You wanna be a what? Get serious!!!

[Dr Wannabee]

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Has anyone else gotten this type of response? It seems like people think that doctors are some form of "super human" and that only certain people who are ordained at birth can go into this profession. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?

Also, has anyone else had problems with friends who seem to resent the fact that you want to go a little further than just a 4 year degree. Its the whole "You think you're better than me" syndrome.

 

[DrYo12]

Word!

 

[Uegis]

Has anyone else gotten this type of response? It seems like people think that doctors are some form of "super human" and that only certain people who are ordained at birth can go into this profession. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?

Also, has anyone else had problems with friends who seem to resent the fact that you want to go a little further than just a 4 year degree. Its the whole "You think you're better than me" syndrome.

Most of my friends and family are very encouraging. Its usually physicians who tell me not to become a doctor. How ironic, haha.

 

[BlueMagpie]

Also, has anyone else had problems with friends who seem to resent the fact that you want to go a little further than just a 4 year degree. Its the whole "You think you're better than me" syndrome.

Sometimes I feel a little self-conscious telling people that I'm applying to med school whenever I'm asked what I'm doing. I'm certainly not embarrassed, but I agree with you in that I worry that people will feel bad, or think I'm trying to convey how much "better" I am.

 

[drguy22]

there were people that thought that i couldnt even go to a medical school period...and that i was dreaming...and they told me to get back to reality......well....this includes family and friends.....however, i am living in reality....in my room i have a acceptance letter from medical school in a frame....my family and friends were all shocked! my friends especially b/c i applied for the same cycle and found out 2.5 months before them 🙂

 

[musiclink213]

my parents thought it was just a phase, that i'd get over it. now that they realize this is what i want to do, they think i'm crazy. but they know i'm incredibly stubborn and they can't change my mind. most of my friends are actually going past a 4 year degree as well, so they really don't care. but osme people are just like, what, are you crazy? and then they kinda distance themselves from you.

 

[Fermata]

Honestly, and this is just my opinion........I would only let a very small amount of people know what your goals are. It's just not worth the effort to be extremely open about it.

If peope laugh then you need move on. If something small like this bothers you then you are in for a rude awakening about what lies in wait in life.

 

[CoverMe]

Honestly, and this is just my opinion........I would only let a very small amount of people know what your goals are. It's just not worth the effort to be extremely open about it.

If peope laugh then you need move on. If something small like this bothers you then you are in for a rude awakening about what lies in wait in life.

Absolutely. First of all, for the people who are below and looking up, they're going to think you're bragadocious. For the people who have already achieved it, or are farther in school than you, those people will remember all of the many many many people who have started out saying they were going to be doctors, but washed out in undergrad and take it with a grain of salt.

I have a limited amount of people who know I was awarded an interview, and already I'm regretting it... they ask me about it DAILY, and my interview isn't until the 12th!!! It's almost as bad as SDN for upping the pressure!!

These days, when people ask me my plans, I say "Oh, I don't know, maybe some sort of grad school, my plans are iffy right now." All entirely true, but vague enough and boring enough that they won't keep asking preguntas.

 

[lizbjrddnr]

I am very sorry that you guys have not had support from the important people in your life about your dreams. 🙁 I have been very fortunate to have a family that encourages me in whatever I want to do.

 

[CoverMe]

I am very sorry that you guys have not had support from the important people in your life about your dreams. 🙁 I have been very fortunate to have a family that encourages me in whatever I want to do.

Oh, I was talking about "everyone else"... NOT my family. Although, I only discuss these things with my very immediate family... because others will just nod and then say "I've had this problem with my foot, could you take a look at it?' 😕

 

[lizbjrddnr]

because others will just nod and then say "I've had this problem with my foot, could you take a look at it?' 😕

hehehe....

 

[Fusion]

there were people that thought that i couldnt even go to a medical school period...and that i was dreaming...and they told me to get back to reality......well....this includes family and friends.....however, i am living in reality....in my room i have a acceptance letter from medical school in a frame....my family and friends were all shocked! my friends especially b/c i applied for the same cycle and found out 2.5 months before them 🙂

Why exactly would anyone think you were not capable of going to med school with stats like yours?

