Is Studying Medicine Worth It?

College Majors Science Majors
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I am currently an incoming Sophomore Pre-Medicine student. My idea of what I want to become career-wise have shifted towards the medical field over the past two or three years since I was diagnosed with asthma back when I was a sophomore in High School.</p>

<p>In any case, I originally wanted to go to college to become a Respiratory Therapist and my mom pushed me to opt for Pre-Medicine because the major already requires the same courses anyway other than a few such as "Respiratory Therapy 101" (you know what I mean).</p>

<p>Anyway, the thought to become a Pulmonologist has made a comeback in my head recently and I wanted to know if I should still continue to study Medicine.</p>

<p>Broad question I know but I feel frustrated at times of what I want to do with my life. Of course, I tried my best this year. I'm not even trying to brag right now but I got a 4.0 for both semesters during my first year yet I feel sad due to it sometimes.</p>

<p>Weekends and weekdays were full of simply homework and 2 hours of guitar a day plus a bit of YouTube and internet sometimes.</p>

<p>Of course, I want to manage my time even better this year but I've been really thinking about my career situation as of lately since I have all this free time due to summer break.</p>

<p>I've been researching careers that pop in my head like for example, one of the days I thought about honestly being a Marine biologist but my sister told me that it wasn't a good idea for they don't make much money at all.</p>

<p>I'm not one to completely trust in money prospects either. From what I read on the Internet, most people starting out as a doctor get horrible hours and pay. On top of that, they have so much debt that it's not funny. This is what has been scaring me. I guess reality really sinks in when you read posts like that but thankfully, I've done so.</p>

<p>Okay, I don't know why I'm ranting but bear with me for I need your help, guys. There's a state medical school opening up in Scranton that will supposedly be cheaper than most and I'm thinking that it might be an opportunity for me to break through.</p>

<p>In any case, just one more point that I want to make is that I want to be friends with the girl I've had a crush on for the past year but I'm starting to fear I won't have time for her at all either.</p>

<p>I've ditched friends at college to work on schoolwork as if its a job so I've tried my best. I just want to know what in the hell will make me happy. I don't want to be a teacher, lawyer, businessman. That's for sure. Of course, obtaining a teacher's certificate would be easy but dealing with kids as a teacher would be hell on earth.</p>

<p>But who am I to say when I am the one who wants to help frustrated adults get over their symptoms? </p>

<p>Anyway, any help on this one? Consider this the most vague rant / series of questions you have seen for I really don't know what to do. Otherwise, thanks for reading and really, thank you so much!</p>

2

<p>I must admit that maybe I’m doing this all for my mom and not me. Though, the thought of being a Pulmonologist somewhat feels right in my mind for its a profession that bravely conquers the demons resulting from asthma.</p>

<p>I do have a “The Do List” on my computer that has documented all of my career research thus far with pros and cons and actual thoughts regardless of how polite or vulgar just to know my true opinion on my career situation.</p>

<p>I lack a bit of common sense as well sometimes but I’ve always read up on my Chem and Bio labs before I did them so I tried my best.</p>

<p>Maybe I should do more chores around the house to gain more common sense. Oh God, I seriously don’t know what I’m saying. Anyway, I wish I had the answers for I’ve thought about this so much that my stomach is turning.</p>

3

<p>It takes years–years to become a doctor. You really need passion to be in medicine. Internship and residency are grueling. </p>

<p>Sounds like your really enjoy music and will want to devote time to it. Go for respiratory therapy. If while you are on the path you are seized to go on into medicine do so. Remember, that Resp therapists work at the bedside and deliver direct patient care. Physicians plan care. Not the same.</p>

<p>If you go for RT to will finish with a degree that you can become employed and begin the next stage of your life.</p>

4

<p>The only thing is, my school doesn’t offer Respiratory Care. East Stroudsburg University is only like 45 minutes away from my house and my mom can’t really drive on the highway to drive me back from school you know if I went a further distance. The reason for this is complicated so I’ll leave it at that.</p>

