Deciding to Study Medicine
The
foremost question I had to ask myself was, why? Why do I want to study
medicine?
(It's a
tough question!). Is it to "help people"?
Despite this probably being
the most cliché answer in the history of all med school interviews, it was
partly one of the reasons that led me to pursue this career.
I had to
genuinely ask myself these question, because medicine is a lifelong commitment
that requires full dedication.
Why I decided to study medicine.
From a
young age, let's say around 10, I wanted to become a plastic surgeon. I have no
idea what triggered that, but I have always been intrigued by the idea of
making a huge impact in people's lives, whether through facial reconstruction
for burn victims, or simply to give a woman her dream double D breast!
As I got
older I changed my career plans so often, varying from becoming a lawyer to
becoming an accountant. I know, there is definitely no association between
medicine and these other careers.
It became
clear as I went through secondary school, largely because I found my love of
sciences (in other words I was a nerd!). Finally, through many work experiences I saw that I did not see myself doing anything else. I shadowed plastic surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, nurses, dieticians, and pretty much every
profession within the healthcare system. From these experiences I saw that I
was more drawn towards the medical field and since then I never looked back.
I
know this is silly, but for the longest time I would always say to my mum
"It's either I become a Doctor, or a stripper". My mother was not
impressed with the latter. It was just a saying, I most definitely was not
going to be a stripper (I think), it shows you how adamant I was about becoming a doctor.
Looking back I realise that I did not have a backup plan, which I definitely
would not recommend.
Your reasons
There is no
right answer, be true to yourself. Your decision might be influenced by
personal life experiences, or maybe it's the status, or the money. A few people
are motivated by TV shows. I personally LOVE Grey's anatomy; Christina Yang I
love you, RIP Derek Sheppard! It's always a beautiful day to save lives, but
unfortunately or should I say fortunately, medicine is nothing like Grey's
anatomy or Scrubs.
Whatever
your reasons are, it could be the driving force that keeps you going while
pursuing this career.
If you are
offered an interview for medical school, your reasons may not be an appropriate
answer. It won't go well to say I want to study medicine simply because my
parents are doctors. Do not get me wrong, it might have had a big influence for you to pursue this career, but it shouldn't be the sole bases of your answer.
Things to consider before pursuing:
-You will dedicate a minimum of 5 years in university via the undergraduate
route. Through other paths it may be considerably more. Some individuals decide to go
through alternative routes, for reasons such as: not being sure whether medicine is for them, or for the unlucky few unable to get admission the first time
round. Following the graduate route can be a minimum of 7 years in university all together.
- Admissions! Admissions! Admissions! Not to be the burden of bad news, but medicine is a very difficult course to get accepted into, irrespective of the university you apply to.
During the year 2014, there were 84,850 applicants with only 6,820 receiving acceptances
into a medical school. This shows you how tough the competition is, the aim is to try everything possible to stand out from the competition!
- It
is HARD work, some days studying from dawn to dusk. You'll have your favourite spot in the library, you may even become acquainted with the library security guards. This isn't everyday, but it's something you should be willing to do.
- Failing!
It sucks. We all have our own personal views on what it is to fail. Whether
it's getting a Merit instead of a distinction in a module that you worked so
hard in. Or having to resit a paper, or maybe it's re-sitting the year due to
personal circumstances. It is possible, everyone in medical is what I consider smart and capable. The course is challenging,
and it's most definitely not a walk in the park. There are days where you may want to
give up, and days where you actually do give up. During these hard times, it's great to have a support system to help you get through it.
- The pay is not extravagant (largely due to being funded via Tax payers in the
UK, but in other countries such as America, the pay is considerably more). But
let's face it, no one studies medicine for the money (I would hope), but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be rewarded for our hard work and dedication!
- When
you eventually become a doctor the studying does not end. You are continuously
learning and are expected to. Having completed my medical finals- Yes! No more
studying! I beg to defer. In order to be a good doctor you must continuously keep
your knowledge and skills up-to-date, by attending lectures,
revision courses, or simply reading a topic you may have learnt over 3 years ago. The learning never ends...
Lastly, I want
to place a bit of positive energy. It might seem impossible, you might
feel like you are not good enough, or smart enough. I had one teacher
telling me in one ear that she believed I had what it takes to get
into medical school. While in the other ear I had another teacher (who wasn't even my
teacher) telling me to consider an alternative course.
The one
thing you have to keep in mind is to never let anybody tell you, you cannot pursue your
dream career. If you are willing to work, and you have what it takes, in the words
of Shia Labeouf- JUST DOOO ITTT!!!
Thanks for
reading!
Feel free
to ask any questions, would love to hear your thoughts!
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