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An undergrad's problem
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An undergrad's problem - October 9, 2005 11:50:00 AM
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msundi83
Posts: 4
Joined: July 23, 2005
From: Bettendorf, IA and Waverly, IA
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Hi all,
I'm a senior pre-physical therapy student who will have a biology degree this may. I have 4 interviews at the 4 schools I applied to and I love the physical therapy profession. I am, however, experiencing a crisis of sorts regarding my future plans (as I know many people do). I am considering going to school for another year and taking a few more prerequisites, the MCAT and try to get into med school. Of course I wait till this point in my life to contemplate this. I was just wondering if any of you students/professionals out there have had similiar experiences. I have talked to many PTs who later in their career wish they gave med school more thought. I just don't want to have too many regrets. I don't know if it is really possible to go back to school after becoming a PT. Sorry to maybe be a downer of sorts. Don't get me wrong, I love PT and I am not asking anyone to make any decisions for me, I just was curious if any of you have had similar experiences. Thanks
_____________________________
Michael T. Sunderbruch
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Re: An undergrad's problem - October 9, 2005 12:28:00 PM
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MinnDasota
Posts: 29
Joined: July 22, 2005
From: NYC
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Do you know what type of MD you are leaning towards? If so, I would recommend finding more about it and maybe shadowing them before you jump in that direction. You can always reapply to PT school next year (I've heard some schools may even let you defer your acceptance for a year, but I don't know how that works). It just means that it will take another year for you to start in either profession.
If you have the means and feel like time is not an issue, I don't see anything that should hold you back from an extra year of undergrad. Especially if you are already thinking about possible "regrets". Obviously both fields can be very rewarding, but the difference in pay pushes many people towards med school (especially for the cost to go to many PT schools.
Although my father is an MD, I chose PT school because it was more for me and I knew I would have no regrets of not ever trying my hand at med school. I am currently in my first year of my DPT program and I love it.
Like I said, if you already feel as if you may regret not trying med school, then it sounds like you are not totally sold on being a PT yet, as much as you love it.
Good luck,
Chris
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Re: An undergrad's problem - October 9, 2005 6:01:00 PM
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AllenB
Posts: 46
Joined: June 19, 2005
Status: offline
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I also know of MDs that wish they had just gone to PT school instead of Med school. True that they make more money, but with that income comes many really tough issues such as malpractice and LONG hours. It's hard to do but try not to listen to what others say, and do what YOU want to do.
Consider how much time you want to spend with family as you are older. If you are a workaholic and that's what sustains you, then maybe the MD is the way to go ..... or be a GREAT PT with that work ethic.
It's hard to look into the future and imagine what life will bring you .... and for that reason, be happy with either decision and work hard.
By the way, everyone has regrets about previous decisions in life. There are those who constantly complain about it and those who accept it and move forward.
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Re: An undergrad's problem - October 9, 2005 6:02:00 PM
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Dr.Wagner
Posts: 1242
Joined: January 24, 2003
From: Indianapolis
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I of course did PT first, then went back to medical school...I think my training first as a PT was EXTREMELY helpful as a physician...but, I think I always really wanted to be a doctor. I would not change anything if I had to do it over again, but without a doubt, if you have any hesitations about going into PT then HALT! NEVER regret your inaction. Never wonder "what if".
Take the MCAT.
There is no doubt the schooling is way different and the professions are solar systems apart, but each has its positive qualities. A physicians life is extremely gratifying and stressful...and so is a PT's, just in a different way.
_____________________________
Dr. Wagner DO
Moderator of Medical Complexity Forum
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Re: An undergrad's problem - October 12, 2005 10:27:00 AM
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msundi83
Posts: 4
Joined: July 23, 2005
From: Bettendorf, IA and Waverly, IA
Status: offline
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Thanks to everyone for your input
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Michael T. Sunderbruch
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Re: An undergrad's problem - January 4, 2006 3:47:00 PM
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clydesdale6
Posts: 65
Joined: January 2, 2006
Status: offline
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If I were you, I would take the MCAT. I have a biology degree as well. I know many doctors who do not work crazy hours. Hell, I know many P.T.s who log in many hours just so they can make their mortgage payments. You can help others and support yourself and a family by being a physician. You can't really support a family as a staff PT. Your spouse will HAVE to work and you might find yourself working OT, like many of us. Go for the top, you can actually influence and help even more people. If you stay with P.T. though, don't worry. It is rewarding in other ways. I just think as an MD you might be able to have both. Good luck
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Re: An undergrad's problem - January 5, 2006 1:48:00 PM
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JLS_PT_OCS
Posts: 1684
Joined: January 30, 2005
From: USA
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This is a "grass is greener" problem-
Many PTs (certainly not me) complain about a salary ceiling, little authority relative to a physician, and a reliance on referral.
Many MDs complain of long hours, little authority relative to the insurance company, high malpractice premiums, and exposure to excessive medicolegal liability thanks to trial lawyers.
In medicine, there is stiff competition for some choice residencies like Dermatology and Radiology (regular predictable hours), whereas those in emergency medicine and primary care (critically important, but often thankless in terms of pay and working conditions) are less popular. There is forecasted to be a serious shortage of family practitioners especially.
Wags, this jive with what you know?
So, you've gotta look at both sides of the fence.
I agree with Wags, take the MCAT, get your options down, and talk with several PTs and MDs in different practice areas. Go with what your gut tells you.
No decision is irreversible, and Dr Wagner is a good example of that.
J
_____________________________
Jason Silvernail DPT, OCS, CSCS
"It isn't what you're able to do that requires your courage but rather what you have come to understand and are willing to express." - Barrett Dorko,PT
**I no longer post on RehabEdge**
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Re: An undergrad's problem - January 7, 2006 6:46:00 PM
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shutterspeedfilms
Posts: 9
Joined: January 6, 2006
Status: offline
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clydesdale6:
I find your take a bit misguided and insulting to career changers and single income families.
I've supported a wife and child on everywhere from 18k a year as a magazine staff member to 31k a year now as an English teacher. We've made sacrifices for my wife to stay at home with my son for four years, but by no means did without necessities (more than I can say for a teacher friend of mine who makes 80k a year together with his employed wife--not only do they spend every penny they make,but are in debt!)
So you'll excuse me if I find the 45-50k starting salary for a PT (which I've found commonly referred to around this forum) appealing.
Some people.
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Re: An undergrad's problem - January 7, 2006 7:28:00 PM
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FLAOrthoPT
Posts: 1011
Joined: May 8, 2004
From: West Palm Beach
Status: offline
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all is relative...or is that the west virginia motto?
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