DON'T Quit. Dr. Hilsden's advice for MED students and pre-meds

[@jennymei2631]

“The reasons why you chose to go into medicine will not be the reasons why you stay in medicine” This is so on point and important! As someone who recently finished residency, I 100% agree with this. It doesn’t mean you should leave the field. It just means you grew as a person, just like everyone does, and came to find your role as a doctor as it developed. Thank you so much for making this! There is definitely a bias in the content posted on KZbin and it can be very discouraging. Resilience, perseverance, and a whole lot of therapy are crucial and will get you through!

[@jmcfarr7207]

The current tread on KZbin seems to be encouraging people to quit their jobs, start a KZbin channel and make money selling their subscribers products or the hope of a leisurely lifestyle.

[@RichHilsden]

Couldn’t agree more with that take. They call it the “great resignation” don’t they!

[@debbie3001]

I disagree, I don’t think their purpose is to encourage others to leave medicine but to validate others who feel guilty that they wish to do the same. So much shame and guilt is directed to some physicians who debate quitting that they stay silent or stuck. There is nothing wrong with realizing med school is not for them, it’s a sign of both maturity and growth if they self-reflect and choose change.

[@duckymomo7935]

I mean tbf KZbin career is “easier” and makes a lot of money while actually doing a job is stressful and not as much money Most people want to do lifestyle jobs

[@xavier4260]

Yes I would agree 100% they chose to take medicine and while doing that they made good money from youtube making videos about medicine but there side hustle/ youtube made more money then their actual career, so ofcourse they would quite.

[@BenThomas089]

It’s a result of the social media generation and inability to adhere to principles of delayed gratification. When a meal can be ordered via a phone without you moving and a dopamine hit is a scroll away the normal paths and endeavours are no longer appealing to those who want it all now without the work.

[@saidnassr9963]

All i can say is that you can't advise anyone to stay or to quit, It is everyone's decision. Life in the field of medicine is not perfect and not everyone has the same experience or conditions... Not everyone has the same mental or emotional state. I am becoming a physician myself in a year and i am so greatful for being able to become one, but i can't advise people to do medicine or not to quit doing it... Yes we are a very important sector for our societies but we don't all live in the same frame... I had to write this because i felt that the video is biased in a way, i hope that i wasn't offensive.

[@RichHilsden]

Great comment. I genuinely think I am offering valuable advice here. I also acknowledge that my perspective is only one perspective, some people will agree with my opinion and others won't. What is great about KZbin, is that there is room here for lots of different opinions.

[@bouchser000]

Spot on, I fully agree with you on this one. Not everyone will want to sell their life to medicine, being a physician changes your life either in negative or positive aspects. Sometimes the negatives can outweigh the positives and making you choose to NOT attend medical school because in the end you realize its not for you and thats okay. There are other great healthcare professions out there, its not just always about being physician, but CRNA's, AA's, are other great career choices as well. I am speaking from my own experiences, I was very narrow minded as an undergraduate student, I did not realize there were other options for me. A fellow physician once told me if "I were to do it all over again in this process I would have made changes by going to CRNA school instead, low stress, and good money over a short period of training and yet just as rewarding". It's just interesting how there are doctors who realize this in there career that there were better options for them in-regards to that. I am grateful that I am taking couple gap years by exploring medicine and talking to doctors, seeing what will be the best for me in the end. Some prospect students do not value the time to think enough in this journey but rather to just rush rush rush in the process. In the end your intuition will set you free, being honest with yourself is the best thing you could ever do.

[@johncochran88]

This channel is truly a breath of fresh air among KZbin doctors! It feels like after COVID, so many in the field just said, "Forget this," and walked away. I know the issues are much deeper, but it seems like medicine is often romanticized, and some students and doctors discover it’s not what they expected, so they search for fulfillment elsewhere. Your perspective is a welcome reminder of the passion and purpose that drew many of us here in the first place.

