Contemplation

Another undergraduate thinking about her future

Over the course of this year, I’ve changed my views on my future, re: medical school. Let’s back up a little. Throughout high school and probably in middle school, I was obstinately focused on my career goal of becoming a surgeon. To get there, I have to get into and get through medical school.

After spending the most recent semester of school in a program that I absolutely love in all aspects (the subject matter, my peers), and after seeing parody videos of “what premeds say”, I’ve taken a few steps backwards and am reconsidering my single-minded focus.

There’s nothing about being a surgeon, or my end goal, that I have been deterred from. Rather, it’s the process of getting into medical school and the stigma (yes, I mean to say stigma) of being one amongst a million others who want to get in to medical school.

Writing and preparing for the MCAT is much like SAT preparation. It’s something everyone whines and grouses about. There’s something about the cram school approach and blandness of it that just doesn't sit well with me. Moreover, a common thought amongst premeds (I define premed as anyone who wants to get into med school) is to hit the triumvirate for success: perfect marks, volunteer commitments, and acing the MCAT.

Let’s start with the need for perfect marks (aka a 4.0). Why has the need for perfection been drilled to us at such an early age and why does the education system reward this behaviour so much? Shouldn't more of the focus be on learning, curiosity, and actually enjoying what you learn? Although it would be ideal for everyone to learn at their own pace and learn what they want to learn, prior to reaching the last years of high school or university, it’s impossible to escape the mandatory courses and I know that sometimes, you just gotta force yourself to get through it. But when I see my peers (at the university level) driven solely by the need to pick bird courses so they can get that perfect GPA, I can’t help but shake my head and think about the money and time they’re wasting.

Secondly, the volunteer commitments. I’m not saying that it’s not important, but most people volunteer for the sake of getting the hours which I don’t appreciate. I’m not going to lie- I started out that way as well. In the end, wouldn't it be better for you yourself if you chose something remotely interesting to you, or tried to find something “fun” or worth going to for the commitment? I know that there are only so many volunteer positions out there, but try to make your life worth living and don’t waste your time.

Lastly, there’s the whole prestige attitude of why you want to become a doctor. I personally don’t like people who are in it for the money, but I do understand their thoughts as the world we live in is very money-driven. However, what makes me more angry are the people who either don’t want to go in there but are pressured by their parents, or people who are in it for the prestige and might not care about others at all. For the first point, I know it isn’t right to blame to victim so I’d like to ask parents about the pressure. Maybe it’s too romantic of a notion, but I’d like to see children being able to find a job that makes them happy .. and I would hope that something other than prestige can make someone happy.

This is essentially a large thoughtdump and is probably confusing to read at places (and definitely deteriorated towards the end), but my essential message is that I’m a little disheartened by the attitude I see within my peers and wish that I could sort out a little of my future.