Sophomore Bioengineering Student Inquisitive about a profession in Medicine?

Question

I honestly did not intend to go into medicine. I started out as an Industrial Engineering major and realized how interested in the science of medicine I am. One thing I have always wanted to do before I die is save a life, whether I was a doctor or just saving someone choking in a restaurant. I watch more medical shows on tv than anything, I real medical journals, and I'm just generally drawn to it. I decided against industrial engineering because it is just simply too impersonal. All machinery and just generally interested in efficiency, efficiency, efficiency! Everyone deserves a the right to live and I believe my intellect will make the right decisions and save many lives. I'm scared from reading "www.medschoolhell.com". I've read numerous times ''DO NOT GO INTO MEDICINE". Scary! I feel truly interested in it, but are there alternatives in the medical field than just being a doctor? I have never been interested in working in a hospital. If anything I'd specialize. What should I do!

Answer 1

My father and I took opposite forks in the road. He wanted to be a doctor but became an engineer. He retired in the 1960s but one of his inventions, a machine that makes spiral windings for fiber containers, like those biscuits and frozen juice come in, is still widely used. His work in the container industry continues to be significant in the safe transport and storage of different foods and beverages.

As a non-surgeon, any life I saved was really due to the person who discovered a particular antibiotic, worked out fluid and electrolyte issues, or pioneered other techniques. But I wonder how lasting an effect my work in medicine was compared to that of a great engineer. Think of how many lives have been saved by engineers who helped to develop ultrasound, CT and MRI scanners and the very complex associated software. Biotechnical advances are continually needed to make medicine and surgery more precise, less invasive, safer. Think, for example, the precision instruments used this week on Senator Ted Kennedy's brain, and the devices that will deliver radiation to very precise areas of his brain. Those were not available 20 years ago.

Sure, search your soul and follow your heart, but don't downplay your potential as an engineer.

Answer 2

You might miss that efficiency factor after a few months on the wards.  Not trying to be funny at your expense, I'm just sayin'.

;-)

If you're drawn to it, the best advice I can give you is to start trying it out.  Volunteer at a hospital, or see if you can arrange to shadow a doctor.  Bear in mind that if you go into medicine, you will spend at least a number of years working in hospitals, but eventually you can certainly forge your own pathway.  If it's not for you, you should be able to figure that out fairly quickly.  The 'high' of saving a life is one thing; the 'high' of realizing that you've just made a difference is something else again (and even more satisfying, sometimes).

There are plenty of other alternatives.  PA, as the previous poster mentioned, paramedic, nursing.  If you are really into engineering but just don't like the job choices, you could look at doing biomedical engineering.  One of the smartest people I know is an MD/PhD who designs prosthetic limbs for a living.

We all like to moan about med school and residency, but most of those of us who chose it did so because they couldn't imagine doing anything else.  If you really feel that way...what are you waiting for?  Join the misery!

Answer 3

Hey there!

Yup, you are not alone....I'm a Bioengineering major too(sophomore). I switched my major from Chemical Engg to Bio engg, because of the same reasons you stated and also because I was bugged with all the mass-mole balances. And I was always interested in working in medical field. I'm not that keen to go to med school, bcos of the years of study required here in US. So I decided to join PA(Physician Assistant) school after I graduate. I'm taking CNA this summer and plan on working as a CNA(next summer if God will) for patient care experience(which is one of the prerequisites for acceptance in a PA school).

So don't fret, you still have time. You can do your Masters in Bioengg and still work in medical field(in Hosptials or labs).

Or you can go to Medical field(MD, I mean) if you are passionate about it. It is not that hard, after your 4-years of bachelors degree, but you need patience. You have 6-10 years of studies. But all that doesnt matter, if that is what you want to do.

Gud Luck and God Bless! Tell me what you've decided! :-)