Medical School or Pharmaceutical Rep.

Hi, I just graduated with a 4.0 and plan to go to med school.
But, this sales thing is interesting.
is it worth it.

 

Maybe 40 years ago it was a low quality option but not now. Go to med school. Become a dermatologist, radiologist or anesthesiologist. You'll be much happier and wealthier long term. I played a drug rep years ago and went back to school. Best thing I ever did was further my education.

 

Go to med school. 100%. No contest.

 

I question the 4.0 if you even have to ask

 

legit 4.0.
I went to a state school.

 

go to Med school...then you can steal money and mislead patients with your medical fakery with a
much higher degree of respectability...also, you don't have to play caterer and bring lunch constantly.

 

yes, go to med school and be another sociopath like the rest of doctors.

even some of these MD's from average to terrible schools are making 300-400k as Primary Care doctors. that is unreal, considering many of them stink at life and are not smart.

our medical system is truly messed up.

 

Agreed! They mostly push pills and unnecessary exams and tests. And, despite your health insurance, you get stuck with a co-pay and a hefty bill.

 

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.