Posted: Jan 04, 2011 7:47 am
inkaStepa wrote:I'm in a biology program right now and (though I haven't even started my real premed program yet) I'm wondering if being a doctor would be realistic for me. I tried talking to a career counseler but she kept telling me I'd be better as a nurse or a PA at best (probably because my grades so far haven't been the best). I'm retaking bio (I failed) but I really do like science. I can't imagine being in any other field to be honest (except art but that is something I'd rather do on the side). So I guess some questions I have are:
-Must one be a fast learner to be a doctor? I tend to take more time to understand things to be honest.
-is it possible to do more than volunteer work abroad (like work at an Indian hospital or example)? Someone told me I'd have to do a residency to practice anywhere outside the states.
-Will I be able to have a family? The counseler told me I would be too busy to manage a home life so I'm a bit worried. I'm not planning to think about kids until I'm 30-35 but I'm 20 now.
My two cents worth. Don't be a doc. Lots of intense learning and pressure, and you need good people skills [either that, or be a surgeon]! A scientific artist or illustrator might suit you more. Or be a biologist. Getting a PhD in biology is mostly doggedness, hard work, and enthusiasm. You can think outside the square, so originality should be no problem. If you screw up an experiment, then there is no problem, just do it again. I am only guessing based on what you have posted, but I don't think you would relish the prospect of being responsible for so many people and their health.
But, as with many things, competition is tight and jobs are scarce, but that may change when you qualify.
Do something which most feels right to you.