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What would you rate the return that you get from investing into college with this job?

I'm a 16y/o from Lewiston Idaho(I'll be leaving here when I can) and hope to increase my knowledge on the medical field in hopes to become a physician.

+25 Karma if successful
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Subject: Career question for you

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Dr’s Answer

Hey Jansen! First off, kudos for already thinking ahead at 16—you’re definitely on the right track! 💡 Now, about that investment in college—think of it as buying stock in yourself, and in the long run, it’s one of the best returns you can get.

Becoming a physician is like the ultimate "buy low, sell high" move! The upfront costs (like college and med school) might feel a bit like throwing cash into a black hole at times, but once you get that degree and start practicing, you’re looking at a pretty awesome ROI. 🏥💰

Here’s the fun part: Investing in your education means you’re investing in your future life-saving superpowers (without needing a cape, though you could totally rock one if you want). In terms of return, you could be looking at a career that not only pays well but also brings major satisfaction by helping people. Plus, it’s a field that keeps evolving, so you’ll always be learning new things. It's like getting unlimited updates to your brain software. 🧠💡

The bottom line? It’s definitely worth it. You’re going to work hard, but in the end, you’ll have the knowledge, the skills, and the ability to say, “Yeah, I saved a life today, no big deal.” So, keep grinding, and remember: This investment is one you’ll never regret! 😎👨‍⚕️





Jansen! Preparing for a future in the medical field at 16 is like setting up your personal life-saving superhero toolkit. 🦸‍♂️ Here are some essential skills to start building now which I kinda recommend.

1. Strong Study Habits: Medical school is no joke! Start building effective study techniques like note-taking, active recall, and time management now. Your future self will thank you when you’re acing those tough courses! 📚🧠


2. Basic Anatomy & Biology Knowledge: Get a head start by diving into basic biology, anatomy, and even some introductory healthcare topics. The earlier you start understanding the human body, the more prepared you’ll be for college-level courses. Bonus: You’ll sound super smart when you talk about the circulatory system at family dinners. 😜


3. Volunteering or Shadowing: Find ways to get hands-on experience, even if it’s just shadowing a doctor or volunteering at a hospital or clinic. Not only will it help you understand the medical field, but you’ll also get a taste of what working in healthcare is really like. And trust me, you’ll learn a lot more than just anatomy! 🏥👩‍⚕️


4. Communication Skills: Doctors need to explain complex ideas in simple terms to patients, families, and colleagues. Work on your communication skills by practicing public speaking or writing, and make sure you’re comfortable explaining things to others. If you can explain what’s going on with the heart to your dog, you’re golden. 🐕❤️


5. Critical Thinking: Medicine is all about problem-solving. Start developing your critical thinking skills now by solving puzzles, playing strategy games, or even tackling tough problems in school. Being able to think on your feet will come in handy when you're diagnosing and treating patients. 🧩🧠


6. Stay Healthy: The best way to be a great doctor is to take care of yourself! Exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep so you’re energized and ready for those long study sessions (or long shifts once you’re in the field). Plus, being a role model for health will help you connect with patients in the future. 🏃‍♂️🍎


7. Learn Some Medical Terms: You don’t need to know everything right now, but getting familiar with medical lingo will give you a head start. Check out online resources or apps that help you learn basic medical terminology—it’ll make you sound like you’re already in med school! 💉📖



Start building these skills now, and before you know it, you’ll be ready to tackle college and med school with confidence. Keep at it, Jansen—you’re on your way to saving lives (and maybe even having a cool stethoscope collection)! 😎
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Bright’s Answer

Investing in college for a career in medicine is generally a strong return, though it can be a long-term process. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. **Upfront Investment**: College, especially for medical fields, can be expensive. But many schools offer financial aid, scholarships, and you can often work while in school.

2. **Job Outlook**: Healthcare jobs, including physicians, have excellent job security and growth. Physicians, in particular, have some of the highest salaries, but the path involves years of education and residency.

3. **Return on Investment**: While the path to becoming a physician takes time (undergraduate, medical school, residency), the income potential is very high. However, medical school debt can be significant, so it's essential to weigh the long-term earnings against the cost of education.

Given that you're aiming for a career in medicine, especially as a physician, **your return on investment is likely to be high**. The field offers strong job security, the chance to make a real difference, and a lucrative salary in the long run. Just be prepared for the time and financial commitment needed to get there!
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Dr kumneger’s Answer

Investing in medical school can offer a substantial return in terms of both financial and non-financial gains, but it largely depends on the factors you consider.

Financial Return:

Initial Investment: Medical education is expensive, with tuition fees and living costs varying by country. In some places, the costs can exceed $200,000 or more.

