Investment Management or Medical School?

I recently graduated this past May with a B.Sc in Biology. I am currently in the process of interviewing at prospective M.D. programs... Since my senior year of college, I have contemplated making the switch into finance. After performing several clinical internships this summer and communicating with a number of physicians, I realized that the future of healthcare seems grim. Additionally, the thought of training for at least seven years before earning a reputable salary has discouraged me from pursuing Medicine despite having accomplished all the necessary pre-requisites.

A few weeks ago, I met someone who works at MFS Investment Management, and she informed me that she could potentially find me an entry level position, if I ever decide upon switching career paths. After doing some research, I realized that MFS hires a lot of Liberal Arts majors; therefore, I don't think my degree would necessarily be inhibitory. Furthermore, I could use the following opportunity as pre-MBA "work experience".

I am not to familiar with the opportunities for growth within the Investment Management industry or even within the company itself. Would a career in Investment Management be as lucrative as Medicine? Would such a job warrant a change in careers? Would a lot of you switch over to Investment Management from Medicine, if you were in my shoes?

Any opinions or discussions, would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks a lot guys!

 

This famous professor said (25-30 years ago) that my dad will change his JOB about 5 times in his life....................... That same professor now tells me that I will change my CAREER 5 times in my life, so you are just ahead of the curve :P

I love finance and investing so i guess i would do it. I know somebody from JHU who left medicine to start his own hedge fund and is doing fine. If you hate medicine then switch. I think you are just worried about the money...if that is the case why did pursue medcine anyways??

I want a lady on the street, but a freak in the bed, Go Bucks!!
 

like peps above said go to med school... and then make the career switch if you stll dont like it.

I want a lady on the street, but a freak in the bed, Go Bucks!!
 
Best Response

While there is much uncertainty about the future of the healthcare system, I'd argue the future of financial services is even more bleak. Look at it this way, if you get into med school (ANY MED SCHOOL) and complete the program, you can find a job anywhere in the world. It is widely known that there is a shortage of doctors in the world and this trend is only getting worse. On the other hand, if you go into investment management (or finance in general), your employment opportunities are really at the whim of the broader markets/economy.

Solely from a job security perspective, I'd say opt for med school. Not to mention it's a much nobler path!

However, no one here can tell you what you are passionate about....ask yourself that question and go from there.

 

Thanks for all the feedback!

Ambition,

You brought up an interesting point. I've also heard of many M.D's entering Hedge Funds, while specializing in Biotech/pharma companies. I think that seems like a solid option....

It's important to enter a career you're passionate about.. The strange part is that I enjoy both aspects -- the thought of analyzing investment opportunities, as well as the thought of practicing Medicine. However, I think I might stick on the M.D. route, and maybe even make the switch into Finance later on in my career.

 

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