How do you know when to stop? (Injuries and going to medical school)
Sorry for long post but I’m looking for some career advice from people with some time in fire. I’ve always been interested in medicine, fire, aviation etc. I started college and then found fire when I was 19. I decided to start working and to finish off school in the offseason. Now I’m 24 and have a biochemistry degree and 3 seasons on a great engine.
For years I had wanted to go hotshot and promised myself I would as soon as I finished school. This year I landed a perm on my dream crew. It really meant a lot to me for many personal reasons. Unfortunately last week I injured my back quite badly and had to have lumbar spine surgery yesterday. I was told I would be out at least 5-6+ months. Without enough sick leave or other options I had to resign from my position and was offered to come back next year. I was honestly devastated, I was so excited for this year and loved the guys on the crew.
This is not my first injury. I had a similar spine surgery due to a football injury when I was 17. I ended my second season early after becoming extremely ill with valley fever on an assignment and ending up in hospital. I also have a hernia in my stomach (likely due to heavy lifting on the job) that I have been trying to manage.
I studied and took the MCAT (medical school admissions test) this offseason and got a very high score. I wanted to have another option if I ever got seriously injured. Applications for medical school are about to open and after this happened I’m seriously considering applying and trying to become an emergency physician. I feel super conflicted however because I had wanted to do crew time for so long and I love this job. Fire has definitely developed me more than any other experience and given me some of my greatest memories.
Any advice or input would be super helpful