post-doc genetics to medicine?? need advice!

[its.hard.to.be.a.cat]

Hi folks

I'm in a bit of a careers crossroads - currently working as a postdoctoral research fellow in cancer research, but finding the academic science route a bit disillusioning. Essentially, it's a contract position, and career progression depends entirely on publications and successful funding applications. But in real terms, we're basically lackeys for our group leaders, and any progression depends so much on their whim. Compared with non-science academia, it's a pale comparison. But as my interest lies entirely in genetic-based science, I've started to wonder if I should have gone for medicine 10 years ago when I was picking my degree. I have good A-levels, a first in my BSc and a PhD in genetics. But I know so little about what would be involved in re-training for medicine. Would I be able to fast-track in any way, as I've got a faculty of medicine PhD (although purely scientific)? I'm approaching 30, and am torn between it not being too late to change my career, and inflicting huge amounts of stress and financial uncertainty on myself and my partner. Any advice greatly appreciated as I know nowt on the intricacies of medical training!!

Help!

Thanks

[Jax77]

Hi folks

I'm in a bit of a careers crossroads - currently working as a postdoctoral research fellow in cancer research, but finding the academic science route a bit disillusioning. Essentially, it's a contract position, and career progression depends entirely on publications and successful funding applications. But in real terms, we're basically lackeys for our group leaders, and any progression depends so much on their whim. Compared with non-science academia, it's a pale comparison. But as my interest lies entirely in genetic-based science, I've started to wonder if I should have gone for medicine 10 years ago when I was picking my degree. I have good A-levels, a first in my BSc and a PhD in genetics. But I know so little about what would be involved in re-training for medicine. Would I be able to fast-track in any way, as I've got a faculty of medicine PhD (although purely scientific)? I'm approaching 30, and am torn between it not being too late to change my career, and inflicting huge amounts of stress and financial uncertainty on myself and my partner. Any advice greatly appreciated as I know nowt on the intricacies of medical training!!

Help!

Thanks

I say go for it! I have a similar background to you i.e., science grad/PhD etc. I worked for a year in academia before switching to industry and have been there for 9 years (at various pharma companies). With your background you could apply to any Graduate Entry Program (basicly 4 years instead of 5). However since you have got a 1st at BSc, you would have a distinct advantage at Birmingham. Check the relevent threads. In terms of age, you are middle of the range of GEP students.

Best wishes

[its.hard.to.be.a.cat]

Hi Jax77, thanks for the very positive reply! I did consider industry for a while as well, what with the genetics interest. How do you find it? Can't be too bad if you been there 9 years I did check out Birmingham, which is handy as I quite like the place in general. But just need to work out if it's worth the change or whether should just push ahead to try and become the boss rather than the lackey!

cheers

[Rosie1982]

Hello

Wow, we seem to have a very similar background! My first degree was in genetics followed by my PhD in a DNA repair lab. After my PhD I knew I wanted to swap into medicine but couldn't face doing it straight after so decided to do a postdoc. I'm just over two years into my postdoc in a DNA repair lab in New York, during which I have been on a Cancer Research Institute Fellowship but I finally start medicine this September at Birmingham. I am really, really excited about it and I am (pretty) sure it is the right decision, all the same its nerve wracking giving up a career I am already 9+ years into. Anyhoo - let me know is there is anything I can help you with/info!