[@OlufunshiAyo]

I love medicine. The idea of seeing a patient, listening to their concerns and using your medical knowledge to provide them a plan of management is very intriguing to me. However, I hate the emotional and mental stress prevalent in the profession. I failed medical school and was kicked out. I reapplied and got into another medical school and graduated. I am now preparing for my STEP 1 board exam. I am just embrassing the process. It is the journey that is "fun"....it is almost like I am numb to the emotional stress... I just know I enjoy medicine and thats all that matters!

[@scastellanos7923]

I needed to hear this, I'm also dealing with a similar situation. At this point I'm also planning to do the same, I'm holding on to my drive and how much I look forward to help my patients while at the same time embracing the stress I'll have to endure. Best wishes to you!

[@Emmiee114]

I’m a resident and the thought of quitting is the only thing that gets me through the day. The prospect that I can do it gives me hope. I’ve never met a single doctor that took me under their wing and encouraged me to push through! I don’t have mentors or anyone to look up to. I feel lonely and scared on rounds. I have found myself on multiple occasions being suicidal while on-call, and for what? Deep down I know I wasn’t made for this. I’m just tired.

[@RichHilsden]

Hey, I feel you. You are not alone here. Just know you can do it. I can’t give you specific advice without knowing your situation. It’s worth it in the end, but if it’s not for you, that’s ok too. I realize any encouragement seems cliche, just know many great doctors have felt the way you felt at your stage in training

[@Emmiee114]

@@patriciagf18 thank you so much! I really really appreciate you sharing that.

[@saidnassr9963]

Dear Emmie, if you feel that you are not okay doing it, just leave... It is not worth losing yourself in order to become a doctor...

[@cardiyansane1414]

I think pushing through this is hard, but what is even harder ( and braver) is acknowledging how you feel and mustering the courage to leave . So many doctors are guilted into staying in something that clearly is not for them - family disappointment guilt , financial investment, time and effort invested etc keeps them pushing through when they know they are miserable. This is what I do :Ask yourself this, if you know you will live for only 10 more years ; would you keep doing this or cut the cord and do what you might actually enjoy? Life is short …

[@Mica98]

Even if I'm a year late, I hope you are doing better now and also would like to tell you that your life and mental health are more important than anything! So, if quitting is the only thing that gets you through the day, do it, but find something that motivates you and surround yourself with your loved ones. There will never be a job or a degree that will matter more than your life! Wish you the best of luck

[@wassimboukhelkhal308]

Thank you for addressing that really, medical school during the pandemic was very hard for me, I'm always doubting myself that i didn't learn well in the pandemic, i hope i will make to the end of my training, you gave me a little hope to continue my training

[@RichHilsden]

The pandemic has definitely been hard on a lot of students. Glad I can help even in a small way

[@wassimboukhelkhal308]

@Rick Sin first, I'm not a usa student, I'm student in another foreign country, i was stuck in my country of origin while my groupmates were studying normally, i took classes online and some class were not available online so in this year i had to pass around 15 tests plus finals in 2 months because i couldn't do them online, all of that plus tons of paper works to do for visa and migration as covid made them more complicated, plus paying full tuition to study online with some classes not even available online, if that is not hard I don't know what hard means than

[@Sara-yj2wg]

I found so much value in this. I'm in my second year of medical school and failed two exams recently and its made me pretty bummed out as of late. I've been comparing myself to other students a lot and thinking that maybe I'm just not cut out for this, added to the fact that I have ADHD... everyone just seems to be so much more studious than I am. I just thought that those things ultimately meant I should just drop out. I needed to hear every word of this. I cant thank you enough.

[@johnnyhuang8540]

Thank you Dr.Hilsden. I am a med student about to quite. I just feel like there are so many lack of attention and support for us. As a med student, we are not just stressed by huge amount of learning tasks, also get ignored by school leaders about our mental health and well being. Also our system over emphasize exam score than learning process. As I rotate, I see my attendings, great professors, as merely hard labor force workers for large hospital enterprise owners. Maybe I see everything a very negative way, but it is the cruel reality. A reality of schools making money on students loan when they purposefully advertise the prestige of becoming a doctor. A reality that they limit the admission rate and standard so badly, African Americans and Hispanics have almost been racially segregated from becoming a doctor, and they are forced to leave the country to go to Caribean school to.pursue their dream. A reality of using residents as money making tools(80hr/WK with a minimum wage) for the cruel capitalists. A reality of using great physicians as advertisement for attracting more patients, which of course could generate higher revenue for hospital owners again. So the problem is you never get admired or becoming center of the system, and you are always working for someone systemically richer and higher who owns you and your work efforts. I do have empathy. I do have passion for medicine. Its just the more I get into it, the more uglyness I see, the more dissapointment I have.

