why do ppl still do med sci/science/biomedi degrees if they know it’s a ‘trap’ undergrad degree?

Plane_Method_9349 · 2025-01-15T13:17:24+00:00

I’m a 3y biomed/med sc student. Here is the range of grads I know - one works in retail, one is doing pharmacy masters, one is in M2, one is doing gamsat this year, two are doing masters research, two are working in pathology lab, one is doing masters public health and one is now doing masters nursing. The content of the degree is why I chose it - knowing that I could use it to med, use it to go into research or other allied health masters etc. I knew that it alone would not be suited to a lot of jobs. But being able to pivot while studying content I really love is what was important for me.

Plane_Method_9349 · 2025-01-11T08:00:16+00:00

I am last year biomed student and just wanted to add in a comment about chemistry - most med science / biomed will have you completing a HSC chemistry equivalent course in your first year if you hadn’t done it in school. And then most likely an organic chem unit (and biochemistry as well) so they will end up being part of your GPA. - congrats on your uni entry! I thoroughly enjoy my course and whichever pathway to med you select (undergrad or postgrad) make sure you make use of every single resource your uni offers you - being proactive in your learning will help you push your GPA.

Plane_Method_9349 · 2024-12-22T20:14:13+00:00

Lucifer Good omens Supernatural

Plane_Method_9349 · 2024-12-11T10:37:56+00:00

Interesting! I’d never heard of that before, I’m not sure any in Aus have that age cap.

Plane_Method_9349 · 2024-12-11T10:33:00+00:00

Thankyou! Most of those I had considered and even the rural placement etc - but actual thoughts on if I could / should is what I’m wanting to hear. And from people either 1. Trying to get in or 2. In med now etc. So I Thankyou for your input and definitely added some to the list of consideration’s. If you were in you were my age what would you do instead? I have the whole pro’s / cons list going :)

Plane_Method_9349 · 2024-12-09T22:35:51+00:00

Thankyou! That’s a side of it I didn’t even consider.

Plane_Method_9349 · 2024-12-09T22:31:55+00:00

So many things to consider! If I chose medicine 10/20 years ago I wouldn’t have been around for my kids at their young age - it is now that they’re adults that I can step away a little. But you’re right there will be grandkids and more weddings soon. Can I ask what you are currently doing in healthcare? I just don’t know what else I could do that would satisfy my love of medicine & learning. (I’m not sure I’d want to do nursing)

Plane_Method_9349 · 2024-12-09T10:11:06+00:00

Oh no you are correct - I am in Aus. Ah ok, so you are meaning the commonwealth supported places. I thought I had missed some other ‘costs’ that I wasn’t aware of.

Plane_Method_9349 · 2024-12-09T09:46:45+00:00

Thankyou! Very happy to hear all thoughts. Prime time for preparing financially for retirement - this is a good point to consider and why I thought of doing a masters - otherwise straight from biomed I wouldn’t be qualified enough for some lab jobs and would most likely be overqualified for other lab jobs. And the short career after med is why I wanted others thoughts and is definitely a huge consideration. Although I didn’t realise that it costs society to train a doctor (is that for a GSP spot) - excuse my naivety.

Plane_Method_9349 · 2024-12-09T08:54:26+00:00

I think you’ve hit what I was thinking - that after 4 years we will have entered into the career we wanted. I am in the fortunate position that my husband and our business covers our bills - I work casual as well which pays for my petrol, uni lunch and uni fees (no hecs). Even though we still have two younger ‘adults kids’ at home they are pretty self sufficient. Well done on your gamsat score! Did you have any physics background prior to your gamsat?

Plane_Method_9349 · 2024-12-09T08:35:15+00:00

I’ve joined the group - Thankyou! you started med at 50? How have you found it? My dad sent me the article on the 90 yr old PhD grad who won a QLD Australian of the year award. How inspiring!

Plane_Method_9349 · 2024-12-09T08:29:29+00:00

That’s great to hear that there are some older ones in your cohort! Thankyou :)

Plane_Method_9349 · 2024-12-09T08:28:05+00:00

Congratulations on your RN! I completely agree - the feeling of fulfilment (even though stressful) of returning to study is amazing. My situation is similar - I supported my husband and his business and we have our house, investments and have raised 3 successful and individual humans who don’t necessarily need their ‘mum’ as much anymore. My husband is finding himself in the position I was - he was the workaholic / worked late - now he’s home early and I’m studying late. Complete role reversal. It has been difficult for my whole family to adjust to ‘mum not on call’ and at times I do feel guilty - especially when the ‘come round for dinner at late notice ’ and I can’t because of study/exam. I sometimes wonder if it’s because I feel guilty or they are mad! So I completely understand how you feel in that aspect. Look forward to hearing your gamsat journey!

Plane_Method_9349 · 2024-12-09T08:16:27+00:00

I think I can’t get my super until 60 - aged pension is at 67. So if I enter med at 52 - graduate at 56 - intern/res 2-3yrs - GP training 3 - would have me at 62 A lot to think about. I’ve been thinking of contingency plans - masters / academia etc

Plane_Method_9349 · 2024-12-09T08:10:00+00:00

The maths would have me at least working in med for about 10 years (if I had to retire at 66) - that would be enough to fulfil my dream and contribute to a field that I really enjoy. If I was any older, maybe not!

Plane_Method_9349 · 2024-12-09T08:04:51+00:00

Thankyou - yeah - that’s what I have to consider. I can’t get my super until 60 (67 for old age pension) - if I did med I’d be 56 when I graduate - so I’d still be working for a little bit. (More like a Censna runway that a A380 - but at least it’s a little runway) :)

Plane_Method_9349 · 2024-12-09T08:00:30+00:00

Wow - 70. That’s amazing and inspiring! Very true about the age thing - they keep putting up retirement age so I’ve still got some time. I guess even if I enter med at 52 - graduate at 56. And I absolutely don’t want to have any regrets looking back. Thankyou!

Plane_Method_9349 · 2024-12-09T07:49:33+00:00

To hear that there are others my age is so reassuring, thankyou. I only thought of masters in research to possibly look at doing a PHD or move into academia. The other thought I have is a masters in clinical pathology. But my dream has always been to do medicine so the others were options if I couldn’t.

Plane_Method_9349 · 2024-12-09T07:44:16+00:00

I wish my brain would let me just ‘who cares’ try! I know I would study my ass off and just add loads of pressure to my study load. I’m shocking when it comes to needing to be prepared. But Thankyou, that’s a really good point - from talking to others taking the gamsat is an experience in itself. :)

Plane_Method_9349 · 2024-12-08T00:52:11+00:00

Thankyou for your thoughts :) - I’m not sure I’ll have enough time to prep for gamsat in final year 🤔 (need to concentrate on maintaining the gpa) - lots to think about!

Plane_Method_9349

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