Is Medical School Right for You?


Choosing the right career is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make in your life. It's even more frustrating for medical students who want to become doctors. Becoming a doctor is a long path that starts with four years of medical school; whether you want to help cure cancer or study membrane bound organelles, this is where it begins. Wondering if medical school is for you? The following five signs will give you an idea if this path is right for you. 

You Understand the Commitment 
Some people expect four years of medical school to be easy while others think it's too difficult. Medical schools are highly selective for a reason. They're looking for the best candidates. If you did well enough in undergraduate school, then you're likely to succeed. If you work hard enough, you can graduate medical school. You have to keep in mind that medical school is a big commitment. You have to prep for the MCAT exam for an extended period of time. Most of your time should be committed to studying when you're outside of the classroom. Getting through medical school is not a race, it's a journey. It's the first step to a long process that is rewarding. This is especially the case if you choose to do a residency. Knowing what you're getting yourself into can help you prepare for medical school. 

You Have the Right Intentions 
As with any life-changing commitment, the right intention can have a positive impact on your medical school experience. If you want to go to medical school because your parents push you to become a doctor, then you're likely to set yourself up for failure and disappointment. Medical school is something you should desire. It's not something that you feel you should do. Another common misconception that brings people to medical school is the desire to become the best. The desire should become a doctor who makes a positive impact on others. Your reason for becoming a doctor shouldn't come from seeking someone's approval or impressing your family. Determine your core reasons for wanting to get into medical school. 

You Want to Volunteer 
Medical school is for you if you're interested in volunteering and helping others. Since the admissions process is extremely competitive, volunteering is one of the best ways to stand out among your competition. It shouldn't be seen as the ultimate goal of becoming a doctor. The reason why you want to volunteer is that you want to help patients and their families. Volunteering sounds boring to some people. Some students don't enjoy the idea of working for free. If this is the case for you, then you might not be ready for the healthcare industry. Caring about people's health as well as their pain can help you become committed during the most challenging phases of your medical school training. 

You Exhausted All of Your Options 
Maybe you had a desire to become a doctor, but you haven't considered the other career options. The only way to know if medical school is for you is to realize your options. This doesn't mean you have to think outside of the scope of healthcare. If you're interested in working in the healthcare sector, then you should look into other possible careers such as advanced nurse practitioner, emergency medical technician, medical technologist, and physicians assistant. All of these positions require less time in school and still have a strong job outlook. It doesn't hurt to research each of these careers to see if they would benefit you. 

You Have a Great Support System 
Support from your friends and family is enough to get you through medical school. Lack of support from your loved ones can prevent you from reaching success. That doesn't mean someone else's opinion should stop you from pursuing your dreams. If you and your family aren't the same page, this will only continue as your career thrives. 

Do your research about medical school and what it entails before you commit to it. Find out if it fits your wants and needs. Determine if you can see yourself becoming a medical student. Medical school is right for you if you're willing to inspire others.