Am I crazy to want to become a doctor?

[Anonymous]

37. Two young kids. And a completely unrelated career. But suddenly I'm feeling the drive to study medicine and become a doctor and look after those who are ill and need healing.

Is it too late?

[Anonymous]

Do you have a lot of cash lying around? It's a LOT of money. Like 300k.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have a lot of cash lying around? It's a LOT of money. Like 300k.

No. I don't. We have a mortgage and some manageable student loans already. And of course, we need to be saving for college for our children, so no, i wouldn't think I could invest that much. Is aid very unlikely?

[Anonymous]

Would you have to take undergrad course before applying? If so then probably yes. Residency is physically and mentally exhausting and a lot easier done as a youngster. I could not do it again now and I'm late 30s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would you have to take undergrad course before applying? If so then probably yes. Residency is physically and mentally exhausting and a lot easier done as a youngster. I could not do it again now and I'm late 30s.

I've done most of the pre-med requirements. I'd probably need just one or two courses, assuming stuff from 15 years ago is still considered valid now.

I'm not daunted by studying. But the idea of long hours away from the family during those early years is what makes me nervous.

[Anonymous]

You are crazy.

Don't do it unless you want to do a very lucrative speciality.

And even then you probably shouldn't do it.

[Anonymous]

Bad investment

[Anonymous]

yes. just stop this line of thinking. If you are truly passionate about medicine, you can find a career that is related and relevant - but in which you don't need to invest so many years and so much time.

I sense that you have struggled with your purpose in life/career, etc. - I was the same. At 43 I was willing to go back to school for a career/job when someone in the field helped me understand at that point I needed to focus on experience, not more education. I know have my dream job and I didn't have to go back to school for another graduate degree.

[Anonymous]

Nope not crazy at all. I'm still considering it at 34. I actually enjoy medial science. If you are truly passionate about medivine then go for it. You only live once, so do what you enjoy and don't live a life of regrets. Check nontraditional med student forum for more support.

[Anonymous]

Can you volunteer as a hospital scribe? It might stoke your appetite or extinguish it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you have a lot of cash lying around? It's a LOT of money. Like 300k.

No. I don't. We have a mortgage and some manageable student loans already. And of course, we need to be saving for college for our children, so no, i wouldn't think I could invest that much. Is aid very unlikely?

No, you don't. They can pay for their own college. You pay for your own.

Go back to school if that is your dream!

[Anonymous]

For coursework that is 15+ years old - most top schools wouldn't consider it. So you'd likely be moving your family cross-country for some second-rate med school (that frankly you'd be lucky to get into to). Have confidence in yourself NOW - you can totally find a related career that is meaningful and likely more lucrative than an md. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I should clarify that I have a career that I LOVE. That has been my calling and is part of who I am. I don't think I am unfulfilled in that career. Medicine is something I've always been told I would be good at, but I wasn't interested. But in the past couple of months, I've started wishing I had medical training, I wish I could be a doctor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nope not crazy at all. I'm still considering it at 34. I actually enjoy medial science. If you are truly passionate about medivine then go for it. You only live once, so do what you enjoy and don't live a life of regrets. Check nontraditional med student forum for more support.

I'll look into it. I guess I'll start studying and see if I can get significant enough aid to make it feel like a realistic option.

[Anonymous]

You're going to have to retake the courses from 15 years ago.