<p>Anyway, awesome response though. You’re right about the years required to be a doctor. I enjoy music but mostly as a hobby. I can’t make a career out of it. </p>

<p>Respiratory Therapists only make about 35k a year starting. That was one of the main reasons I drifted away from the idea.</p>

<p>The second thing is that my love interest is also tied into this as stupid and stubborn as it sounds. I guess it would be sad to not at least try to make friends with the girl I’ve had a crush on for the past year.</p>

<p>Anyway, maybe you’re right. I’ve been researching careers left and right so it was a good answer honestly. Physicians plan care. That honestly puts things into perspective but then again, doctors treat patients for checkups.</p>

<p>Take for example, a cardiologist. He regularly sees patients that suffer from heart related problems and doesn’t necessarily direct others to perform the work most of the time.</p>

<p>Should I stay one more semester at this college to keep up my credits? I’m basically taking the following courses next semester:</p>

<p>Organic Chem I, Organic Chem I Lab, Advanced Composition, Pre-Calculus, General Ecology With Lab, General Psychology.</p>

<p>Do you think it would be at least worth it to stay for these credits? I’m pretty sure respiratory therapists take these courses anyway so I’d be in the clear for it.</p>

<p>Its just that my mom keeps pushing me to go higher for I’m in a single parent home so finances are not the most secure at all, you know.</p>

<p>Anyway, your statement of planning care versus performing care really just opened up my heart. All I can say is that I have asthma due to exercise and allergies so running around as a respiratory therapist would also affect my own asthma as well since I remember reading how physically demanding the job is.</p>

<p>The only thing is that I can’t really apply for another college yet for its too late to do so. Should I stay for the credits then and look to apply ASAP?</p>

<p>Otherwise, thank you so much Lakemom (though I would call you by your first name) because honestly I’m actually driven to tears by this. I don’t know what this means but maybe just maybe you might hit me with reality.</p>

5

<p>Apparently I read that you can apply for an anxiety therapist job even with a degree in Biology, hell they even strive for applicants with those credentials.</p>

<p>I’ve struggled with anxiety for a long time as well honestly due to family issues. I’ve been thinking that if I get screwed when it comes to applying to med school, maybe I’ll become an anxiety therapist instead at the last minute.</p>

<p>I’m sorry if I sound so random, its just that the only person in my family that actually went to college so far is my sister and even she’s struggling to find a job with a Psychology degree.</p>

<p>That fact alone has made me stray the hell away from picking Psychology as a major. I want a job after college but I know I can go further in my education as well. If you only knew the type of drive and straightforward forced attention that I have towards school, then you would believe me that I really can try my best.</p>

<p>I would definitely get a Master’s and go out and get a job and live life honestly. The Commonwealth Medical College at Scranton costs about $60k and I heard from various people that it was cheap! At least I did the research now that I have the time from summer vacation.</p>

<p>All I can say is that at least I didn’t go to college for Fine Arts or Music for I can’t really repay a loan without a job let alone bills or Business for I hate corporate businessmen. Though, now that I’m a bit older, I do however understand that businesses make jobs but I wouldn’t be happy at all in a cubicle. </p>

<p>I wouldn’t be happy as a lawyer either for the courtroom brings a bit too much pain from family issues.</p>

<p>As weird as it sounds, I don’t know what kind of job would make me happy. I’m just looking for flexible hours, medium ladder pay, and not too physically demanding. I also want to feel wanted and needed and also respected. I also want to gain confidence as well but all of this uncertainty only heightens my anxiety.</p>

<p>God, I don’t really know what to do honestly. Believe me, I’m trying. Anyway, I’ll try my best regardless but let me know if you have more advice, please for it really really helps someone like me :D.</p>

6

<p>York College offers Respiratory Care as a BA but I don’t know if my credits would transfer. Plus they want around $25 to $26k per academic year.</p>

<p>ESU is not that bad price wise at all and my grants and 2 loans cover everything all the time (not even that high of a loan amount at all compares to my sister).</p>