[@patriotcine7521]

Don’t agree you on this. Blacks are 8 times easier to get into medical schools than Asians on the same grades and other qualities. You can google to find the statistics. Hispanics also a lot easier to get into medical schools than Whites and Asians but not as easy as Blacks. Go do some research instead of just being brainwashed by liberals

[@patriotcine7521]

An extreme case was a dark-skinned Indian student who failed to get into medical school in the first try, and then he got admissions from many top ivy medical schools after he put down he is an African American on the application form in his 2nd year try. I don’t make this up. You can find this true story. I call this reverse discrimination in the political correctness madness.

[@jenny-DD]

Yup Conventional docs are simply living the life of a lifeless puppet- who’s string’s are pulled by insurance companies and Big Pharma. Do you like dancing on command? You can have a great life as a Conventional Doc

[@ayo123]

In UK there is the NHS which government owns. However there is bad pay

[@dmd2803]

Would like to see Dr. Hilsden response on this. I have heard about the "bad system" and burning out a lot in medicine, not sure how sustainable a career in medicine if one is genuinely interested in helping and curing patients

[@isamarfernandez8602]

I really needed this video. As an IMG currently preparing for the USMLE, watching these videos about quitting medicine makes one doubt whether you're choosing the right path or not. Thank you for normalizing our struggles in this career and for spreading a sight of hope after completing training. Keep posting videos like this please! - Much respect from the Dominican Republic

[@Imash777]

Studying for the MCAT right now; being a doctor is all I have ever wanted my entire life. This exam makes me feel like an imposter, and like ill never make it. So thank you, I will keep going.

[@kliawpattrasorchom1796]

You’ll make it ! ❤️

[@Imash777]

@@kliawpattrasorchom1796 Thank you 💕🥺

[@Imash777]

@Rick Sin Thanks for letting me know - anything you did to prepare or cope as it got harder ?

[@Imash777]

@Rick Sin Wow thanks for all your advice -- I will keep this in mind. The MCAT is particularly hard for me because I work and its the first standardized exam I have taken -- I am also bilingual and have a hard time even understanding what they are even asking in the question STEM. Lastly, I also come from a poverty ridden, high crime, and underfunded public schooling. Where I come from either kids go to jail, the grave, or get pregnant at 16. Therefore, the difficulty in the journey to medicine often begins way before the MCAT for some people because we have to work so hard to even graduate college. But you're right I have to face the fact that it only gets even more difficult from here -- I just pray that my passion for helping others -- especially those like me -- carries me through.

[@AbdurahmanAlomrani]

Don’t, please go back to your senses you only live once.

[@peterreisdorf3543]

I appreciate videos like this. The more popular ones seem to be about quitting and have led me to doubt going into medicine. It is also hard cause I think most who are broadcasting quitting seem to have better career prospects through social media etc...

[@RichHilsden]

Exactly like that. The people with huge audiences have the greatest temptation to quit

[@elizbethkieffer6887]

There definitely needs to be more videos like this. I love people’s openness to admit that they are quitting medicine, but sometimes when that’s all you hear, you start to doubt wanting to be a doctor.

[@usbgamers123]

I thought about quitting med school recently, and completely change my careers because I came to be disillusioned about the prospects of the job I thought was a fact. I was incredibly depressed, on the verge of tears everywhere, and said f it and took a week break to have a talk with my family Now I made the decision to continue pursuing med school until I get my degree. Only two years left, why not just take it while I am at it? I can still change careers, hell, I might use it to elevate my position. Or at the end of the day, after the hardships, I might enjoy it. Who knows? It's the future after all. I'm just bracing through the burnout for now, and after I get a shiny "MD" after my name, I will see where the life takes me :) Life is not only black and white, opportunities lie anywhere, I'll just be on the lookout for them now on

