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Is the process of going to college, med school, residency, etc., worth it, or is a safer career option a better decision financially?

I am a High School Senior, and have always wanted to be a doctor. I am struggling to decide between my state school (UMD), which is much cheaper, and UNC. At UMD, I would study engineering, giving up on my dream of becoming a doctor, while at UNC I would study biology on a pre-med track. #Spring25

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Suzanne’s Answer

Jeremiah, my best guess is that it would be worth it to you, as someone who has dreamt of being a doctor for a long time, to go the pre-med route and follow that dream. But -- are you sure that UNC pre-med is the only way to get there? What about doing going to your local community college for two years, then transferring to U of Maryland to complete your pre-med studies?

Also, you can consider the Public Health Service, National Health Service Corps and any relevant state or county public service programs which either pay for medical school tuition in exchange for a service commitment or repay loans for you, again in exchange for a service commitment. The first link below explains both the loan repayment and scholarship programs the NHSC offers. The second link below is to the Public Health Service and you can click on "College loan repayment" to learn more. The third link is to Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Physicians (MLARP) for doctors and Physicians Assistants who practice in a designated health professional shortage area.
You can do this -- plan ahead -- and it will be worth it to you. I really believe that. All best wishes!

Suzanne recommends the following next steps:

https://nhsc.hrsa.gov
https://www.usphs.gov/professions/physician/
https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/pages/financialaid/programdescriptions/prog_mlarp.aspx
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MaryAnn’s Answer

HI Jeremiah.

GO and be a Doctor.

Go for the best school you can get into and the money will take care of itself. Do not let concerns of money keep you from making your dreams come true. KEEP THIS ADVICE for everything you do in life. Money comes and money goes.

You would also get excellent medical training in the Navy. The military will also be a great start for money for your future. Heck, they may even PAY for it with the ole' G.I. Bill. (Look into that !)

GO AFTER YOUR DREAM, KID !

YOU can DO IT.

So DO IT !

Mary Ann Ivan
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