Becoming a Doctor at a late age

[Northendzone]

If you become a doctor, be sure to become board certified.

From what I have seen, every doctor I have seen advertising something on tv is board certified. Seems to me that being board certified will add a nice secondary income stream.

I should also congratulate you on being less than 40and being able to bank $500k. Seems to me that you are very successful in your current line of work.

Seems to me that this path won’t be easy, but if it is your passion, seems to me that you are well positioned to try and follow your dream.

I hope you provide some updates on your decision and your journey.

[afc wimbledon]

I come from a family of doctors and was pushed to go that pathway myself, as far as I could tell it looked like a bloody aweful job, well paid but that's about it, family doctors sit in small windowless rooms all day long listening to idiots with a cold or a kid with an ear ache, the days appeared long and soulless and incredibly repetitive.

Both my uncle and Grandfather who were MD's seemed to dull their lives with booze and chasing women while talking about how much better their lives were in the Navy before (another family tradition I ignored!).

Before you give up a vast amount of time and money on this make sure the reality of being a doctor is actually what you want rather than our somewhat rosy tinted Doogie Howser Marcus Welbyish view of the job.

[pgsieve]

What is your GPA? You’ll need at least a 3.7-3.8 and an average MCAT score of 500.

[Wastedyouth]

Originally Posted by pgsieve

What is your GPA? You’ll need at least a 3.7-3.8 and an average MCAT score of 500.

My GPA in what?

[Hackey]

If I could make $500,000 in 1.7 months I'd be staying in my field, padding my bank account, and enjoying single life. But then again I don't know how great your desire to become a Doctor is. I think you'd have to really really want it to make it worth it otherwise you can pursue a lot of things with your current situation. I think people should follow their passions but you seem to have a good situation with flexibility and money which really opens a lot of options for you. I guess its up to you to figure out which one will give you the most satisfaction in the end.

[pgsieve]

Originally Posted by Wastedyouth

My GPA in what?

Your post-secondary experience. Also - you’ll need at least a 2nd year knowledge in Bio and Chem to have any kind of success on the MCAT.

[Wastedyouth]

Originally Posted by pgsieve

Your post-secondary experience. Also - you’ll need at least a 2nd year knowledge in Bio and Chem to have any kind of success on the MCAT.

When I went to college last time I think I finished with a 3.8, but I would have to come check it was 7 years ago.

Regardless, that’s neither here nor there. I doubt it has any bearing on med school. Whatever I get in my pre-reqs should be what is looked at no?

[Wastedyouth]

Originally Posted by Hackey

If I could make $500,000 in 1.7 months I'd be staying in my field, padding my bank account, and enjoying single life. But then again I don't know how great your desire to become a Doctor is. I think you'd have to really really want it to make it worth it otherwise you can pursue a lot of things with your current situation. I think people should follow their passions but you seem to have a good situation with flexibility and money which really opens a lot of options for you. I guess its up to you to figure out which one will give you the most satisfaction in the end.

But to make that I have to be away from my friends and family for probably 1.3 of the 1.7 months. As in, Iraq, Kuwait, Turkmenistan, etc.

What I am trying to get away from is that, in essence, while potentially doing something I’ve dreamed about that could keep me busy into my 60s. I don’t want to be doing what I do now for many more years. I already missed the end of my dads life because I was working away far too much.

[GreatWhiteEbola]

I decided to do a switch in my career (10+ years within a certain industry) last year, and go back to school. I am following my life long dream. Financially; spent most of my savings, relationship; I was engaged and that ended, Stress; I have never been more stressed in my life.

Part-time work consulting, and full-time school has put me on edge all the time, constant deadlines. I never realized how terrible I was at managing my time...my schedule is obscene.

I guess my only advice; manage your time, and be realistic about your capabilities.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Wastedyouth

But to make that I have to be away from my friends and family for probably 1.3 of the 1.7 months. As in, Iraq, Kuwait, Turkmenistan, etc.

What I am trying to get away from is that, in essence, while potentially doing something I’ve dreamed about that could keep me busy into my 60s. I don’t want to be doing what I do now for many more years. I already missed the end of my dads life because I was working away far too much.

This alone is a reason for a career change. It sounds like you're doing mercenary work, which is rarely rewarding outside of a paycheque. People need purpose in their lives to be truly happy, and I think you'll find your purpose somewhere in the medical fields.

Plus, I found my wife because I followed my purpose and went to Chiropractic College. We met 3 months after I started school in the States, and 7 years after meeting, we have been married for 5 years with 2 kids under the age of 3. I guess what I'm saying is you are far more likely to meet "the one" if you're pursuing something that you truly care about rather than just chasing a dollar. People are drawn to those that have a vision for their lives.

Oh, and Merry Christmas!

[GGG]

I'd run the economics on doctor vs other careers with a shorter training path. If you need 2 years undergrad, 4 years Med and 4 years of residency that's 10 years of low salary. Compare that to nursing where you'd be out in 4 and even with the lower income you'd get 6 additional years and those would be earlier so have a much higher NPV.

If your dream is doctor or bust and aren't worried about the economics go for it but if the dream is a regular job that makes a good salary in a field that interests you I would run the numbers on a variety of different medical jobs and see makes sense economically.

Imaging techs, respiratory therapists, nurses etc may all offer some of what you want with much less time and economic cost.

The other aspect is that you say you want to get back to a normal life around people. Being a resiedent does not offer that. My cousin just finished and it was essentially years without any kind of social life. Horrible hours and minimal pay. So those resident years are a big sacrifice. She was doing some specialist surgery though so probably different than the family doctor stream.

[pgsieve]

Originally Posted by Wastedyouth

When I went to college last time I think I finished with a 3.8, but I would have to come check it was 7 years ago.

Regardless, that’s neither here nor there. I doubt it has any bearing on med school. Whatever I get in my pre-reqs should be what is looked at no?

It would depend on what your college experience was (what you studied and where). Many schools will weight your GPA based on your program and school as
well but it is absolutely a factor (including your MCAT score)

[powderjunkie]

U of C Med School is 3 years (no summer breaks); family med residency is 2 years (everywhere).

[Machiavelli]

I'm trying to come up with something more meaningful to say than "don't do it," but I've got nothing

[cam_wmh]

PM'd

[Manhattanboy]

Certain schools like U of C Med hold a place or two for mature students (or they used to). Look into that. Definitely follow your dream if you can financially. I am single no kids as well and have practiced law for many years. If I had a do over I would have quit mid way and pursued my dream, which is film making. Too late for me. I will always regret it.

[Yee88]

I


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Wastedyouth]

Originally Posted by Yee88

I


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I totally agree.

[Wastedyouth]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

PM'd

Just in the midst of my 37 hour trek home. Will reply back once I’m home and settled!

[mikephoen]

I've been following this thread with interest. I say go for it. What is the worst case scenario? You don't like it or can't get in to med school, so you go back to what you're doing now. There will still be lots of dangerous places to go work oil jobs in a few years if you change your mind on becoming a doctor. Might as well make the attempt at fulfilling your dream!