It's so hard to say goodbye....

[KarthVader]

After much deliberation and argument, I have decided to leave the Indian medical school that I am currently enrolled in. Believe me, the situation was not easy to resolve.

NOTE: I will not name the school that I am leaving, as to protect myself from any backlash from the school or others that are currently attending this school.

I have been feeling very inadequate here; I constantly question my intelligence and whether I am cut out to be a doctor. On top of that, I feel that the school is quite corrupt and favors certain students over others. Of course, I can't prove any such corruption, but classmates of mine agree and we have experienced things that suggest that there is something fishy going on.

Moreover, the school's rules and policies are constantly changing. Rules that are set forth one year are almost always changed the following year due to complaints by the students or the parents. The school also has a habit of doing anything to make money off of students with little return in education.

Don't even get me started on the teaching and testing methods. I will say this: The teachers in India are of a different breed; they demand respect even if they are the worst teachers to ever grace the class room. Tests consist of multiple quizzes through out the semester and three midterms with a final at the end of the semester. I like studying science and medicine, but when tests are pulled out of post doctorate test manuals or made so difficult that only 5/40 students pass, there is definitely something wrong. On top of that, teachers WILL NOT adapt or accomadate students at all. It's quite sad and disappointing.

Don't get me wrong, I have my faults too. I carried over a lot of laziness from college, but that laziness lasted all of 3 weeks. I changed my life habits and more particularly, my study habits. I still couldn't thrive.

To my recollection, I have never quit anything in my life; I will keep at something until it's done right. This endeavor was a whole different beast. I am not sure if I wasn't mentally prepared for it or if I'll ever be mentally prepared for it, but right now, returning to the USA and defibrillating my life is the best option I can think of. I still want to become a physician, but I suspect that I need to develop some more educational maturity.

I hate being in a rut.

 

[thunderball]

I'm not sure what to say other than I hope things end up working out for you.

 

[TimmyBoston]

Good luck.

 

[NightLad]

I'm sorry to hear your situation. I would not think of this as 'quitting' but rather recognizing a bad/questionable situation for what it is and removing yourself to a healthier environment.

When you are ready, you might consider attending a medical program in Britain. Many Universities do not require the standard 2 year pre-med college courses like they do in the US, and when you return to the US you can immediately go into a speciality program. Due to most US Universities having open acceptance with British education institutions, there is rarely any issue with the switch.

Just a thought. I hope this helps.

 

[Luc]

Best of luck!

 

[blackfoot]

I'm sorry to hear your situation. I would not think of this as 'quitting' but rather recognizing a bad/questionable situation for what it is and removing yourself to a healthier environment.

When you are ready, you might consider attending a medical program in Britain. Many Universities do not require the standard 2 year pre-med college courses like they do in the US, and when you return to the US you can immediately go into a speciality program. Due to most US Universities having open acceptance with British education institutions, there is rarely any issue with the switch.

Just a thought. I hope this helps.

I would definitely keep options like this in mind. I hope things work out, just keep focused on your goals and don't fall into a routine before you know it's what you want.

 

[Gruder]

Best of luck to you. Personally, I believe that anyone thinking about becoming a physician should feel absolutely certain that's the path they want to take. Medicine is far less glamorous and lucrative than it used to be, and I've seen too many young physicians burn out as a result. Sounds like, whether through the school, self-discovery, or both, your heart's not in it. Nothing wrong with regrouping in that case. In fact, it's a wise decision, IMHO.

The real question, though, is what do you want to do now?

 

[KarthVader]

My plan is to find a job as a lab tech or equivalent. I would like to be a consumer safety officer with the FDA, but apparently the jobs that were available a year ago are no longer available.

I want to work for a year, but also take 2-3 higher level science classes so I can increase my GPA. Also, I need to prove to myself that I can still 4.0 or 3.5 at the least. I still want to become an MD/DO, but I think India isn't the place for me to do it.

After working for a year or so, and taking classes, I then will apply to public health school. This masters program is about 2-3 years long. The reason I would attend and finish PH school is because:

A. I wanted an MPH anyway, so getting one was part of the plan right from the beginning.

B. If I so happen to decide that medical school is not for me, I would atleast have a masters in something that I enjoy and could still find a reasonable job.

I realize that I will be about 3 or 4 years behind my peers, but I feel like I have to take the longer route to get this done.

Any ideas or ways I should tweak this new plan?

 

[NightLad]

I realize that I will be about 3 or 4 years behind my peers, but I feel like I have to take the longer route to get this done.

Any ideas or ways I should tweak this new plan?

I'd urge you to remember that with the soaring costs of post-secondary education more and more people are taking time off between high school and college to save money. A lot of people are even putting off pursuing PhDs until after they accomplish certain life-goals before returning to school.

I know people who've attended medical school with classmates in their 30s, even 40s. It is more and more common. So don't let yourself worry about what your "peers" are or are not doing; it is all entirely relative.

When in doubt, just remember;

Q: What do you call the guy who graduated dead-last from Medical School?
A: Doctor.

