I was a pharma rep for a few years out of college before going to med school. I am almost finished now and can say that it was worth the switch, but with a few major caveats.
The money was great in pharma, I had plenty of free time, but it was not intellectually stimulating. It was great to meet different people from all walks of life, but I knew that my time was limited. I enjoyed the social aspect of things as well as the free food. There are way too many great perks in pharma, but I saw the unpredictable nature of medical sales.
Medical school is a beast. I have been challenged and pushed to the limit when it comes to studying and retaining information. The human body is fascinating, but there is so much to learn. On the outside looking in, there are some cool perks to being a medical student. All your friends/family will ask you medical questions and it's a profession that is respected. It's a great conversation starter, and you will meet and work with the most impressive and intelligent people.
I have mixed feelings about the process overall. If you finish the long and arduous path (4 years of med school, 3-5 years of residency, plus possible fellowship, you will be guaranteed a six figure job and ultimate job security. It will come at the cost of years of your youth, missing important events, going into $250,000+ debt, and possibly moving away. It's the ultimate delayed gratification, but you honestly should not go into medicine for money.
There are other careers out there with a fraction of the stress, responsibility, and debt. Healthcare in America is messy, and the future is not as bright as it used to be (90s and early 2000s). In the end, you have to love learning and be okay with the price you have to pay to be a physician.
