Comments | med_school: Existential Crisis-Medical School woes

evil_winky in med_school

Existential Crisis-Medical School woes

Jan 09, 2011 09:40

I am a senior undergraduate majoring in French education and English lit. I happen to be student teaching this semester and have been questioning my desire to teach in public schools for a long time. It doesn't feel right like it used to and I believe I need a change in career. since I was a kid, I've always wanted to be a doctor. Thoracic surgery ( Read more... )

Comments 13

litlebanana January 9 2011, 15:47:32 UTC

There were people in my med school class in their mid-30s so I think you're okay.

plungerdna January 9 2011, 15:53:26 UTC

I do not want to pull numbers out of thin air, but the average age of students entering medical school is no longer 21, 22--its higher. I was 22 when I entered, and about half my class was within a year or two of that age, but half was probably in the 25-38 range. The class below me had two students who entered after age 40. Some already had children, some had other careers prior to attending ranging from teaching (the 38 year old taught HS for 12 years), to engineering, to business, to other medical professionals, to military, to being a bum. From what I hear, some schools are a little more accepting of "non-traditional" applicants then others, but this whole age thing has changed....in face, I was one of the youngest interns in my hospital and even as a PGY-3 resident, im a lot younger then most of my co-workers--even those junior to me, but a lot of it has to do with my program too ( ... )

evil_winky January 9 2011, 17:23:35 UTC

Thanks! I think that, to some degree, being older and having experience is a benefit. I have the potential to bring a more diverse set of skills than someone just out of college. You've given me goo things to think about!

plungerdna January 9 2011, 19:38:23 UTC

most people who I have talked to that did go after some time off say exactly what you just did. Also, now that I am in a position of supervising interns, jr residents and medical students, I've noticed a difference too.

allinthecookies January 9 2011, 16:18:10 UTC

A very good friend of mine got her Bachelors in English, then her Masters in Screen writing, then came back and did a Post-Bac to do her pre-med requirements. She's 25 and was just accepted into Georgetown. It's very very possible, you set your mind to it and I'm sure you'll do well!

its_citrine January 9 2011, 17:06:22 UTC

You're never too old and it's never too late to do what you love :) Seriously, you'll be just fine!

jedisparkles January 9 2011, 17:10:50 UTC

Yes you can.

My roomate from med school had actually done multiple things before coming to med school, including Americorps (I think) and getting her masters in public health (MPH). I also know a pediatrics resident who taught for two years before everything. Basically, if medicine is really calling you, go for it, and don't worry about age or any of that other stuff. As an additional idea, consider throwing in some medical volunteering/work if you have some spare time - it'll help expose you to the field, and at the same time show programs that your interest is legit. Hospitals and medical offices are great, but you can also do pharmacies, nursing homes, etc.

evil_winky January 9 2011, 17:25:40 UTC

Thanks for the suggestion. Volunteer experience will probably be the best way to decide if I want to do this and be serious about it. I will say that IV needles scare the crap out of me though. I had issues in college volunteering at the blood drives because of it. I sort of get nauseous and dizzy. It's not the blood, it's the needles. Though, I'm sure that is something I could overcome with more exposure. Thanks!