 

[nikkuchan]

Your experience at this school sounds like an abusive relationship. If I were in your situation, I'd get out of Dodge asap.

 

[gollum83]

I'm sorry to hear your situation. I would not think of this as 'quitting' but rather recognizing a bad/questionable situation for what it is and removing yourself to a healthier environment.

That's how I would look at it. You're not quitting, you're looking to move to a healthier environment. You did say you wanted to be a doctor still, right?

I know people who've attended medical school with classmates in their 30s, even 40s. It is more and more common. So don't let yourself worry about what your "peers" are or are not doing; it is all entirely relative.

That's true of other graduate students as well. I knew a couple of grad students in the chemistry department where I attended grad school that went that route. Actually, one of my better friends that I met in grad school was in his early 30's when he started.

I wouldn't sweat it. If you're really aiming to go for that PhD, you'll go for it. No one will care if you're a bit older. If they do care, well they're not worth your time.

 

[Gruder]

Your plans sounds fine to me, though there are a staggering number of options at the MPH level in terms of schools/specialties. I guess what I'd ask my students at this point is "after all the school, what do you see yourself doing, ideally"? Be specific. The time spent getting there doesn't matter so much as a clear understanding of your goal.

 

[mankini]

I am sure this story rings true to a lot of people. I too had similar difficulties during graduate school (engineering.) I am not drawing direct comparisons here, but the academic struggles I faced sound all to familiar. Exams with content never covered in lecture or homework, scores with an average of 13/100 where one or two students actually pass the darn exam, profs with tenure who not know how to teach (I must say I mean no offense to the fine professors out there.)

Besides this experience being one of the most grueling and humbling things I have ever done I am better for it.

Taking a year or more off as you continue to study may be good for your mental state but it will prolong the outcome. Above all whatever you choose do it for your own reasons. Very few people actually end up working in the field they went to school for.

l wish you well.

 

[82R100]

I'm curious about a few things:

If I recall correctly, you're a 2nd generation Indian American. What was behind your decision to attend medical school in India?

What is your undergraduate degree? Was it in the U.S.?

Are you getting positive support (moral, emotional) from your immediate family? That can be *very* helpful, of course.

It sounds as if you're thinking clearly enough. I wish you luck in your immediate job search.

Would it be possible to take the limited coursework you describe locally (say, at OU)? If so, you might be better able to network into a lab tech job through them. Just a thought.

Carry on.

- Chris

 

[KarthVader]

I'm curious about a few things:

If I recall correctly, you're a 2nd generation Indian American. What was behind your decision to attend medical school in India?

What is your undergraduate degree? Was it in the U.S.?

Are you getting positive support (moral, emotional) from your immediate family? That can be *very* helpful, of course.

It sounds as if you're thinking clearly enough. I wish you luck in your immediate job search.

Would it be possible to take the limited coursework you describe locally (say, at OU)? If so, you might be better able to network into a lab tech job through them. Just a thought.

Carry on.

- Chris

I'm a third generation Indian American, and the support from home is immense. My parents and family are of course disappointed that this didn't work out; they just want me to succeed in my endeavors. I graduated from Michigan State University with a Bach. of Science in Physiology. I decided to attend the Indian medical school because I thought I wouldn't get into any other schools in the US due to a 3.1 GPA and an average MCAT score. I guess I thought going to India would be a way out so that I wouldn't have to wait to get into medical school.

I know, I should've been patient, but I guess that was my youth and bull headedness at work . I was very excited about the program; not only was I going to be able to attend medical school, but I was also going to be able to spend time with my paternal grandparents, whom I rarely see and reconnect with my roots.

It was either this or attend public health school in Florida. I don't want to blame my Dad, but he was more partisan to the Indian medical school idea than starting a masters in public health. I followed his idea that school is getting more expensive and loans won't be available to me in the future. Now, I believe him to an extent, but not completely.

As for attending Oakland University, which is about 20 minutes from my house, it is definitely doable. But as far as jobs go, Michigan is down in the dumps in regards to employment. Furthermore, I would like to make a little bit more than the average college lab tech does. Believe me, I've been there. But, I suppose beggars can't be choosers. Now, I'm just finalizing my travel plans and visiting my grandparents before I come home.

What a crazy year it has been.

 

[82R100]

Best of luck and keep us posted on things as they develop.

I know all too well about the Michigan job situation. After 30 years in the industry, I've been out of work since late January.

- Chris

 

[tlanning]

I Urge you to reconsider. You are a young man and you will not beome any younger. If you have your heart set, (for real) on becoming a Doctor you must do what an old Seargent of mine once told me after I had been passed over for promotion and decided to leave the Military;
Decide what you want
Decide what your willing to give up to get
it
DO IT.
Anywhere you go in this world today you are going to be confronted with weighted situations. Consider it part of your training.

Well, you don't know me and I don't know you so I wish you the best of luck in what ever you decide.

Just remeber, it will never become any easier and their will always be obstacles in your way. Thats what makes accomplishing your goals so sweat. It ain't easy or fair

Good luck