considering a career change to medicine
Hey all. Long story short: I’m looking into a career change into medicine (am interested in Emergency Medicine Physician - but am still learning and researching what is out there) after a series of life events / new perspectives / a lot of reflection on what I’m looking for in a career and in my life. I’m 24, graduated summa cum laude in 2024 with a BFA in digital arts, GPA 4.3 weighted / 4.0 unweighted. I work in nonprofit marketing/advertising/PR and have found that this career isn’t panning out to be what my 18-year-old self thought it would be - nor did I explore other career or degree options at the time, which I regret.
I know that med school and residency are an intense commitment in time, money, and dedication. I also would need to complete a pre-med post bacc, or something similar, as my degree did not require any science or math courses. Educational spaces are somewhere I really thrive, particularly in regard to researching and studying … but I am aware this is different. I’m also poking around r/premed, fwiw.
I’m seeking thoughts and words of advice from others. For those who might’ve also followed a nontraditional path to medicine:
- Did you find it possible to complete prerequisites while also working full-time? How was the transition back into school?
- Realistically, is my project management and leadership experience in marketing worthwhile for a medicine-focused CV?
- Is it possible to gain clinical experience while also working? I’m in the nonprofit industry and live in a high COL area - so unfortunately, while I do having savings, they aren’t enough to allow me to quit working until I absolutely need to.
Thanks much in advance!