Regretting taking medicine

I’m meant to start my medicine course next week but I feel like I’d much prefer to do computer science. My A Levels are Biology, Chemistry and Maths (Got 3A*s). Is there any way I can switch? Did anyone else have similar feelings before starting med?

Reply 1

Hotheaded

Universities Forum Helper

Please take a gap year, try and leave or try and transfer ASAP, medicine is something you have to be 10000% certain about, and 10+ years of education and training is a huge amount of time dedicated to something you kind of regret.

Reply 2

Blue_Cow

Original post by Liberty242=

Why do you prefer to do Computer Science?

Reply 3

TYFEZ

Medicine is the best field you can go into, don’t quit I would say

Reply 4

CartoonSoldier

how on earth do u get to the stage where u are a 1 week away from medicine and now would like to do something completely different?

Reply 5

Hotheaded

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by TYFEZ

Medicine is the best field you can go into, don’t quit I would say

Medicine is ONLY the best field if you want to be in it. Otherwise it’s not going to be good

Reply 6

volka

Original post by CartoonSoldier

how on earth do u get to the stage where u are a 1 week away from medicine and now would like to do something completely different?

Cold feet?

What worries you about starting medicine, OP, and why would you prefer to do comp sci?

Reply 7

Chief Wiggum

What has prompted your change in mind? If you've been committed to medicine for some time, I'd be wary of making a rash decision to change just one week before starting the course.

Reply 8

monkeytwist

Another way to think could be to retain your love for Life sciences and Computer science and take yourself towards Computational Biology. This is gonna boom for the new few decades IMHO.

Just like Information Technology in the last few decades has transformed and has become an essential part of everyday life.... and continues to grow stronger.

So, you could consider something non-clinical (biochemistry/bio-med/genetics etc.) but with a computational element. OR, just start medicine (which is a great choice on its own and you are already in) and intercalate into computational approaches... and further specialise on next opportunity.

Just my 2p.

Reply 9

Wired_1800

Original post by Liberty242=

Computer science is not as interesting as you think it is. Your subjects also don't show that you have taken any computer or IT-related courses to cement your desire to take the subject. Don't follow the bandwagon. Many CS graduates don't have jobs because it is another major hurdle to find a proper CS job.

Don't play yourself.

Reply 10

Oxford Mum

Original post by Wired_1800

Top answer.

I am not a doctor/medical student. However I used to be married to a doctor and my son is a medical student. The course may sound scary, but all the medics I know are addicted to medicine and can't stop talking about it. They love it. My son wanted to do pure research, but he loves working in hospitals so much, he's changed his mind.

Plus there is a job at the end of it. However, if it's not what you want to do, that's that.

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 11

username5828827

Don't give up your medical school place. You might find it very hard to return to medical school if you leave.

Reply 12

spectrum84

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Liberty242=

Ur best bet would be to call the uni to ask if there's any spaces in their computer science course and be absolutely certain u don't wanna do med, don't regret choosing computer science over it :smile:

Reply 13

Liberty242=

Thanks for all the advice! I have talked to my family and friends about it and realised I’m just anxious about the work load and balancing things, as I’ve heard medicine is a lot more content than other courses. This summer gave me time to explore other things and helped me understand how much I value my other interests. So when I heard that software engineers often get good pay for less time worked and more free time, it interested me. But I’ve wanted to do medicine for much longer and enjoyed my placements at hospitals etc., so I’ll stick with it and hopefully as I get into the course I’ll rekindle my passion. Don’t want to make any rash decisions and misunderstand my own feelings.

Reply 14

TheMedicOwl

Original post by Liberty242=

My partner is a software engineer. His background is actually mechanical engineering, but he changed directions after graduating. He didn't have to do extra qualifications in computer science. He'd taught himself to code proficiently and at interview he was tested on his skills, which he says is common for the industry. So for what it's worth, I suspect it would be a lot easier for a doctor with an interest in computer science to sidestep into software engineering than it would be for a computer scientist to get into medicine!