Why Didn't You Go To Med School?

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Don't you get tired of friends/relatives asking you "Why didn't you go to med school?"

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone wants to be a doctor. I love what I do and I do what I love. Isn't that good enough?

"Why didn't you go to medical school?" I love how nonchalant that is, as if it's just soooo easy to get in and yet the person made a flippant decision to just go to nursing school instead. Most people, including the person asking the question, wouldn't get in.

I think the REAL reason that question is asked is to point out that you're "just a nurse." So irritating.

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here's the real question - why does this thread or a variability of it come up every week on AN?

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Specializes in ER, OR, PACU, TELE, CATH LAB, OPEN HEART.

my response is "I was too smart/intelligent to go to medical school. I have a LIFE and NO DEBT".

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Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.
here's the real question - why does this thread or a variability of it come up every week on AN?

I think some people are having doubts!!!!;) Lolz!!!

Not I.

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Peds, School Nurse, DD.

"Why didn't you go to med school?"

"I dunno, why didn't you?":clown:

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Specializes in Acute Rehab.

i always say "why didn't you go to Med school?"

....silence....

yeah...you won't ask that again.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.
Ugh, I agree... it is frustrating to get asked that over and over. A lot of people still just don't understand different roles in healthcare. Nurses just fluff pillows and give medicine, everyone in scrubs must be a nurse, any male in the hospital is a doctor, etc.

And don't forget how we nurses don't do anything unless we're told to by the doctor..

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Agreed. One of the most obnoxious questions, ever. Particularly since what really makes or breaks a patient's recovery and comfort is the quality of nursing care. Of course correct diagnosis and treatment are essential, and that is the physician's role. However, even with correct diagnoses/treatments, it is the nursing care that has it's ever watchful eye on how the patient is faring and taking action that makes the diagnosis and treatments effective. Nurses are very valuable (though certainly not all physicians agree ;)) in contributing to finding the correct diagnosis, picking up on subtle changes, and suggesting therapies, by virtue of always being with the patient, can really see how the patient is tolerating the treatment.

And how about physical and emotional comfort? Let's not forget that. The morning quickie (rounds), let's face it, generally don't include a whole lot of reassuring pillow talk. And a physician adjusting a pillow, or tucking in a blanket? Almost unheard of. Yes, little things matter.

Yes physicians do work extremely hard and have undergone a rigorous education and training process..... but, it is my belief that it is the nurse that makes the most significant difference. A good nurse can save a patient from a bad doctor, but it is never the other way around.

When some numbskull asks you why you didn't become a doctor, perhaps you can say (with pride)- "I wanted to make a real difference in someone's recovery and comfort. It's not a career that just anyone is cut out for, but I am extremely good at what I do, and people's lives are significantly better for it."

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Don't you get tired of friends/relatives asking you "Why didn't you go to med school?"

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone wants to be a doctor. I love what I do and I do what I love. Isn't that good enough?

I hear Med is school is crazy! here

If I want to go to med school

I will rather do it out of the country

not in the United States!lol

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I would have liked to have gone to med school.. But I wasn't smart nor driven enough when I was younger. Now I'm 27 and don't like the thought of begnning my career in my early-mid forties.

I do admire most of the doctors I work with, though. Seeing the residents through the years as they progress is really cool.

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I would have liked to have gone to med school.. But I wasn't smart nor driven enough when I was younger. Now I'm 27 and don't like the thought of begnning my career in my early-mid forties.

I do admire most of the doctors I work with, though. Seeing the residents through the years as they progress is really cool.

I'm shocked. Someone dare say this? Where is the usual "Oh, pshhh who wants to be a doctor?" or "I was smart and didn't want debt and wanted a life." or "I prefer the direct patient care I get from being a nurse." Honestly, these answers are so hokey. The real reason, as you pointed out Birry, is that people can't get in. People make it sound l like they could have gone if they wanted to, they just chose not to. Seriously, if you're not going to med school because of the debt, you're crazy. You don't think the doctor is going to make up for the debt soon enough? His earning is triple yours, at least.

But anyway, I think you should try to get in Birry. I know that once you get a bit older (although 27 is by no means old) it's tough to think about starting all over, but if you think you could do it, DO IT! Easier said than done, I know, but what if you were able to get in? You will have fulfilled a dream for yourself. I know what you are saying about starting a career in your mid 40s is true, but if you think about it, if you actually get into med school, you're already on your way. It's not like it's going to be questionable until your mid 40s whether or not you're going to be a doctor. As soon as you get accepted to med school, you KNOW you're going to be a doctor, it's just a matter of time. And after med school you will already be working as a doctor...just not totally on your own yet.

Good luck.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
I'm shocked. Someone dare say this? Where is the usual "Oh, pshhh who wants to be a doctor?" or "I was smart and didn't want debt and wanted a life." or "I prefer the direct patient care I get from being a nurse." Honestly, these answers are so hokey. The real reason, as you pointed out Birry, is that people can't get in. People make it sound l like they could have gone if they wanted to, they just chose not to. Seriously, if you're not going to med school because of the debt, you're crazy. You don't think the doctor is going to make up for the debt soon enough? His earning is triple yours, at least.

But anyway, I think you should try to get in Birry. I know that once you get a bit older (although 27 is by no means old) it's tough to think about starting all over, but if you think you could do it, DO IT! Easier said than done, I know, but what if you were able to get in? You will have fulfilled a dream for yourself. I know what you are saying about starting a career in your mid 40s is true, but if you think about it, if you actually get into med school, you're already on your way. It's not like it's going to be questionable until your mid 40s whether or not you're going to be a doctor. As soon as you get accepted to med school, you KNOW you're going to be a doctor, it's just a matter of time. And after med school you will already be working as a doctor...just not totally on your own yet.

Good luck.

You may think that the answers you cited are hokey, however, that doesn't make them untrue. The corollary would be that nursing is filled with medskool rejects- and that's not the case. Not by a long shot. Yes, there are many, many medschool applicants and relatively few spaces. Yes an applicant must have an exemplary GPA and score well on the MCAT and demonstrate other qualities that are considered for admission. Coming up short in those areas does NOT mean that person could or should go to nursing school as some sort of consolation prize! :smackingf

If someone wants to be a doctor, go be a doctor. It takes a lot of hard work to get there. If you want to be a nurse, be a nurse. It's not exactly a walk in the park, either and nor will your career be.

As for the debt aspect.... 200K of debt is no small thing to take on- particularly since it doesn't come with a guaruntee that you'll even like being a doctor (there are many that become quite disenchanted) and that you'll match into interventional radiology rather than family practice. Big difference in income.

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