<p>Anyway, I don’t want to end up in huge debt like my sister either. I wish ESU offered Respiratory care. I’m kind of stuck with it for the mean time I guess sadly enough.</p>

<p>I’d have to talk to my mom about this one honestly.</p>

7

<p>“As weird as it sounds, I don’t know what kind of job would make me happy. I’m just looking for flexible hours, medium ladder pay, and not too physically demanding. I also want to feel wanted and needed and also respected. I also want to gain confidence as well but all of this uncertainty only heightens my anxiety.”</p>

<p>Air Hendrix, have you ever considered being a nurse? Your school has a nursing program
[East</a> Stroudsburg University - Academics - Nursing](<a href=“http://www4.esu.edu/academics/majors2/programs/nursing/nursing.cfm]East”>http://www4.esu.edu/academics/majors2/programs/nursing/nursing.cfm)
I minored in Chemistry in school and became a nurse because I love Anatomy and Physiology. I am stronger in science than many nurses but I find that a benefit as I can communicate to the patient in simplier terms what is going on in their bodies.</p>

<p>Nurses who want a more independent role go onto become Nurse Practioners where they see patients, do their own assessments and in less well served area function as the primary source of healthcare where there is no physician. Nurses make more money than RTs and Nurse practioners make even more. </p>

<p>If you don’t feel your own asthma is the best controlled then perhaps you need to see someone to help put you on a regime that is more stable for you. Your anxiety may be contributing to some of your periods of shortness of breath.</p>

<p>Is there a career counselor at your school you can run these ideas buy? I know for a guy it may seem weird to consider nursing but the male nurses I have worked with are pretty sharp and did not see themselves as less male than the doctors. Usually doctors treat male nurses (who demonstrate they are bright) more evenly than with females and with respect.</p>

8

<p>You know, I had the idea to become a male nurse the other day, its just that I read some ridiculous stories of male LPN’s. Mostly horror stories how they get treated like (fill in the word) and how there’s so much politics among the female nurses. They get treated badly by doctors and female nurses apparently and the patients treat them equally as bad.</p>

<p>But then again, this was from two comments I read on an Male LPN article I read the other day. These two guys were fumed about their jobs.</p>

<p>It sounds like a heroic position though but you still need to do 2 years in Nursing school right after a 4 year BA?</p>

<p>In that chance, if I get the sudden chance and dream to pursue medicine, I can still transfer to a MD program? I’ve heard that some people have done it this way but I don’t know if this option would necessarily work.</p>

<p>Anyway, you’re completely right about my anxiety to leading to periods of shortened breath. That’s amazing that you caught that. I think perhaps its due to the 8 meds I take a day for asthma and allergy symptoms…</p>

<p>That’s a good idea about switching to their nursing program. The director of that program is a professor I happen to know, and he’s a cool guy that really knows his medical material. He teaches the Human Anatomy and Physiology courses.</p>

<p>If I would switch to Nursing, I would still have an opportunity too because they take some of the same courses anyway.</p>

<p>This isn’t that bad of an idea so thank you so much! Its just that the horror stories kind of scare me a bit. I wouldn’t want to get treated like (fill in the word).</p>

<p>Please let me know if you have any more advice because you’re absolutely wonderful for even responding to my mixed emotions filled tantrum of a post. I’ll keep researching today.</p>

9

<p>Every profession has people who complain they were treated poorly, not paid enough, not respected or appreciated etc etc. No field of work is immune from that.</p>

<p>Your school offers a 4 yr. BS in nursing, some of the classes chem, psych etc you have done so won’t need to take. You will have to talk to someone about how much less of the 4 years you can get credit for or how to double up on some classes. Nursing schools are very competitive to get into (go check out the nursing forum) so if you know the head of the program that will help you get in.</p>

<p>Can you change to medicine, not directly. You would have to look at the prereqs to a medical program to see. Most nurses do not go on to become doctors for the same reason I told you. Nurses deliver care, doctors plan it. Nursing is entirely hands on. Doctors delegate orders. The hands on doctors are surgeons but the nurse help the patient heal.</p>

<p>You would need to get into your psyche that it is okay for a guy to be a nurse because tons of people will ask you why you didn’t become a doctor. A nurse practitioner role is similar to a doctor but less specialized however you can specialize in cardiology, or peds and other areas even asthma. </p>

<p>Is there scut work to being a nurse, yep, but as long as you know your goal is to provide excellent patient care, you don’t focus on it.</p>

<p>Go talk to the director of the program. Nursing programs love having men apply so with your grades you should have no trouble getting in. </p>

<p>This is a link from the Bureau of Labor and stats on nursing.</p>

<p>[Registered</a> Nurses](<a href=“http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm]Registered”>http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm) Good luck, let me know what you end up deciding</p>

10

<p>Awesome, I’ll definitely look at this career information for sure. I really have worked hard at school so maybe this would be the right fit. I mentioned this to my mom today and she said, “Do your really want to clean up bed pans and wash people and really do heavy duty physical work” </p>

<p>In response to this I said that at least the pay is better than RT and they’re in demand. I could probably specialize in Asthma anyway.</p>

<p>I’ll definitely keep posting as I research my options though. Thank you so much again!</p>

11

<p>The flexible hours sound awesome to me. Personally I would love working only 4 days a week but that’s just me.</p>

<p>Anyway, I’ll keep searching :D!</p>

12

<p>Also by the way, I’ve thought about doing something in Biotech. Not necessarily lab work as ironic as it may sound but maybe something along those lines.</p>

<p>A friend of mine that juggles being a parent and keeps up good grades in his science classes mentioned to me that med schools would be more interested in me if I were biotech anyway for its more challenging plus I would be have more job opportunities after I even graduate from my BA degree.</p>

<p>I’ll keep looking, hehe. This is honestly so exciting and a bit fun. I used to think this sort of task was depressing but facing my feared future is making my heart race honestly.</p>

13

<p>Hospital bedside nursing or in Nursing homes does involve more physical care than other places so you will be doing bedpans or getting people washed but not every minute of the day!</p>

<p>As you read the BLS write up which i think is quite good you an see the variety of roles nurses can have. Typically, nurses start in hospitals doing direct patient care but as you advance you may not stay doing that. You can go into management in the hospital or run a clinic. Nurse practitioners see patients just like doctors do. I did Home IV therapy for a while. Some nurses go into nurse informatics and work on intergrating computer usage for nurses in hospitals.</p>

<p>The options are really broad and if you tire of one type of nursing you move to another. Nursing is not for everyone so really have a good talk with the director of the Nursing program. He obviously moved away from bedside nursing into education.</p>

14

<p>$60k a year sounds cool after 4 years apparently under a BSN degree.</p>

<p>Hmm, flexible hours too but you can get called in at any time. Though I could specialize as a Respiratory Nurse which would cover my initial interest.</p>

<p>Given this way, I wouldn’t be into total debt by the time I reach 26 years of age after med school and I would still be making the same amount as an LPN that would be probably get a raise by that point anyway.</p>

<p>I’d probably spend 5 to 10 years just paying off that med school loan too so I guess maybe the pay for being a doctor is just a compromise really while others are getting rich just from one degree.</p>

<p>This sounds cool for its a job that I can get a degree right after 4 years. The hours on holidays sound slightly depressing but just maybe that wouldn’t be the case for me. Personally, I would only want to do a Master’s to get ahead so I can work on the side too instead of the huge cost of medical school. Its the cost that’s scaring me not necessarily the horror stories like I mentioned before since you said that there’s ALWAYS going to be someone who complains about their job. I want to be at least happy with my job and at least have time to spend too, you know.</p>

<p>I just researched Anesthesiologist and wow, they do even more training than Cardiologist doctors do! Not just 4 years BA, 4 years MD, but 4 years of experience after that and then you could possibly land a job around 30 years old. My 20’s would be shot just for a chance to receive money.</p>

<p>I’m not trying to be in it solely for the money but if I paid this much for my education, I might as well get a job that pays me back too. I want to like my job too though and get along with co-workers just as easily and feel respected.</p>

