We all go through this -- No, it’s not the heartbreak this time… It’s the possible dream that you want to become a doctor. Most students entering college choose the pre-med track, but then switch out after the first year or earlier. This is not a bad thing at all. It’s great that people quickly find out what they do NOT want to do in life and what they are NOT good at.
Here are the top 4 reasons why students choose the pre-med track:
1. The Prestige
We can all admit that doctors are C-O-O-L. They save everyone’s lives. This is the most highly valued occupation in society because they are the citizens’ heroes. At some point in life, we want to be considered “important” to others or well respected. However, some people forget the fact that studying pre-medicine is not just about treating patients, but also about the science behind everything. It takes a lot of work to study in this field.
2. The Money
Many believe that being a doctor can essentially make you rich. Hate to break it to you, but that’s not true at all. If you want instant money, I’d say become a business owner or entrepreneur. Being a doctor should not be about the money. They get paid about $200,000 for a generalist.
But they still have to pay off their student loans and their starting salaries are definitely lower. Don’t forget that doctors work incredible hours. Studying to become a doctor requires the ambition and motivation rooted science or humans, not the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
3. Their Parents
Family members are always “suggesting” what you should do in the future. But those suggestions just sound like nagging sometimes. Most elder family members pressure you to become a doctor because they care (stable job) and, of course, they want to brag about you to their friends.
Many students simply choose the pre-med track because 1) they don’t know what they want to do (choosing undeclared is not an option) 2) their parents said so. Don’t be a pushover!! I know you want to make your parents proud, but they won’t be proud of anyone if you end up doing something you absolutely hate.
4. Grey's Anatomy
You know it’s true (you just want to meet hot surgeons). The show inspires everyone to be extraordinary ;) but sometimes you just have to know your strengths and weaknesses. Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams and go all out for them. But also don’t set yourself up for failure. Stay true to yourself and accept the fact that you can’t be as great as Cristina Yang.
