graduate medicine or clinical physiology?

I am stuck between applying for graduate medicine or heading down the clinical physiology route (probably via the NHS STP).

Anyone else had this dilemma or got advice on which would be better to pursue? spoken to numerous medical students and still don't know!

Reply 1

Democracy

Original post by studentt222

Where exactly is the dilemma? They're very different careers. Fundamentally it boils down to asking yourself if you want to be a doctor or not.

Reply 2

studentt222

Original post by Democracy

Where exactly is the dilemma? They're very different careers. Fundamentally it boils down to asking yourself if you want to be a doctor or not

I agree they’re quite different but my dilemma is i’d have to commit to applying for medicine now and not sure if that’s the job I’d ultimately prefer! It’s a long time to spend at at uni for something I’m not sure about.
To briefly summarise, my pros of Medicine - lots of variety in what you can specialise in, rewarding work etc
cons - minimum 4 years further study at uni before getting paid, very long hours/night shift

Clinical physiology pros - better work life balance, straight into paid employment (studying alongside working) and likely less stressful
cons - less responsibility (from what I’ve heard), possibly not as much patient interaction and pay isn’t as good

Thanks

Reply 3

Democracy

Original post by studentt222

Have you managed to do any work experience? I appreciate this has become very difficult as a result of the pandemic(!)

How important is getting paid straightaway? Would being a student for four years be extremely difficult for you or is it just not preferable?

Long hours and night shifts don't last forever. You could dispense with them mostly or entirely after FY2, it depends what specialty you're interested in.

Reply 4

studentt222

Original post by Democracy

Ive done quite a few things in the hospital already but I do also have some work experience lined up - hopefully for both physiology and medicine. It is more preferable to start work straight away but I’d be able to fund another 4/5 years if I had to. You’re right In saying night shifts don’t last forever… I think ultimately I’ll just have to start the application for medicine and see how it goes!

Reply 5

Bexjw

EDIT - misread!

Good luck with deciding - can you contact any physiologists to have a chat about the realities of the job compared to Medicine?

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 6

Democracy

Original post by studentt222

Work experience is certainly helpful so it's good you've got that arranged.

I did graduate entry medicine (started aged 22) and have been qualified for a few years now. Living on a student income was certainly not fun but it was also temporary; four years is really not much in the grand scheme of things, and I am now living my life the way I want. If it's a matter of "preferable" rather than "I or my family would actively be struggling", I would say to go for it - assuming you decide medicine is what you actually want to do.