[@purity4621]

i am in the same situation. next year will be the last and i have no motivation to study or continue but i have no other choice to keep fighting h because it’s been 5 years in the degree and i can’t leave it in the last year . i hope things get better once i get my degree

[@usbgamers123]

@@purity4621 Only one more year, even if you won't pursue medicine, why not just have it in your pocket, right? Godspeed

[@purity4621]

@@usbgamers123 let’s go for it 💪🏻 sometimes i feel like guilty knowing that i don’t wanna work with my degree , like i’ve spent/wasted 6 years of my life. The only thing i wish is that my mindset and love towards the degree changes to the better . next year I will have a lot of hospital rotations so I hope to enjoy them and end up loving the job of doctor

[@saphireheart144]

@@usbgamers123 exactly what I think, 2 an a half years to go. If I change careers I don't have the money to pay another 5 years for a degree, so might as well finish

[@usbgamers123]

@@saphireheart144 Huh, how even five months can change ideas so drastically, I'm doing fine now! I'm still continuing with med, I've gained a new found interest for medicine, turns out, I was just burned out and that lead to depression, some SSRIs later and I'm feeling MUUUUCH better. I hope you can find your love of medicine too!

[@AS-us9ee]

Thank you so much for this video! I REALLY needed to hear this. It's already hard being a medical student and hearing all the negativity about medicine makes it really worse. So thank you for the encouragement! 🙏🏼

[@RichHilsden]

Thank you for the comment. I am glad you appreciated it. I think I will make more of this type of content in the future for sure.

[@ianchiwo3536]

@@RichHilsden I feel like the reason these people quit is because they see a way out of med school and it's associated debt. I bet a lot more people would quit medicine if they had a way to pay off there loans. Thoughts?

[@patriciagf18]

@@RichHilsden Yes please!

[@took_ya_handle]

Hey Doc. Thank you for being so encouraging - I find this message is quite meaningful for me as a non-traditional pre-medical student. To not quit, to know it’s okay to feel a bit of insecurity at times, and to ultimately see the day to reap the beautiful rewards of being able to deeply and positively improve the lives of patients.

[@neurogal]

Was feeling a bit doubtful but really appreciated hearing this ❤️ especially from a practicing physician

[@RichHilsden]

I appreciate the comment. We all need a bit of encouragement from time to time. Good luck

[@asdfjklasdfjkl408]

I'm having the hardest time right now as an MS2. Thanks for this video.

[@dayanatobar]

Thank you, Dr. Hilsden for this message. I watched this video during my first year of medical school and am re-listening now too. This is exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you and take care.

[@danielarchuleta4415]

I'm a little late here and don't know if you will even read this, but I wanted to thank you for this video. I've been heavily debating whether I want to stick to the medical route due to personal insecurities and this video helped me remember why I went the medical route in the first place. It's very easy to doubt yourself and choose other paths, but I think medicine is worth it in the end. Again, I can't thank you enough. This is something that has been bothering me for the past 6 months

[@scintilla8153]

Whao! Thank you for making this video. I'm a 2nd year medical student. Your words mean the world to me right now!!

[@arjumandfaruqi]

Great great advice. I doubted my decision after completing my MBBS for a year but in my heart I knew it was all worth it.

[@oliviarobbins6108]

I'm a pre-med student thank you for making this video! This really opens my eyes

[@blitz19113]

I am a former medical student who was very passionate about the field; but I had poor evaluations and life was a struggle during my stay in medical school. The pressure and failures got under my skin and I had to take a pause. I still don't know if I'll be coming back. Right now I ventured into IT (Analytics and Data Science). But there's a lingering bitterness in my gut with regards to my connection with medicine that I cannot completely explain. I am open to your insights. I would also like to connect and speak with you Dr. Hilsden. Thank you.

[@pamelagileno5483]

For me, leaving med school in 2003 was the best decision. I feel like we might have a lot in common as your comment here reminded me of why I left. Wishing you the best.

[@soniaparacha]

Hey there @blitz19113, I want to know more about your decision, because at this stage, I am thinking of taking the exact same pathway

[@blitz19113]

@@pamelagileno5483 thank you. Wishing you the best as well.

