Going into medical school is not an easy decision to make. There are several factors you have to consider. Plus, making sacrifices is part of pursuing a career in the medical field. To help you make the right decision, the following are the advantages and disadvantages of getting into med school.
Pros
Most of the people who became medical doctors or are currently medical students have been dreaming about it ever since they were young. As a very prestigious, rewarding, and established profession, a medical career surely is one of the best careers out there.(1) Furthermore, you will have the capacity to serve humanity by providing good medical services to your community. Pursuing a medical career also entails continuous learning, which means that your mind will not deteriorate. As a medical doctor, you will invariably be a leader and teacher of health in your community. And of course, once you are established, you can expect financial gains. Furthermore, it may be the most gratifying endeavour that you will do in your life.
Cons
Do not forget that as a medical doctor, you will literally be handling people’s lives. That is why studying medicine is one of the most gruelling, demanding, and extremely difficult academic paths you can ever take. The medical school will get the best out of you, and it will be very stressful.(2) It will also take much time to reach your goal, which is an established, high-earning practice of course. Usual attendance to a medical school would be four years of undergraduate studies, plus several years of internship, residency, and fellowships depending on your specialty. You will also be sacrificing much when you are in medical school, such as spending time with family and other affairs. Lastly, in the absence of a good scholarship aid, it is financially draining.
Do you really want to?
With the advantages and disadvantages of both studying in medical school and eventually practicing a medical career, you might think twice before pursuing it. If it is really your passion, and if you really believe that it is your calling, then it will be worthwhile. Just imagine yourself in other careers and if you still think that it’s medicine, then so be it. Just prepare yourself, physically and emotionally.(3) Another preparation you can do is to come up with a good essay about myself or admissions essay. To help you out, read a sample essay about myself online. A reliable sample essay about myself should help you come up with a concise and engaging med school admissions essay about myself.
(1) http://gradschool.about.com/od/medicalschool/f/advdoc.htm
(2) http://fmignet.aafp.org/online/fmig/index/medical-school/surviving.html
(3) http://www.phd-survey.org/advice/advice.htm