 

[vikaskoth]

Sometimes I feel a little self-conscious telling people that I'm applying to med school whenever I'm asked what I'm doing. I'm certainly not embarrassed, but I agree with you in that I worry that people will feel bad, or think I'm trying to convey how much "better" I am.

Yea, well you can't let other peoples insecurities project onto yourself. Don't go up to someone who has applied three times and rejected and say "hey guess what i got into med school" that would be tactless, but don't feel ashamed. Applying to med school forces you to be brutally honest with yourself, do i want school for 4 more yrs, then 3-10ys training, do i want a family early, do i mind working with, stubborn, sick, unreasonable people at times. Some people lie to themselves and get in and then realize their mistake and drop out or just go through life doing the work as unhappy. (see allopathic forum for some threads like this)
I digress, just be honest and modest, if people take it the wrong way it's due to their own personal conflicts that aren't your problem.

 

[53948]

geez my heart really goes out to you guys who get no support... it's hard enough as it is...

 

[53948]

Yea, well you can't let other peoples insecurities project onto yourself. Don't go up to someone who has applied three times and rejected and say "hey guess what i got into med school" that would be tactless, but don't feel ashamed. Applying to med school forces you to be brutally honest with yourself, do i want school for 4 more yrs, then 3-10ys training, do i want a family early, do i mind working with, stubborn, sick, unreasonable people at times. Some people lie to themselves and get in and then realize their mistake and drop out or just go through life doing the work as unhappy. (see allopathic forum for some threads like this)
I digress, just be honest and modest, if people take it the wrong way it's due to their own personal conflicts that aren't your problem.

i agree with ALL of that... especially the part about REALLY finding out if medicine is right for you so that you don't end up living an unhappy life or dropping out...

 

[Blake]

That might be just me, but I never really cared about other opinions, unless they came from people really close to me ( family, and 2-3 friends ). Otherwise, you can be sure people will try to ruin your dreams and that kind of stuff. Believing in yourself is the key. Most of my classmates would be laughing if I told them I wanted to become a neurosurgeon. But I couldn't care less. I'll prove them wrong in 4 years 😉

 

[drguy22]

Why exactly would anyone think you were not capable of going to med school with stats like yours?

my stats are not stellar...but

they based their decision on my FIRST MCAT scores 7,9,9 (10,10,10 the 2nd time)....i was taking a 18 credit load of science and psych classes( orgo 2, medical ethics, etc etc,orgo lab)....so i had to study for those as well plus research...in addition..my first two semesters were poor...3.1 and a 3.3( i made it up the following 2 semesters by getttin a 3.917 and a 4.0). I guess its just the image that they got from HS as well..i was a slow starter....by the end of ninth grade i was in the top half of my class or sumthin like tat...and by the time i graduated i was 32/662 people.....but o well....i made it and proved myself 🙂

 

[Jeffy]

Even though I've always been a bit of an overachiever among my friends and did well in things, all of my friends have always considered me the "funny-guy." I'm always the one pulling pranks, telling offensive jokes, not taking things seriously, or in general just being a bit of an @ssholle. Even my professors in school know this.

So my problem is that people always give me the "well I hope you're never the one operating on me" or "something is truly wrong if Jeffy becomes a doctor." From my mom's friends on the other hand, they always tell me "I hpe you become a plastic surgeon that way you get rid of this [grabs onto gross pasty white flesh]."

 

[Shades McCool]

Has anyone else gotten this type of response? It seems like people think that doctors are some form of "super human" and that only certain people who are ordained at birth can go into this profession. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?

Also, has anyone else had problems with friends who seem to resent the fact that you want to go a little further than just a 4 year degree. Its the whole "You think you're better than me" syndrome.

