I have been laodecian about pursuing higher education for the last 20 months. However, thanks largely to Andrew's acceptance to a graduate program at NU, I have found myself motivated to go back to school. This time, I'm looking back at career paths that I've explored and enjoyed. Instead of working in the psych industry, I've decided that I'd rather experiment with the medical field.
I've looked into studying to become a nurse, a master's level nurse, as well as certificate paths, and, of course, becoming a physician. I have settled on studying to be a doctor of medicine. I will be able to fulfill the joke of becoming M.D. M.D. That is, assuming that everything goes according to plan.
In a harried week or two, I've applied to a local community college that offers all of the pre-reqs that I need, been accepted, and have begun looking for schools of medicine to which I want to apply. There are a few in the Chicago area that I am exploring, as well as an MD and DO program in Arizona. I haven't ruled out other states (such as Ohio).
I am not doing this out of a need to cure pancreatic cancer (the disease that killed my mother). Nor am doing this because doctors have a hefty earning potential (though, that is some part of it). I am doing this because it is something that I think I may love to do. I have spent many hours in a hospital ER on many different sides. Never have I been a patient or doctor though. I thought I might take a pass on being a patient and see if I could make a career of being a doctor.
I understand that there are many roles in the hospital to be filled. I may end up becoming a radiologist or RT or RN, however, currently, my goal is to pursue medical school. In this vein, I have decided to set my goals and stick to them as tenaciously as possible. I begin school tomorrow afternoon. Wish me luck.
Oh, the title is a reference to the film, Jurassic Park. It's a line made by a character that has a truck dropped on him only to be saved by a moon roof that the T-Rex tried to eat him through. I empathize a bit with his emotions if not his situation.
Posted by: Mendon at August 24, 2008 9:15 PMGood luck! (Though I know that you won't need it).
Posted by: Kristen at August 24, 2008 11:36 PMNothing like an extra-curricula activity to liven up an already hectic schedule. Aaaah, to be young again. You will enjoy medicine, though Kristen will not like the dinner table discussions. She was already exposed to too many medicos around the eating times. Of course, she can talk about that stuff and it's alright. You just have to get used to that sort of thing. lol.
May you always learn what you need to know, and know what you need to. You will just be starting out as I retire in 6 years.
Yay!
I can definitely relate with the truck sentiments, too.
Much love and encouragement to you as you begin this journey.
Posted by: Mara at August 25, 2008 1:43 PMGood luck and continuing prayers
Posted by: Helen at August 26, 2008 4:07 AMHooray! I know we won't be able to see each other as much, but it should all be worth it in the end. Remember, they can't take your degree when you're bankrupt.
Posted by: Andrew at August 28, 2008 2:58 AMGood luck!
Posted by: Alana at August 28, 2008 12:24 PMMendon,
I've been trying to get hold of you - are you still going to be this side of the atlantic any time soon?
Helen