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I once considered going to medical school and read a great book by a doctor who pointed out: wanting to help people is the barest minimum criteria to becoming a doctor. Being happy being a physician depends much more on things like: do you like a job that's physical and requires you being on your feet all day? Do you enjoy the cramming and years of focus that are required to maser your field? Do you mind doing what can feel very repetitive - patient after patient - every day? Do you mind that your work increasingly involves working with things like electronic medical records? There are many, many ways to help people. If you want to work on large public health initiatives, check out the field of public health/epidemiology, not just medical school.
A great resource to check out is also Med School Insiders - they have a YouTube channel that goes into the often boring reality of being a doctor and exactly what it takes to get into medical school.
This isn't to poop on your dreams - I've just been in the place before where a field looked AMAZING from the outside and then the everyday reality was kind of bleh.
Good luck!
Thank you! I’m definitely more trying to figure how to be successful in the field of public health rather than being an actual physician for my day to day. I’ll look into the series!!
For context, I am a 24F biomed engineering degree, 2 years in LS consulting, would start med school in 2022, did not have a great GPA (3.42) compared to other applicants but am willing to put in the volunteering and post-bacc courses to make me competitive. Just want to make sure I’m on the right path to this end dream of mine. Thank you :)
That’s very kind D1 - thank you for the support ❤️
No, but I made the reverse switch, previously a pharmacist. Helping patients is what made it difficult to leave, but I still see myself as helping patients, just on a larger and less personal scale via my clients. It comes down to what interests you more in the long term—the grass seems greener now, but you also haven’t embarked on the educational journey yet :) if you’re prepared to commit the next 10 years of your life to return to school, studying full time, residency, fellowships, etc. you need to appreciate that your lifestyle, income, and even your relationships will be impacted significantly. If you’re feeling a calling to help people, there are many other career options to consider in addition to medicine. But you can still find personal satisfaction in volunteering on the side, including in your current role.
I know someone that made the move. She left for medical school after one year of consulting.
OP, been thinking the same thing. 3 years in healthcare consulting and a masters from JHU later and still craving more of the projects that deal with improving quality for patients. Can’t seem to get close enough and thinking medicine is the move for me.
We should stay in touch! I also might have to take a few of them - was thinking I’d email admissions offices to get their perspective on what I need to be competitive
Go get it, you have the drive which no money in the world is going to provide. Consulting will always be here.
My doctor went from consulting to medicine. Had an awesome story. He really enjoys his life and the decision he made
I say you do it, OP! Follow your passion. Trust me I have plenty of family and friends who went the physician route and it goes by quickly. Just like consulting they're constantly busy with studying, rotations, applications, residency, etc. Also if you ever want to come back to consulting you'll definitely have made a reputable brand for yourself. There was this Managing Director (MD) I met from Deloitte who used to be a physician (MD) and it maybe worth your while to connect with him. Good luck! https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/profiles/shaun-rangappa.html
My best friend had an undergrad and then a masters in biotech Engg and worked with life science consulting at deloitte for two years. She had a dream similar to yours and quit deloitte to pursue her PhD. She is now two years in studying immunity and vaccinations in developing countries. She was 27 when she quit deloitte and went back to school to follow her dream ☺️ She's happier than she ever was at deloitte! Go get it girl! 🤞
Oh my gosh what a dream!!! You must be a proud friend
Chief
I’ve had three colleagues do that - all manager or below - 20 years later they’re all exponentially happier.
I am literally in the same boat as you! I am a 22F who majored in BIOE with very similar stats (GPA) as you and going through the same exact quarter life crisis. Wanted to follow up and see how this panned out for you and any advice you may have. Thank!
Hey! I’m gonna send you a chat :)