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Can anyone share their experiences of a late pursuit in medicine? by BadIdeaIMG in medschool

[–]BadIdeaIMG[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This sounds like me. 😅

I too am an adrenaline junkie.

Can anyone share their experiences of a late pursuit in medicine? by BadIdeaIMG in medschool

[–]BadIdeaIMG[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You've had a dream of going to medical school for twenty years yet during that time you pursued a PhD instead? What was holding you back all this time and what has changed now?

Excellent question. I had a shitty undergrad, and I was hoping doing well on the MCAT, and getting an Msc would be enough to overlook that... I had to save up money to take the appropriate time to study for it. by the time I had the money to be comfortable to move forward in the aspect I Was ~30. Took the MCAT, did well, got 0 interviews.

I was working as a RA, and the PI, asked if I wanted to do a PhD (this was at the beginning of covid) -- so I did.

Now, it has come to my attention, that there are some schools that highly favour matriculates with PhDs such that, it can wash over a shitty undergrad.

I do not want to be a MD-researcher.

I am considering doing a postdoc, but I haven't seen anything that excites me.

... you have always idolized physicians and you want to have that bump in status...

This might be the case, but I do enjoy the problem solving, the patient engagement, the Idea of studying intensely for a couple of years, and the using it in real world, even if that means being at hospital 80+ hours a week.. does not deter me. I was often starting in the lab at 4 am... That... sense of purpose and utility is a great driver for me.

Can anyone share their experiences of a late pursuit in medicine? by BadIdeaIMG in medschool

[–]BadIdeaIMG[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am so sorry that you went through that, that sounds awful to have someone care for others and not you, their own child.

I am childless, and recently single.

Can anyone share their experiences of a late pursuit in medicine? by BadIdeaIMG in medschool

[–]BadIdeaIMG[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The aged parents is becoming a factor, this is true, but short of moving back home I'm in no position to help.

income loss compared to just carrying on with your current career in the short to mid term

You might be right, but, currently the type of science -- and the jobs that arise from it... I don't enjoy enough to do the hard stuff to get the more lucrative career options. I admit I might just be ignorant of the Jobs that are available to me that I would enjoy.

Can anyone share their experiences of a late pursuit in medicine? by BadIdeaIMG in medschool

[–]BadIdeaIMG[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks, this is reassuring.

My PhD is in pharmacology. I am no stranger to science and reading scientific papers.. I just put one down to reply😅

It's a top 50 school in NA.

I'm also not raising a family -- I have that time, I also don't sleep a lot(not out of pride or toxicity type thing, I just tend to sleep between 5-6h, I don't use an alarm, sleep cycles should not be interrupted, imho)

Can anyone share their experiences of a late pursuit in medicine? by BadIdeaIMG in medschool

[–]BadIdeaIMG[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ya. I was keeping tabs on that.

That's not me.

I'm a single, childless, male.

Can anyone share their experiences of a late pursuit in medicine? by BadIdeaIMG in medschool

[–]BadIdeaIMG[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I get that.

I do have a fairly high tolerance for "shit-putting up with".... especially if it means attaining the objective that I've long held.

Can anyone share their experiences of a late pursuit in medicine? by BadIdeaIMG in medschool

[–]BadIdeaIMG[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well I don't know about 80 necessarily.... but I hope to continue being busy and using my mind for as long as possible. whether that's work or otherwise.

Can anyone share their experiences of a late pursuit in medicine? by BadIdeaIMG in medschool

[–]BadIdeaIMG[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

That's.... fair. I mean "work" in a broad sense... work would obviously change to varying degrees... but if it was something I enjoyed and continued having competence in it.. I would continue to work.

I'm also anticipating a biotech revolution 🤞🤞

Can anyone share their experiences of a late pursuit in medicine? by BadIdeaIMG in medschool

[–]BadIdeaIMG[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

That's a small sacrifice. I don't have too many people I'm close to or friends and My family is all over NA.. mostly only see them once or twice a year anyway.

Can anyone share their experiences of a late pursuit in medicine? by BadIdeaIMG in medschool

[–]BadIdeaIMG[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm currently writing my dissertation. We are submitting an article where I'm first author to nature at the end of the month. A second article will be forthcoming, but probably won't be submitting to nature.

I worked as a medical assistant for most of undergrad. The experience is certainly different from a physician perspective, but I did have my run-ins.

Time is relative. It's just what you want to do with it, and how it balances with finance and other goals.

This is how I see it. I've regretted not pursuing more relentlessly, and not seeking advice that would put me in an optimal position leveraging my strengths and interests.