"why not medical school?"

[janony]

This may not really be the right forum to post this, but I'm hoping for responses from a diverse group of people, not just students.

So: I'm currently a biology PhD student. And I'm applying for direct-entry NP programs. Not planning to finish the PhD at this point. Everyone who I tell asks me "why not go to medical school?"

I have my reasons, but I'm having a really hard time answering that question to their (and my) satisfaction. My reasons are:

- can go to NP school next year, at least 2-3 for MD

- shorter time in school, less debt

- more humane hours (no residency)

- greater career flexibility

- more patient interaction

To be entirely honest, the whole "nursing model vs medical model" debate does not factor highly into my decision. In my mind the two professions are just filling different needs in the same healthcare model.

My question is - how do I respond to this question? SHOULD I apply to med school instead? I could probably get in... but I've never had ANY desire to be an MD. The only reason I could think of would be the prestige - and I don't really care about that myself, it's just something that's important to my family. So what do I say?

My current response is simply: because I've decided to go to NP school. But that's not really answering the question, is it? :icon_roll

[ali_gator]

Thanks for all the replies. It helps to hear that I don't have to justify my decision to anyone except ME. Unfortunately, I think the majority of the faculty in the graduate program that I'm planning to leave just DON'T GET IT - and never will. They don't see why I'd leave a Harvard PhD for nursing (FNP) school, and that believe it or not their career is not the only reasonable one out there.

Maybe that's just something I'll have to accept.

janony

I know how hard it can be when you dont recieve support from those who should support you. Stay true to yourself. Remember, it is your life, not theirs. :icon_hug: