Should I Study Medicine?

by StudyMalaysia.com on August 25, 2016 | Top Stories

Being the smartest in your class or the top student in your district is not good enough a reason to study medicine. Are you thinking of medical school because it is what people around you expect of you? While pursuing a career in medicine has many benefits, you may want to rethink the reasons for your decision before you apply.

Many people expect the smartest students in school to take up a medical degree. Are good grades the most important factor in determining if medicine is right for you? Well, good grades is definitely a prerequisite, and depending on the university you apply to, getting a seat to study medicine can be very competitive. Read on to find out some advice shared on the web on the good (and not-so- good) reasons why you should study medicine.

Should I Study Medicine? - StudyMalaysia.com

Reasons to study medicine	And the not-so-good reasons
You’re passionate about medical science You’re good at complex problem solving, critical thinking and communicating with others You want to help people by improving the health and lives of others You enjoy continually learning and discovering new things that can help you in your work You are resilient; and don’t mind working hard and dealing with stressful situations You have a high tolerance when dealing with people – from patients to patients', families, medical staff, technicians, administrators, and others Many career opportunities – besides becoming a medical doctor, you can also work in research, academia, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and more Your work style includes: Concern for others Attention to detail Integrity Dependability Stress tolerance Self-control Your personality or interests should include: Investigative, Social, Realistic You value achievement, recognition and independence at the workplace	You think your life as a doctor will be a high level drama like in Grey’s Anatomy Your parents or family are pressuring you to You think you’ll earn a lot of money (note: don’t forget that medical school doesn’tcome cheap) You think that going to medical school will impress your friends and family It seems like the best course because you’re the top student in your class/school/state You like the prestige of being called a ‘Dr’ You’re not the lifelong learner type You are not capable of temporarily sacrificing some aspects of your life for your studies or for others You cannot work under stress and have a low tolerance when it comes to dealing with people Your prefer to work alone

Reasons to study medicine

And the not-so-good reasons

You’re passionate about medical science
You’re good at complex problem solving, critical thinking and communicating with others
You want to help people by improving the health and lives of others
You enjoy continually learning and discovering new things that can help you in your work
You are resilient; and don’t mind working hard and dealing with stressful situations
You have a high tolerance when dealing with people – from patients to patients', families, medical staff, technicians, administrators, and others
Many career opportunities – besides becoming a medical doctor, you can also work in research, academia, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and more
Your work style includes:
- Concern for others
- Attention to detail
- Integrity
- Dependability
- Stress tolerance
- Self-control
Your personality or interests should include: Investigative, Social, Realistic
You value achievement, recognition and independence at the workplace

You think your life as a doctor will be a high level drama like in Grey’s Anatomy
Your parents or family are pressuring you to
You think you’ll earn a lot of money (note: don’t forget that medical school doesn’tcome cheap)
You think that going to medical school will impress your friends and family
It seems like the best course because you’re the top student in your class/school/state
You like the prestige of being called a ‘Dr’
You’re not the lifelong learner type
You are not capable of temporarily sacrificing some aspects of your life for your studies or for others
You cannot work under stress and have a
low tolerance when it comes to dealing with people
Your prefer to work alone

Wondering which health science career is suitable for you? Try out this quiz

If you like the healthcare field but do not want to go to medical school, check out these careers:

Counsellor
Dietitian or Nutritionist
Lecturer
Medical assistant
Occupational therapist
Physiotherapist
Radiation technologist
Registered nurse
Respiratory therapist
Speech language-pathologist

Sources for this article include:

Related Articles:

Where Can I Study?

You can discover a wide range of universities and colleges in Malaysia that align with your academic goals , campus preferences, location and within your budget. Find the perfect place to pursue your studies and achieve your aspirations. Parents too, can explore a list of quality international schools for their children.