Is MD right for me?

Med school was a life long dream. But now i’m trying to figure out if i should continue the pursuit or if it’s just that - just a childhood dream.

• Neuroimmunology PhD, age 30.

• I really enjoy developing my research. But i’m realistic now - i understand that only the lucky few scientists actually make an impact on the world. Majority of published experiments arent reproducible, and we’re making tiny splashes in the ocean. MD would make more tangible impact on people with almost immediate results everyday.

• I dont think im interested in patient care anymore. I did in college. But at age 30 and daily life in the lab made me pessimist. Maybe this will change when im in a clinic, but as of now, patient well-being just means making them better and moving on, which i know isnt right. I would enjoy diagnosing them and fixing their illness. But not so much the trivial small talk interaction aspect. Im lacking in the ‘care’ aspect.

• Medicine as a subject is very appealing to me. I’m really enjoying going through USMLE questions right now. Theyre so applicable. Feels almost like a game to me, using diagnostic clues to figure out what’s going on, the underlying mechanisms, and potential treatments. Because of what i endured in my PhD process, I am quite confident i could study and do well in med school.

• Brief stats: 3.5/4.0 UG, 3.9/4.3 Graduate GPA. ~1000 clinical hours from UG (9-10 years ago). 10 publications in good journals, including 4 first author. No MCAT yet.

I have gone over all the financial and time aspect of it. Just need to decide if medicine is a good personal fit or just a fantasy.