anticipated and are trying to convey their misconceptions to you in an effort to help you.

 

[nevercold]

this thread reminds me of apocalypse hobo's:

Thanks for undermining our career decisions guys, I think I'll renounce my acceptance and keep waiting tables cause your anecdotal evidence has convinced me, "THE END OF MEDICINE IS NEAR!"

Agreed. I was talking to my old pediatrician and she remarked that she was only making about $120k (after practice overheads) working 50 hours/wk now. I mean, how do you live on that? She's already gotten 3 separate notices in the mail from the government that pediatrics is going to be phased out by new episodes of Dora the Explorer in the next 2 years. She agreed that I would be better off doing something I don't really enjoy working 50 hrs/wk but for $200k/yr. After all, with hate levels at an all time high of 91%, you don't want to interact with people because they will hate on you.

If any of you premeds want anecdotal evidence, I'll introduce you to dozens of physicians who love what they do and feel satisfied by their career choice. Don't do it for the money. But the money is not bad.

 

[nevercold]

No this is a good thing. They just want you to be sure to understand that life is much more difficult and less rewarding then they anticipated and are trying to convey their misconceptions to you in an effort to help you.

Actually that would be fine, but the OP took the stance in several of his original posts that medicine was a bad idea for everyone. He was very absolute and matter-of-fact about it, rather than offering guidance. I think this is why many of us are finding his advice less than optimally useful. He cited several decision-making factors for him that were quite remarkably inconsistent with the values of many of the individuals on this message board.