Although, not an MD, there were so many similar feelings going through PA school for me. I chose to become a PA, frankly because I didn’t want to go through medical school and residency. I loved medicine, still do…I loved having the knowledge of medicine, being able to help myself with my own medical questions as well as helping others, etc.

The didactic year was fine. I enjoyed learning clinical medicine. The trouble started with clinical rotations. I hated every single one of them! I was in shock! how could I possibly not like any of them…after all this is what it’s going to be like in a real job.

I had always considered myself to be smart, intelligent and capable of handling academics. I was an A student prior to PA school and a B student in PA school. But, I felt like a complete idiot during all of my rotations. My self esteem hit bottom every time a preceptor would make a comment about something I didn’t know, etc.I know some of that is expected, but I began to hate it all with a passion…but was determined to finish. I graduated and interviewed for many jobs and only wanted the jobs that were far removed from clinical stuff as possible. So, I decided to go into the pharma industry. I was in it for about 3 years. I missed the clinical aspect and building on the knowledge base of medicine so in between I tried to get back into the clinical area by trying derm and peds….both times, I couldn’t make it past a month…I was so depressed. I knew it was time to leave when I was enviying the Janitors that were in our building (no disrespect to Janitors).

I still miss medicine, so at times, I feel like a bipolar person in regards to career decisions…I still can’t give it up completely. I just don’t enjoy how medicine is today.

Sorry that I made this so long…thanks for letting me vent

Second, it’s cheap to get a pro account.

Third, it works well on my aging computer without crashing. A few other sites I’ve seen really want me to use the slideshow features and scrolly thumbnails, which are just other words for “crash inducers”.

I used to submit tons of crappy photos to all the groups I could find, but that was before Flickr became my blog. Now I’m happy with 7 Days, 52 Weeks (just started this month), and a couple of knitting groups, and I coast through my contacts’ photos every few days to see what’s up with them. I just haven’t gotten around to leaving all those groups I joined 2 yrs ago.

Does that help?

M

Keep your head up!
I know there are med studens and doctors alike who look down on other health professionals for not being doctors. Do what you enjoy.
Finish off the semester and recover during winter break and you can get some rest and then make a decision.
I understand about your concern regarding the welfare of your parents, but you are putting too much pressure on yourself. The reason I know is from experience. When the companies were struggling during the beginning of the year, I had the same concerns about my parents. I went to speak to my pastor for advise and told me that “My parents were adults and can handle what life throws at them. If I was in a position later in life to assist them, then I could. Why are you worrying about something in the future that may not even come into fruition.”

If you are worried about money read “The Millionaire Next Door” and it will educate you about money. Hopefully this will help you on your financial goals of helping your parents.
Again good luck

What in the world is your coffee table doing outside?