It has been the opposite with me since I was little. I was taught that I shouldn't dip down and be any less than a doctor...it would be beneath me. I got pressure from all sides. Teachers, parents, coaches, and friends all did the same deal. Kind of funny now that I think about it.

 

[docbill]

Most doctors out there.. have a history of either being funny guy or not so bright.. but as long as the 4 years of Med school and the 2-8 years of residency gets you prepared for the real thing... who cares. People can choose their doctor.. and if they don't like him/her they won't go back.

 

[45408]

Most people always tell me that I'll get into med school, no problem. Of course, they have no idea what that entails, nor do they have to do all the hard work, but hey, it won't be a problem! People are probably skeptical because pre-med has a huge drop-out rate.

 

[kstone13]

I'm surprised that many of you guys are reserved about saying your applying to medical school. I tell people Im applying all the time and usually i receive sincere encouragement, its never been something that is a bother. Surrounding yourself with people who are comfortable with their own lives leaves little room for resentment, atleast that's my take. Plus, anytime "one of their own" has a chance at partaking in something as noble as medicine, thats grounds for a toast. Its like that movie "good will hunting", if its your fate, you got no choice but to accept it...atleast i hope it turns out to be my fate.

 

[beastly115]

.

 

[53948]

Even though I've always been a bit of an overachiever among my friends and did well in things, all of my friends have always considered me the "funny-guy." I'm always the one pulling pranks, telling offensive jokes, not taking things seriously, or in general just being a bit of an @ssholle. Even my professors in school know this.

So my problem is that people always give me the "well I hope you're never the one operating on me" or "something is truly wrong if Jeffy becomes a doctor." From my mom's friends on the other hand, they always tell me "I hpe you become a plastic surgeon that way you get rid of this [grabs onto gross pasty white flesh]."

haha i TOTALLY know how you feel (well the first paragaph at least, not the second)... i was always known as the class clown who was never serious about anything... i was the kid who sat in the back and cracked jokes and made fun of people... then they found out that i got into ucla and then they were like "hey this guy actually has a brain on him!" haha

 

[53948]

My friends and roomate all get mad when they see me studying. I'm serious, it's not unlikely for one of my friends to come into my room and say something "Oh my god, you're still studying?" or "Stop studying so much!" It amazes me. I'm the only person out of my friends that wants to go on to professional school, the others consist of business majors, one or two might try for law school. I guess they don't know how competitive it really is.

As far as my family is concerned, my dad is an ER physician. Nuff said.

i think EVERY serious pre-med knows how you feel haha

 

[Jeffy]

Most people always tell me that I'll get into med school, no problem. Of course, they have no idea what that entails, nor do they have to do all the hard work, but hey, it won't be a problem! People are probably skeptical because pre-med has a huge drop-out rate.

This was always the most furstrating thing for me in UG. I know everyone means well but really, the only people who understand are other premeds. My family, close friends, anyone else - all tried to encourage me but in the end had no clue what it entails, like you said.

One of the only other people who cold understand was a buddy of mine who was told the same words of encouragement from all of his friends and professors about getting into a good philosophy doctorate program. After 14 rejections, his only acceptance was from his last pick school. Conseqeuntly, whenever we'd go out and people would tell me, "don't worry, you'll get in somewhere!," my buddy would be the first to jump-in and respond with "you're an idiot, aren't you?" Great guy.

 

[45408]

This was always the most furstrating thing for me in UG. I know everyone means well but really, the only people who understand are other premeds. My family, close friends, anyone else - all tried to encourage me but in the end had no clue what it entails, like you said.

It's one thing to say it after someone's been in school for a few years and has a good GPA and MCAT score, but telling a freshman "Hey, you'll get in somewhere!" is rather unlikely. Most pre-meds get bored after a few semesters.

I've told some of my friends "I'm sure you'll get in somewhere!" but it's because I know how determined they are.

