2 answers
Diego
Student
La Ceiba, Atlántida Department, Honduras
3
Questions
Asked
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How does someone economically survive when studying for medicine as it's the longest career to study for?
I have always wondered how people economically make it through studying medicine considering how long you will keep studying for.
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2 answers
Karissa Helton
Teacher
212
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
I do not have an answer for students in Honduras. In the United States (if you go to a state college) you are able to take out enough student loans to cover living expenses. Plan on living with roommates or a small studio if you choose to live alone. The first year or two you will have the summer off. Plan on working during the summer so you can save for emergencies. You may also have to save for car insurance because student loans will not give you enough money to drive your own car.
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
160
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
Unfortunately, it is expensive going through college and medical school. A few students qualify for substantial reductions in cost as scholarships. A very few medical schools now offer free tuition - but it is extremely hard to get in to those schools. In addition to educational loans, in the U.S. some state and federal programs pay back all or some of the loans if you work in an underserved area after graduation. The military is another possibility. One starts earning a salary during residency (and fellowship), and as a physician, one's salary is usually fairly good, allowing most to pay off their student debt slowly over time.
It can be hard to add a job to the rigors of a medical education, but many do that. Becoming an emergency medical technician can be both a good way to earn money and to learn many things and experience what physicians do. Some may be able to find work in research laboratories, as phlebotomists, as medical assistants, or Emergency Department Technicians.
Tuition formedical school and college can be much lower in many countries than it is in the U.S., but be aware that it can be a challenge to work in the U.S. as a "foreign medical graduate".
It can be hard to add a job to the rigors of a medical education, but many do that. Becoming an emergency medical technician can be both a good way to earn money and to learn many things and experience what physicians do. Some may be able to find work in research laboratories, as phlebotomists, as medical assistants, or Emergency Department Technicians.
Tuition formedical school and college can be much lower in many countries than it is in the U.S., but be aware that it can be a challenge to work in the U.S. as a "foreign medical graduate".