<p>Anyway, rant for this minute over. I’ll keep you posted on the progress so far. Thanks for listening though for I don’t really know anyone that has made it in the medical field as well as I should so this is a huge huge huge help for me. You have no idea how good it feels to be actively researching this. </p>

<p>Well, my mind is racing at the current moment so I’ll keep you posted :D.</p>

15

<p>Here’s a link to that article featuring those fuming male LPN’s.</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.aboutmyjob.com/2386/wowim-not-alonescrew-nursingmale-nurse/[/url]”>http://www.aboutmyjob.com/2386/wowim-not-alonescrew-nursingmale-nurse/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>My mom understands about the anesthesiologist commitment is not all that different from a regular doctor’s for if its the same time in education required as an MD doctor so its not that much better than the other doctor specialties. </p>

<p>She mentioned I should look for information regarding an anxiety therapist’s career. Sounds fun honestly, hmm. I’ve had a huge issue with anxiety in my life for I pushed myself in High School to do good due to my mother’s never ending motivational push.</p>

<p>To think the thoughts of being a banker, accountant, construction worker have seriously floated in my head this week. Of course, none of which wouldn’t be really my cup of tea at all but at least I’m feeling invigorated that I’m at least trying to explore my options for they seriously are limitless and daunting too.</p>

<p>After seeing my Dad recently for the first time after about 7 years due to family divorce, I got to see how much he truly works at his Housing Inspector job in NYC yet he loves it due to the flexibility. Seeing him work made me put my actual career in perspective too for a job is for money but it can also be something worthwhile as well. I got to see my sister too for she lives in an apartment right next to my Dad’s house and day in day out Monday through Friday, they both work. Of course, she’s planning on doing something with deaf people: signing interpreter in particular to get ahead in life.</p>

<p>Anyway, a lot of what I saw really inspired me to not be lazy about this career decision so I feel great that I’m at least trying to find out what I should do instead of moping about that all I’m going to be is a doctor solely for the money and to make my mother proud…</p>

<p>You know, she always said ever since I started college that I can do whatever I want and she would cheer me on anyway. Its just that I know deep down inside she wants the best for me so that’s why she’s pushing med school… The first semester of college was somewhat a struggle for I forced myself to do most of the boring schoolwork. As the Bio class continued though, it got pretty interesting at the end with Genetics and the like but then again, my tutor said the Genetics field is mostly lab work and primarily math computation. I’m not a huge fan of labs though to be honest…</p>

<p>Well, I’ll keep you posted.</p>

16

<p>Interesting link, a bunch of guys who can’t figure out how to communicate to women. As I said, nursing isn’t for everyone but no career is.</p>

<p>I think you have some good options to research and can lay out a path to pursue. There are numerous opportunities in healthcare as you are discovering. BTW just so you know doctors are mostly always on call, miss many holiday celebrations and are woken in the middle of the night so medicine does not avoid having your life taken control of by your career. Good luck!</p>

17

<p>Awesome point you made right there. Being on-call definitely has it downsides… Hmm. Well at least I’m in college to begin with. If my mom didn’t push me school wise, I wouldn’t of made it this far so I’m happy with my progress. Its just transferring schools seems kind of mind blowing. Of course, I made a few friends this whole year but only really keep in touch with a piano friend in mind. Other than my love interest, I don’t see what else is holding me back sadly enough. This semester should be worth it credit wise though anyway. I’ll definitely schedule for visits with the career adviser at school. I talked to her already but she only really pointed me in the direction to get a minor in Business for some reason (I forget what I brought up to give her that conclusion).</p>

<p>They have a ton of books on careers but I’m going to use the internet for that matter right now. I wish I knew what exactly what I wanted to do in life like most people I know…</p>

<p>I’ll definitely keep searching. The dream is to find a job right after the BA and also get the Master’s along-side it :D, that’s what I’m dreaming for.</p>

<p>Once again, I’m excited to find out what life has in store for me. Weirdly enough, my family’s supporting me in this search so at least people believe in me.</p>