 

[Code Brown]

One of the only other people who cold understand was a buddy of mine who was told the same words of encouragement from all of his friends and professors about getting into a good philosophy doctorate program. After 14 rejections, his only acceptance was from his last pick school. Conseqeuntly, whenever we'd go out and people would tell me, "don't worry, you'll get in somewhere!," my buddy would be the first to jump-in and respond with "you're an idiot, aren't you?" Great guy.

Don't you love those comments. It's as if getting into the last school on your list is a bad thing. Believe me, the celebration with the first acceptance will the same whether it's the first or last school on my list. And if it's the only school I get into, I won't lose sleep over it either. People have no clue whatsoever. It's like winning the lottery and getting $50 million. Would $60 or $70 be better? Yes, but I'll still have a great time with the $50.

 

[kiki the alto]

My boyfriend has actually gone beyond the "I'm sure you'll get in somewhere" thing...he actually has a bet with me that I'll get into at least five schools. I can't wait to collect on that one...I can see maybe getting into two places, but not five.

 

[45408]

My boyfriend has actually gone beyond the "I'm sure you'll get in somewhere" thing...he actually has a bet with me that I'll get into at least five schools. I can't wait to collect on that one...I can see maybe getting into two places, but not five.

Five is an awfully lofty goal. I do suppose it depends which schools he applies to relative to his stats.

 

[fever5]

Myfamily friends/teachers always encouraged me to go into medicine. In contrast, my dad who is a radiologist, actually directed me towards computers (how is that for the ultimate irony of a doctor saying not to go into medicine). It was in grade 9 that I went on a "take your kids to work day" and saw how interesting medicine appeared that changed my entire job outlook.

However like others posted, I generally don't go out and tell people "hey I want to be a doctor". There are millions of people who want to be a doctor...there seems to be such a stigma attached to that declaration.

Let your work ethic, and (hopefully) compassionate personality speak for you!

Honestly who cares what people think either! (They may be resentful because they know they could not handle it!)

 

[45408]

However like others posted, I generally don't go out and tell people "hey I want to be a doctor". There are millions of people who want to be a doctor...there seems to be such a stigma attached to that declaration.

stigma? how so? It's one of the most respected professions.

 

[SitraAchra]

The stigma he/she mentions is the one you're portraying by saying "it's one of the most prestigious professions"

-people realize that, but it's annoying when people give off the air of superiority even with the best of intentions. I personally think there's a definite stigma attached to being a pre-medder. For the first two years of college I never told people I was pre-med, because I hated being associated with that crowd. My opinion isn't as harsh these days, but there's definitely a stigma attached i.e. gunnerism

 

[viciousstreak]

Yeah, I can empathize...

A lot of the people I hang out with from school are also pre-professional, so I don't get any of that from them, but I can't say the same for anyone else I know. The people I work with, specifically the 30+ crowd, give me such crap. One time at work I complained about being stressed out. My manager asked me what I'm studying in school and what my plans are career-wise. I told her I wanted to be a doctor, and she gave me a look of such disgust... she said "WHY?" in this unflattering/obnoxious way, as if it's such a terrible aspiration... I remember another time I was studying during my break. She said something like, "why do you even bother? do you seriously plan on graduating?" Wtf...

My family is the same way. They just don't get it. For a while my mother didn't even know I was pre-med... She often says things like "Are you sure you want to be a doctor?" or "I don't think you can do it..." which of course, makes me feel wonderful. I remember one time a relative asked my mother what i'm studying in college and my mother lied and said i was an english major. Why? She seems to think that nothing will work out for me (god knows why; i've done well in school so far) and that I should and will eventually be an english major. My parents don't understand the concept that I need to study daily, even if that means for a few hours. I'm the library every other day studying for a few hours, and my father even accused me of lying. He thinks I just hang out and "chill" because no one studies regularly.... it surely can't be normal.

whatever.

 

[45408]

For the first two years of college I never told people I was pre-med, because I hated being associated with that crowd. My opinion isn't as harsh these days, but there's definitely a stigma attached i.e. gunnerism

Ah. I don't like telling people because so many people give up on it, that I sound like a quitter already. If I tell someone I'm a bio major, they want to know what you're gonna do with it....

