I want to be a doctor but I dislike science.

[Clarkey]

I have to say, sciences were not my favorite subjects at school and I only did chemistry a level because i had to, and i was rubbish at it.

I love learning about clinical medicine, but the way science is taught is very theoretical and i always had trouble with that. I haven't struggled with science at medical school, because i can apply it patients. I'm not intercalating, but if i had to intercalate it would definitely be in something like psychology!

Oh and if you do a search for "not a natural scientist" i'm sure my name comes up a few times!

I've just spent a week on palliative care and i was very interesting. You'd be surprised just how little science you need to be a good doctor. That doesn't mean it isn't needed, and you need to be competent enough to use it appropriately, but if after work experience you still want to do medicine i'd say go for it.

[georgiegirl]

Originally Posted by Victoria09

oooh... controversial. I was born in Ipswich (ssssh!)

I did a bit of family history research and a lot of my ancestors were from Ipswich. My brother was gutted - he is an ardent supporter of the Canaries...

[Miss Monkey]

I know I'm only a first year so don't have much experience of medical school yet, but I thought I'd give my opinion.

Before applying I had doubts over whether I could cope with the science. I did Chemistry A Level because I had my heart set on medicine, but I can tell you I pretty much hated every single second of it. Whilst I wasn't bad at science, I didn't have much enthusiasm for lots of it and only took it because I had to for medicine. I much prefered my other subjects such as History- and Maths was my favourite.

However now I'm here and we're having all this science, it's really not as bad as expected. Some of it I sit there thinking why do we ever need to know this? but I expect they teach it all for a reason that will be become clear later. Looking at my friends work who are doing History/English/Music etc I am definitely glad I've chosen medicine! I know essays will come, but since being here I have not had to write one, and I can't say I miss it!

I really struggled to start with, but I'm getting into the course a lot more and can't wait to learn more. That said- if you genuinely hate science of all kinds you will probably hate the course, at least here at GKT anyway!

[yazoo]

Originally Posted by Irenie

I have an interest in health and diseases. But I don't really care for some aspects of biology and definitely not chemistry. I know I want to be a doctor because I would be doing something useful for humans. Yet I want to be able to get through medical school. How can I manage this if I don't care much for science? I got good grades in all my high school science classes, but I don't have a natural finesse for science or anything. I'm all memorization and no analytical skills. I don't want to be miserable in medical school. What should I do?

An interest in health and disease is a must, but also an interest in people. I think if you are interested in health and disease, it is impossible not to be interested in many aspects of science. But you definitely don't have to like it all! I love physiology, but find biochemistry really dull. Everyone if different!

Not having analytical skills would be a problem, however. Medicine is all about analyisis of facts - history, examination, and investigation to start with, and them possible analysing the patients health beliefs and lifestyle to try to come up with a treatment plan that will work for them.

Analytical skills are not simply the domain of the scientist though. Lawyers, economists, murder-mystery novelists - you name it.

If you can memorise the facts, you can pass science at med school. But if you don't like analysing information, medicine may be more of a problem.

[NorthernLight]

Originally Posted by Victoria09

oooh... controversial. I was born in Ipswich (ssssh!)

and yet you seem so nice!

[Victoria09]

Yes well, it's not something I'm proud of... I left at 18 and have only been back briefly and under considerable duress. The whole place is a shithole and I hate it.

[blousey]

well just for controversy, ill say good for u. Medicine is a social thing first and a science second. Ok-if u cant stand biology, u mite hav a problem, but i hate physics and chemistry and maths and, providing u can fake ur way thru it, hu cares? Ull probably make a betta doc than all the chemistry enthusiasts out there (sorry chemists-please dnt hate me!) I said in all of my interviews that I didnt like science (in a tactful way of course) and they al gave me offers. If u feel the calling for medicine and can stand the science, for crying out loud go 4 it!!!

[jaanus]

In my personal opinion.
Medicine is based on different sciences. I dare to doubt if the sciences you learn even resemble the sciences you learned at high school after the 1st year.
Plus, a very important thing about sciences is, including physics and chemistry I suppose you have based this "fear", they get loads more interesting once you understand them more thoroughly. Even if you are a more of a crammer than an analyzer, once you manage to systemise your knowledge, you will see sciences in a different light.

I believe sciences are also just something that will makes your studies and work easier, if you understand them. If you dont, you still might be a good doctor, but it takes more effort.

oh and finally, if you like to learn things by heart, there is no other place than med school for you :P(presuming you have got pretty good at it, if you managed to get A's in sciences with out having any interest for them)

[Gizmo says -]

IMO, avoi the science 'eavy unis, like Oxbridge, Nottingham and Edinburger.

[dreamer88]

am i abit late replying to this thread lol?....
anyways, my point is that i personally don't think you have to be a science-freak to get through medicine, I'm only a first year and i'm getting through ok... Science is a really broad subject, and as the above ppl quoted, as long as you find biology/physiology fine i think you will be ok, and i totally agree with NortherLight, Medicine is definately an Art

I dislike physics, chemistry and lots of other sciency stuff, but when it comes up in the course, you just learn it and pass your exams (hopefully!)
Just make sure you know what you're getting yourself into before applying and check you really have a passion for studying medicine