Should I finish medical school when I know I don't want to be a doctor?
I come from a family of doctors: my father is a very well-known plastic surgeon in my country, my mother is an ophthalmologist, and my husband is also a doctor. On top of that, I have my own medical clinic, which originally belonged to my parents and is now managed by my brother and me. It has been operating for more than 30 years and is located on a very strategic corner in my city.
I originally studied a different degree, but given my family background and the opportunities involved, I decided that once I finished that degree, it would be strategically smart to study medicine as well.
I made it through my fourth year without ever failing an exam and with one of the highest GPAs in my class. Studying has never been particularly difficult for me—I have always done very well academically—which was another reason I felt like I should take advantage of that ability and become a doctor.
The problem is that, at this point, I am genuinely miserable. I don't like medical school, I suffer through it immensely, and I cannot imagine myself being a doctor for the rest of my life.
So I keep thinking about finishing the degree just to have the qualification, while ultimately pursuing the business side of healthcare. But even the thought of finishing medical school makes me feel awful.
I'm 36, and I want to start a family and build an income and a life of my own. Finishing medical school would mean postponing all of that even further.
At the same time, I can't stop thinking that if I quit now, I would be wasting an enormous opportunity—both because of my family's position in the healthcare industry and because of my own academic abilities. When I see people graduating who don't have anyone in the healthcare field to help them, or who have struggled academically throughout medical school, I get this overwhelming feeling that I'm wasting my life and an incredible opportunity that was handed to me.
And yet, I genuinely suffer just thinking about finishing and having to postpone other things I want for my life.
I've already invested so much time and effort into medical school that I haven't really built anything of my own in the meantime.
I'd really love to hear your thoughts. What would you do in my position? Has anyone been in a similar situation?
Thanks!