Want to study Medicine but want a family too?

**citygirl** · 08-06-2010, 11:50 PM

I have wanted to study medicine for a few years now but have kept putting it off partly thinking the urge would go away but it hasn't and I still want to do it more than ever. The thing is I am just turning 31 so if I got in first time around I would be 32 starting the course - graduate degree for 4 years. Then obviously intern training afterwards. Im single at the moment but of course I hope to meet someone and start a family at some point without leaving it too late.

I just dont know what to do, I dont want to forsake my chances of having a family for the sake of my career but if I do get onto the course and study medicine what are the chances of having kids before 40 considering all the work required?? On the other hand I may not meet that special someone and have kids anyway in which case I would be mighty glad of a career such as Medicine...

Can anyone help I just dont know what to do but feel the time has come to either do it or forget it?

**dotvicky** · 21-06-2010, 04:47 PM

My thoughts in a list!
- It *is* possible to do both.
- Concentrate on the one you have (slightly!) more control over; getting into medical school.
- Any combination of going to/not going to med school and having/not having a baby may happen but if you don't even apply to med school, you can guarantee that that one won't!
- If you get both, you can make the choice then, you don't need to before that point.
- Work hard on your reasoning about why you're not applying now (and haven't in the past). Determine if any of the reasons are just excuses and can be overcome or if some really do require too much sacrifice to be made.
- If not medicine then what? If the answer is, "Nothing can come close to medicine" get going on making it happen and don't waste any more time. If the answer is, "X, Y and Z might also be very satisfying and not require as much sacrifice" then get on with some research into them!

Cheers
Vicky

**tas2009** · 21-06-2010, 05:59 PM

apply to medicine. the kids and the other half will follow through in the natural course of things.

**Scientist2Dr** · 10-10-2010, 02:16 AM

I agree with both the above statements. I too am toiling between Med school and Having kids. I am in the last year of my PhD hoping to apply for Med school 2012 entry. My partner and I have planned to start trying for a baby end of 2011. I am excited about that but still really excited AND guilty about having such a passion for med school. Its all ive ever wanted and ive gradually built up my academic side to give myself a fighting chance of getting an offer for med school.
So, I say go to med school. Guaranteed you will find a lovely med guy there who you will fall head-over-heels for and the rest will follow suit =)
I know that avoiding your dreams will always knock you off course but you will find your way back on track...

**fraggle2** · 10-10-2010, 11:37 PM

Hi - I just wanted to say that it is possible, and doable, with the right support. I was 32 starting medicine, just married, and my husband and I both wanted children. We agreed we'd see how I coped with the course before thinking about trying. I started a 4 yr gradmed course 2 years ago and became pregnant in Nov of second year. Our son was born last July, and I've decided to take a year out before starting third year. Taking a break between pre-clinical and clinical years is ideal, and I'm so looking forward to starting next August! To keep my knowledge up, I'm teaching first meds part-time.
Apply, go for it, and then take each new situation as it comes. Medicine and parenthood aren't mutually exclusive - if anything, they complement each other.
Good luck!

**Scientist2Dr** · 11-10-2010, 12:02 AM

Thank you fraggle2 for what you wrote. Its great to see that it is do-able! I believe that Medicine and parenthood can complement each other. Yo are living proof of that. Thanks =)