CAREER DILEMMA OF A MEDICAL STUDENT THAT DISLIKES HOSPITAL
Good day Jarus.
This is a bit long, but I hope you’ll take your precious time to read it and help me.
I’m a 22 years old Lady who just finished her semifinal MBBS year (i.e I will be graduating next year). To be honest,this is not what I want, it’s my father’s choice. I started the same course in one of the Nigerian universities,but I couldn’t cope and dropped out in my second year. But my father still insisted and brought me to one of the North African countries to study the same thing. He finally agreed to let me study whatever I want after finishing my second year here, but I’d lost passion for what I wanted to study initially; and after wasting almost 4 years, I felt I couldn’t let go of the medicine without completing it.
The problem is I’ll be coming back next year to Nigeria for my internship and NYSC God willing.I can cope and finish with these, but I don’t think I can continue in this field. These years have been the most depressing years of my life. I really hate the hospital environment. I can’t seem to find any other jobs I can take with an MBBS degree except with an MBA, which requires work experience & I don’t even think I can come up with enough fund for a good school within that period.
I’m really in a dilemma, I don’t know what to do with myself after leaving school.
Please advise.
Halima,
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Dear Halima,
I passed this case to a member of our Advisory Team who is a Medical Doctor.
Dr Muhammad Shakir Balogun, MBBS, MPH, FMCPath
Hi Halima,To cut to the chase, I think you should complete your medical education. It’s a great asset, with so much leverage. However, you don’t have to work in the hospital environment. You can do an MPH (Master of Public Health) and work in public health. Alternatively, you can do a residency training in Community Medicine, become a Consultant Community Physician and work in public health. It is one of the most exciting and impactful areas of medicine to work in. Public health itself has many branches; you can chose whichever fits your temperament, meets your interests and passion. Sorry I had to be so brief.
There you have it, Halima. If however you still don’t want any area related to medicine at all, I think your MBBS doesn’t stop you from exploring other fields. You should be able to get MBA admission with your MBBS degree, and use as starting point for any desired field.
Example: Dr. Olaolu Mudasiru, a Medical Doctor, dumped his medical degree for investment banking. I know other people that did not practice Medicine at all, but went on to have successful career in other areas.
I wish you all the best.
Jarus
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