<p>I’ll keep you updated :D.</p>

18

<p>Alright, today’s research is over (along with my commentary on the situation included) and I have the four following options written down in that word document for today:</p>

<p>The first is my Medical School path (good in the long run and yes people take out loans so pick your poison–> get involved on campus to gain more connections and get in contact with Pekala about nursing and keep in touch with Dr. Bergo about career advice: Most helpful professor ever), Nursing school path to get a good job, Anxiety therapist path with just a BA degree in my current area of study as a last attempt really to apply for anything worthwhile, or switch to health administration: $80k and really up my alleyway in terms of managing health care for I’d love to be able to take charge yet not be a (fill in the word) to others. Even though I’ve always feared that if I were to become a health administrator then I may encounter a situation where I would have to deny someone a surgery to cut hospital costs and feel like (fill in the word) for the rest of my life that I couldn’t save a life. Then again, if I were a doctor or a nurse, someone could die on my watch and I could experience the same ten fold so take it as it comes for as long as you try to save a life or at least enhance it so they can live to see another day then you did the right thing (at least that’s what Larry Zeller the respiratory therapist said when I shadowed him).</p>

<p>Well the previous details were completely random of course but they really have showed me where my thoughts lie in the situation honestly. Of course, I didn’t post everything because I probably already made 2 pages of rambling / research with bold face relevant important points so I tried my best today.</p>

<p>What’s I’m really trying to get at is that I searched and searched today and am starting to get closer to the options that I have currently. Reality’s starting to sink in but not necessarily yet for its the future aspect of all these decisions that is starting to bother me but in any case, I feel relieved for trying.</p>

<p>Once again, I’ll keep you updated :D!</p>

19

<p>Alright, of course, in my The Do List document, I’ve got a lot of research and personal insight but I now face 7 choices of what to do career-wise.</p>

<ol>
<li>Stay pre-med and go to medical school. Sure 20’s are shot but if I pursue a field like cardiology or respiratory, it might be extremely interesting.</li>
<li>Switch to nursing to secure a job after the BA degree for $60k starting. Not bad at all.</li>
<li>Switch to a BA degree in Psychology for anxiety therapist position so that I can heal others with my problem. Not a bad idea but recreational therapists only make about $45k a year starting. Ok idea though.</li>
<li>Switch to Health Administration major so that I can manage health services for a hospital directly. Sure there’s office politics and the chance that I may cut funding for an organ donor but people die on doctor’s and nurse’s watches all the time so pick your poison.</li>
<li>Switch to Biotech major so I can not only secure a job after the BA but go to med school too</li>
<li>Switch my major to Speech Pathology.</li>
<li>Transfer to a respiratory care program at another college though the three schools of interest are over 2 and half hours away from my current home so distance is an issue due to my mom not liking to drive on highways.</li>
</ol>

20

<p>Great work AirHendrix! It is helpful for you to see on paper your possible paths.</p>

<ol>
<li> It does take years to be a doctor so one must really be passionate about medicine. 4 yr undergrad, 4 year med school, 1 year internship, 3-8 yrs residency, if doing a fellowship 3 more years or other years taken if doing research. </li>
<li> Nursing degree is a BS, not BA. I don’t know if you start at $60K but nurse salaries climb fast then top. BTW, you can get a MS in Healthcare Adminstration as a nurse which would make you more marketable.</li>
<li>Usually people with Psych BA degrees go on for a masters so check out exactly what is needed for being an Anxiety therapist.</li>
<li> If you get a BA in Health Adminstration, plan on getting an MBA later to be more marketable.</li>
<li>BIotech sounds like an interesting option, I don’t know anything about these degrees.</li>
<li> I actually know 2 Speech therapists and one thing about this profession is you can work as a private consultant as an alternative to hospitals/clinic sites.</li>
<li> Your original plan, not a bad one but if you really don’t have transportation that could be a problem. I’m sure Resp therapists need to do rotations at a local hospital which means needing a reliable way to get there.</li>
</ol>

<p>Keep me posted. You are doing great!</p>