isitworthit?

Life expectancy is around 56

2nd year med student here - also I ran D1 and majored in biology.

The only thing I can say is not to start medical school if you have reservations about whether you want to be a doctor. The more I am exposed to medicine, the more I am utterly convinced that it is what I want to do with my life. I know it can involve stress and long hours, and many years of training, but I know there is nothing else I'd rather do.

It sounds like you may be heading down the premed path by default, and if that's so, you really could be setting yourself up for a miserable time in med school and beyond. I suggest you ask yourself why you really want to be a doctor. Don't bullshit yourself - this isn't some interview question - really analyze why you "always wanted" to be a doctor. Once you can answer that you'll have your answer to whether it will be worth it.

Under Obamacare, only the mediocre will want to become doctors.

Fourth year medical student, former DII All-American, I would not pursue a career in medicine if I were in your shoes OP, unless being a doctor is your one and only dream. The medical field is about to be turned on its head and into crisis in the next three years. Had I no debt I would not pursue residency. Stop now when you have the chance.

"The medical field is about to be turned on its head and into crisis in the next three years."

Why?

I'm assuming he is referring to Obama Care.

That would be the obvious assumption but I don't get the how it reaches the level of a crisis. Maybe more patients, but it's not like the new patients don't mostly get care somewhere if they need it since most care happens at the end of a patients life. It will take some time for the AMA and the insurance companies to figure out the new system but that is change not a crisis. Any more thoughts?

Go for Pharmacy

Mr. Obvious wrote:

Go for Pharmacy

+1

The only thing that sucks about Pharm is now when I finish my Bio degree I will be way behind in time because I didn't decide earlier. Shit happens though I guess! I am considering it though, also considering dentistry and PT.

I have a quote on quote "bright future" in medicine, but I feel like I'm only in it this point because that's where the momentum is carrying me by now.

I'd avoid any field requiring a knowledge of the English language, if I were you.

If you're unsure about medicine, you shouldn't be in medicine. When the economy's weak, medical applications go up because it's seen as a financially stable career option, despite our country's financial woes. It sounds like you initially thought about medicine because it was safe and dependable. You're comment about money and primary care is off-putting. Primary care docs have perhaps the most diverse clinical experience, and they're best positioned to have real, local impact in their communities. The idea that GP is 'monotony' and that specialists are more worthy of our respect is really damaging.

I understand that plenty of clowns get into medical school these days, but trust me that admissions committees will sniff out your uncertainty and lack of proper motivation. Either get out, or look inward for your real motivation.

To the "the world is ending" M4: Get real. Medicine faces plenty of problems, but it will survive. Instead of whining, why don't you pony-up and be part of the solution?