 

[fever5]

stigma? how so? It's one of the most respected professions.

I never said there is a stigma associated with being a doctor. I said there seems to me to be a stigma associated with the declaration of ones desire to become a doctor. Have you ever cringed when you heard some loud mouth, say he is going to be a doctor (yet doesn't appear to have a clue about school in general)? I found in first year almost all science students saying they were going into dentistry or medicine!

 

[Blake]

I found in first year almost all science students saying they were going into dentistry or medicine!

True. And when the results of the first exam come out, some people start claiming they were never interested in these fields 🙄

 

[LSiliati]

For the most part, I have been fortunate enough not to experience any type of gender discrimination. However, it really irks me when I mention applying to medical school to some people, who then reply, "Oh, what are you going to medical school for? To be a nurse?"

Before finishing, I just want to say 1) being a nurse is a truly challenging and important profession--as doctors, we will all rely upon their assistance...2) I may be jumping the gun in assuming they're only asking me about being a nurse because I'm a girl.

That being said, the only comfort I receive stems from their ignorance--I usually respond by saying , "Um, no...People who attend medical school receive an MD," (or DO--but if they don't know what people attend medical school, they probably don't know what a DO is either).

Ok, I'm done! Sorry had to vent 🙂

By the way, any other girls run into this problem?

 

[DrHopeless]

Well I sort of have the same problem. I don't really want to say that I will get accept into med school the first round, but it seems plausible. Sometime people get a hint of this, and then you will have other premed on your case, it especially bad when it is one of your friends who is struggling to get it.

 

[LauraMac]

it was always kind of the opposite with me. i was the one who never thought i could do medicine, never thought i would do anymore school than a bachelor's, never thought i wanted to do something extremely important someday.

i always had family/friends encouraging me to go out and do whatever i wanted... at least that's what i thought. i guess it was more that they thought i was smart, not that i was a hard worker and could actually accomplish something. but when i finally realized i could do something awesome with my life/career choice people weren't quite as supportive. i just decided to be pre-med about a year ago (i'm a senior now), and at first my mom and dad thought it was a bad idea. my mom was like, oh my god, you're going to be one of those women who is obsessed with her career, and you're never going to get married and you're going to die alone. she continually came up with other professions of stuff i should be doing. i should be a nurse or i should stick with engineering or i should be a dietician, etc. anyway, my parents have finally realized this is what i'm doing. i just got my first acceptance so they really have to go along with it now. in their defense, they have been MUCH more supportive lately.

i am also hesitant to tell people i'm pre-med. i'm just so afraid to sound arrogant. i don't mind saying it here at school cause everyone i meet is going to some sort of professional school or graduate school for something, and no one thinks anything of it. but when i'm in my hometown i HATE talking about it. a lot of people from there don't even go to college, let alone do more schooling after that. i just feel like i'm trying to brag or something if i tell those people. i don't even like telling people where i go to school sometimes cause they'll give me that "oh, you must be really smart" look. it's so embarassing.

as for the nurse thing, it's only happened to me once. i said something about how i was applying to medical school, and this lady was like, oh you're going to be a nurse? how nice! that made me really mad, because i find it quite sexist. i made a point before leaving to say something about being a doctor someday. i know it was childish, but i couldn't help it.

i also think it's funny when people say what are you going to medical school for? to be a doctor, duh! i guess these people think you have to choose your specialty ahead of time or something, so it's understandable, but it's still funny.

okay, i'm sorry for rambling so much. i guess i can just relate to a lot of this stuff.



