How to know if I want to be a doctor?

OP

I’m not sure that’s why I was asking if I decided to change career paths mid a levels if that was a extenuating circumstance. I am thinking heavily about resisting year 12 to do both bio and Chem next year

Reply 5

OP

Right so I guess that is not an option. Ah well I can apply to one that accepts resits. I just think Im rushing into a career path - thought computer science was for me but the lessons are so boring and I am not enjoying it as much as I used to. I think I just need some time to actually see which career path I like then ig

Reply 6

OP

Yeah I am just relived that I have figured out now rather than later on in year 13! Thanks. I will definitely try out the work experience and see how it goes thanks so much :smile:

Reply 7

Cant.be.asked

14

Original post by alevels21

Right so I guess that is not an option. Ah well I can apply to one that accepts resits. I just think Im rushing into a career path - thought computer science was for me but the lessons are so boring and I am not enjoying it as much as I used to. I think I just need some time to actually see which career path I like then ig

What A levels are you doing currently?

Reply 8

OP

Original post by Cant.be.asked

What A levels are you doing currently?

CompSci, Math and Further Maths...

Reply 9

OP

Original post by alevels21

CompSci, Math and Further Maths...

My school does it this way for maths - in year 12 finish all a level mathematics both AS and A2. Year 13 do all AS and A2 Further maths. Dont know if this will help!!

Reply 10

If you knew you wanted to be a doctor, you wouldn’t ask this question.

Reply 11

OP

Original post by Mesopotamian.

If you knew you wanted to be a doctor, you wouldn’t ask this question.

Well thats comforting :smile:

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Its been on and off as I have mentioned - I was asking for some tips.

Reply 12

Original post by alevels21

Well thats comforting :smile:

.
Its been on and off as I have mentioned - I was asking for some tips.

My answer is literal, it’s not meant to come across as rude or condescending. When you’re sure of something, you don’t question it. There aren’t really any ‘tips’ to answer your question.

Reply 13

OP

Original post by Mesopotamian.

My answer is literal, it’s not meant to come across as rude or condescending. When you’re sure of something, you don’t question it. There aren’t really any ‘tips’ to answer your question.

I get what you mean but I was sure of computer scinece, didn't question it at all, and now here I am! Lost and confused

Reply 14

Original post by alevels21

I get what you mean but I was sure of computer scinece, didn't question it at all, and now here I am! Lost and confused

Okay let’s start from the top. What has made you lose interest in CS and what makes you interested in medicine? I knew someone in the same position as you, but exactly the opposite (they went from medicine to CS, and they too were once very sure about medicine until they did a complete 180).

Reply 15

OP

Original post by Mesopotamian.

Okay let’s start from the top. What has made you lose interest in CS and what makes you interested in medicine? I knew someone in the same position as you, but exactly the opposite (they went from medicine to CS, and they too were once very sure about medicine until they did a complete 180).

I think that the idea of sitting at a desk all day is just not for me. I do not like algorithms. I think the theory is too intense. In terms of medicine, I like the idea of saving lives, being more active, etc.

Reply 16

Original post by alevels21

I think that the idea of sitting at a desk all day is just not for me. I do not like algorithms. I think the theory is too intense. In terms of medicine, I like the idea of saving lives, being more active, etc.

Right, but lots of jobs don’t involve sitting at a desk and there are a lot of healthcare jobs focused on improving lives, so why medicine specifically?

Reply 17

OP

Original post by Mesopotamian.

Right, but lots of jobs don’t involve sitting at a desk and there are a lot of healthcare jobs focused on improving lives, so why medicine specifically?

I just like the idea of helping patients out etc I know lives can’t always be saved medicine just interests me a bit now

Reply 18

Original post by alevels21

I just like the idea of helping patients out etc I know lives can’t always be saved medicine just interests me a bit now

This is a pretty standard but vague response and it doesn’t tell me (or the interviewers - as this is a very common interview question!) why you want to be a doctor specifically. As I said, there are lots of healthcare professions which centre around patient care, so this answer is not unique to medicine.

Note: I’m not trying to grill you for the sake of it, it’s to help you understand why you’re choosing what you’re choosing. If you can’t convince yourself or us, you’re unlikely to convince your interviewers.

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 19

OP