Salary Potential: After graduation, the earning potential in many medical specialties can be significant. In the U.S., for example, average annual salaries for doctors range from $200,000 to $500,000, depending on specialty. In other countries, such as Ethiopia, the salary might be lower, but still offers a stable career.

Long-term ROI: Despite the high upfront cost, medical professionals generally earn a steady, high income that can provide a high return over their careers. In many cases, doctors recoup their educational investment in a relatively short period, often within 5-10 years.


Non-Financial Return:

Job Satisfaction: The work is highly rewarding for many, as it provides the opportunity to make a direct impact on patients' lives and contribute to public health.

Career Stability: Medicine is a relatively stable field, especially with growing healthcare demands worldwide.

Global Opportunities: Medicine offers diverse career paths in clinical practice, research, teaching, or public health, with opportunities both locally and internationally.


Personal Considerations:

Time Investment: The long educational journey (typically 5-7 years of schooling plus internship, residency, and sometimes fellowship) can be intense and may limit personal time during the early stages of your career.

Mental and Emotional Demands: Medicine is a high-pressure field, requiring resilience and commitment, which can affect personal life and well-being.
Conclusion:
The return on investment in medical school is generally high, both financially and personally. If you're committed to the profession and passionate about healthcare, the benefits of a career in medicine can far outweigh the costs and challenges.
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Claude’s Answer

Congratulations Jansen on your aspiration! I am assuming that you are in high school.

Investing in college is necessary if you want to become a physician. You will need to look into schools that have pre-med programs. At the very least you will need to investigate colleges that have solid science programs.

These are the basic courses you will need to take: Sciences (including Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Humanities (English, History, a foreign language, etc.), Social Sciences (Economics, Political Science, Behavioral Sciences (Psychology, etc.)

While you are in college look into internships in the medical fields. In addition, there are numerous volunteer opportunities in hospitals.

Best wishes in your future endeavors!
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Martha’s Answer

Commending you, Jansen, for your interest in medicine. According to my research, you must first complete a four-year college degree at an accredited institution to attend medical school. Please see the link below from the American Medical Association for more advice about getting into med school.
Since you have to complete college first, let's adjust your question to ask how to maximize return on your undergraduate education; here are some ideas:
- try to get the required pre-med courses done early so you know they are done and so you could pursue advanced courses, if so inclined
- seek research opportunities and/or internships in the healthcare area. You will supplement your knowledge with practical experience and support your case for admitting you to med school
- consider community service involving medicine. It doesn't have to be as big a commitment as becoming an EMT (although it could). Working at a community clinic or a public health department could help your communications skills, which are very important for doctors, and expand your perspective
Generally, the four years in college will give you time to mature, increase your knowledge and analytical skills, and explore new subjects (which may introduce new potential careers). All of these would strengthen your med school application and chances for success once you are admitted. In fact, some students take a gap year between college and med school to enhance their experience and applications even more.
Good luck!

Martha recommends the following next steps:

American Medical Association - https://www.ama-assn.org/medical-students/preparing-medical-school/pre-med-frequently-asked-questions
Thank you comment icon Thank you for giving me advice. Jansen
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Patrick’s Answer

Investing in a college education for a career in medicine is generally a wise decision, particularly when considering the long-term benefits. However, it’s important to understand the commitment involved. First, the **upfront investment** can be considerable. College and medical school are expensive, and while there are opportunities for financial aid, scholarships, and part-time work, the overall cost can still be significant. Despite this, the substantial investment is often well worth it given the potential career rewards.

The **job outlook** for healthcare professionals, including physicians, is exceptionally strong. The demand for medical services continues to rise, ensuring job security and long-term career stability. Physicians, in particular, enjoy some of the highest salaries across industries. However, the path to becoming a physician is a lengthy one, involving years of undergraduate education, medical school, and residency training. The process can take over a decade, but the job prospects post-residency are generally very promising.

In terms of **return on investment**, the financial and time commitments required to become a physician are significant, but the potential for high earnings over the course of your career makes it worthwhile. The debt incurred from medical school can be substantial, and it’s crucial to carefully weigh the costs of education against the long-term earning potential. However, once established, physicians typically earn a high salary, making the financial payoff substantial over time. The return is not just financial—medicine also offers the opportunity to make a profound difference in people’s lives, adding an invaluable sense of purpose and fulfillment to the career.

Given your aspirations to pursue a career in medicine, especially as a physician, the **return on investment** is likely to be high. The field promises excellent job security, the opportunity to impact lives meaningfully, and substantial financial rewards. Just be prepared for the significant time, effort, and financial commitment that will be required to reach your goal. The process is long, but the rewards, both professionally and personally, can be incredibly fulfilling.
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