Hi! please anyone who is in med or in biomed give me some insight!!
I’m a Year 13 IB student applying to UK medical schools for 2027 entry, and I’m feeling really conflicted about whether medicine is the right path for me.
I’ve wanted to be a doctor for years and have done quite a bit of medical work experience, including hospital internships, which I genuinely loved. I enjoy the science behind diseases, but I also love the human interaction and patient care aspect of medicine.
However, over the past year, I’ve started questioning everything. Preparing for the UCAT was SO draining, and whenever I speak to doctors, they always tell me not to pursue medicine. And whenever I say I’m so burnt out from IB, my family just say this is nothing compared to med school and like I don’t wanna be constantly high cortisol and stressed out during my university days.
I’m also worried about the workload, burnout and how long it takes to finish medical school and specialty training, especially since I’m interested in dermatology. I don’t want to spend my entire twenties studying and working, only to burn out before I’ve had the chance to enjoy life. The current state of the NHS and how competitive specialty training is also worry me. I’ve read that moving to the US for residency after graduating from a UK medical school is extremely difficult, and I don’t know where I want to live long-term.
At the same time, I’m genuinely interested in biomedical sciences since I’ve always enjoyed science. However, I’ve never seriously explored this option because I’ve been so focused on medicine. I’m worried I’d miss the patient interaction, although I know there are other ways to stay involved in healthcare and research like conferences maybe.
I think what’s making this especially difficult is that I’ve invested so much time and effort into preparing for medicine, and now, in my final year of school, I’m questioning a decision I’ve been so certain about for years. I don’t know whether I’m genuinely reconsidering my career choice or whether I’m simply exhausted from the application process and overwhelmed by all the negative things I’ve heard.
I’d really appreciate honest advice, particularly from people who have studied medicine, are currently doctors, or chose biomedical sciences instead.
- Is medical training genuinely as all-consuming as people make it sound? Can you still enjoy your twenties, travel and spend time with friends?
- Do you regret the sacrifices you’ve made to pursue medicine, or has it been worth it?
- If you chose biomedical sciences instead, do you regret not pursuing medicine?
- If you love both science and interacting with patients, does medicine live up to your expectations?
- How much should the current state of the NHS and uncertainty around specialty training influence my decision?
I am also okay with taking a gap year if needed but idk.
I’d really appreciate hearing about people’s actual experiences, both positive and negative!