🙂

 

[firebody]

i'm actually fairly bright. most of my friends fall under the spectrum of spectacular students who can achieve anything they want, mostly attributed though because of where i go to school.

anyways, i was in my second year of grad school studying to become a theoretical physicist when i stumbled into medicine after the fact (long story involving a dog, a poncho, and some nacho cheese). when i dropped out and told my friends i'm applying to med school, they all looked at me funny and started 'dumbing' down our conversations while pretending i was this hobo layman whose sudden career change is attributed to a pulsar gravitational collapse during a supernova. i mean C'MON, these were the same guys who i use to discuss the theoretical boundaries of alpha stars in the vortex quandrant of nebula!!! what the hell, do they think my IQ dropped 2 standard deviations because i decided i wanted to become a doctor?

here is an example from a round table discussion we had just earlier this week -


me : "i'm really excited to venture in the field of medicine considering that in scientific thought we adopt the simplest theory which will explain all the facts under consideration and enable us to predict new facts of the same kind."

grad student : "what are you talking about firebody? we all know the layman finds such a law as ∂x/∂t= κ(∂2x/∂y2) less simple than 'it oozes', of which it is the mathematical statement. the physicist reverses this judgment, and his statement is certainly the more fruitful of the two, so far as prediction is concerned."

everyone in the room: "LOL!! RdR^2!! (har dee har har!!)

another grad student: "total neutron degeneracy firebody, total neutron degeneracy right there!" (this means OWN3D!)

me : (getting red in the face)

i guess i just wanted to add my 2 cents to the OP's thread that i also receive criticism of wanting to become a doctor. for me, if it means not attempting anything as analytically challenging or mentally absorbing as my friends career, it's okay because at least i help people......*sigh*, woe is me!

 

[Jeffy]

For the most part, I have been fortunate enough not to experience any type of gender discrimination. However, it really irks me when I mention applying to medical school to some people, who then reply, "Oh, what are you going to medical school for? To be a nurse?"

HAHA! Oh man, that one's priceless. I'll have to use that one on some of my XX friends!

 

[Jeffy]

Actually, even better woulda been, "Oh, what are you going to medical school for? To make me a sandwich!"

 

[45408]

Heh, there's another thread where there's a lot of girls who mention being asked if they were going to be nurses when they announce that they're going to med school.

 

[fotolilith]

my stats are not stellar...but

they based their decision on my FIRST MCAT scores 7,9,9 (10,10,10 the 2nd time)....i was taking a 18 credit load of science and psych classes( orgo 2, medical ethics, etc etc,orgo lab)....so i had to study for those as well plus research...in addition..my first two semesters were poor...3.1 and a 3.3( i made it up the following 2 semesters by getttin a 3.917 and a 4.0). I guess its just the image that they got from HS as well..i was a slow starter....by the end of ninth grade i was in the top half of my class or sumthin like tat...and by the time i graduated i was 32/662 people.....but o well....i made it and proved myself 🙂

Yeah! Score one for the people that stumble at the starting line but blast through at the finish! 🙂

 

[roja]

come to NYC. doctors are nothing here..... now if you inherited a big trust fund, that will get you far. 😀

 

[MizzouDrWannabe]

Oh, I was talking about "everyone else"... NOT my family. Although, I only discuss these things with my very immediate family... because others will just nod and then say "I've had this problem with my foot, could you take a look at it?' 😕

I can really relate to that! People either think I'm never going to make it or they think I already know how to "diagnose". My boyfriend's mother is CONSTANTLY asking me medical questions, like "Oh, my husband has had this horrible pain in the neck lately, what could it be?" and I'm just like He should go to the doctor!!! But, for the most part, people are pretty supportive 🙂

 

[Crake]

I find that my friends who are pursuing advanced degrees (two doing Ph.D's one doing a Pharm.D) have been very supportive of my decision to do a post-bacc and go on, God willing, to med school. On the other hand, my friends who I graduated college with, who are living at home with their parent's and going back to their highschool job at abercrombie, think that I'm just arrogant and obnoxious and can't believe I'm burying myself in so much debt to take a shot at something I'm certain to fail at.

 

[leechy]

Wow, people's responses here surprise me. I've been pretty open about my plans and my progress when the subject arises. In retrospect, I really hope it hasn't sounded like braggadoccio or arrogance to them. But of course, if people - especially friends - can't handle the truth about what I'm up to, what kind of friends are they?