[@blitz19113]

@@soniaparacha I went into another field. But most importantly I am now the most productive and least stressed than I ever was. Tune out external voices. Trust your gut. Define your own terms of success.

[@Darasin2011]

It’s all great doc.. except for school has gotten so expensive. If you change your mind mid-way, hmm.. My take: If love, pursue. If doubt, quit

[@RichHilsden]

Fair take. But you won’t know if you love it until you’re done. Also, there are many opportunities out there for those who do finish, great opportunities. Still each person has to decide on their own

[@Darasin2011]

@@RichHilsden Lots of risk given the long journey of Med school and the burden of loan. But I'm sure kids out there are grateful that they have you and Ali out there to compare both sides. And you're right, they have to think for/on their own

[@tbonesteak1481]

These doctors have very successful KZbin careers and I’m Ofcourse that definitely plays a part in their decision. Can’t say the same about Kinza cause she is the most relatable med student filled with doubts and confusion

[@sarak.]

I’m 30 and I’m taking my MCAT in a couple of months because I believe its my calling. I finished pharmacy school in 2018 and I am now regretting that I listened to all the nay sayers when i wanted to go to med school.

[@transamination]

I'm a veterinarian. I didn't enjoy veterinary school. However, the job itself is fantastic and I love it. It's the stupidest thing ever to quit school before you've even qualified. Even if you eventually find you don't enjoy the real job, you still have MD/DVM on your CV for the rest of your life.

[@DG-cl3gs]

Interesting. So even if someone has 4 years left and is miserable. They should do it? We have one life. That means when we die we don’t come back. Every month is precious. Just my opinion

[@Skepticalstudent45]

OMS-2 here, thank you Dr. Hilsden, this was much needed. I’d really appreciate your input on navigating the career selection process as you progress in your training, how to network appropriately, and how you have managed your stress while paving your way through arguably one of the most stress-inducing specialties. Thanks again, looking forward to more of your videos.

[@jenny-DD]

Every male doc I’ve ever known was divorced at least 1x if not 2x - wives left them due to time constraints Every single ER doc I’ve ever known has been sued - what kind of life is that gonna end up being

[@zahraal9236]

Thank you so much for posting this!! I am currently on a medical LOA due to SLE & so worried about Step 1. I appreciate you taking the time to encourage us. Thank you for giving us hope! God bless you!!

[@MT16987]

Medicine is tough job and this is why programs directors are looking passionate doctors to accept them in their programs and the doctor should look for stress reliever hoppy or something to do to continue working and avoiding burn out and quitting

[@mbb1849]

Beautifully said, Doc. Thanks for being honest and saying what many of has have been feeling.

[@t.a.1337]

Dr. Hilsden, your voice is really so soothing and relaxing haha! Great advice you gave as well. Will take this into account going forward as I'm an aspiring surgeon. :)

[@PhuongHuynh-qm5th]

If people went in for the money, perhaps they found out that they can sell pre med programs and make a TON more money than grinding every day as a doctor. Yes you get to make money in your sleep, and you have a ton of free time, unlimited vacations and at a point you never really have to work again. But that’s any business really. They prefer to be businessmen/owners and that’s ok. But if you went in to help people, especially those that are needy with NO access to medicine, to volunteer and help poor communities in need, help children whose parents can’t help them, then you stick with it. Maybe you can invest in orphanages and programs for these communities as well, or help build their schools. If you go in for the right reason, the whole experience is more enjoyable

[@judahb3ar]

This guy didn’t smile once the entire video … says a lot about medical school and the medical field

[@RichHilsden]

Medschool wiped my smile away 😢

[@rukshaniedirisinghe4585]

This is a great video . 👍🏻👍🏻 I am a person who quit medicine once and I realized the value of it tbh. And I’m glad and proud of my choices and experiences. “For somone to make the right choice, it’s always better to have all the options available “ So yeah Go for it . Have medicine as one option on the table so that you can always eliminate the bad ones which will ultimately guide you to go for what your heart desires.

[@murraysolomon4924]

In the hypercompetitive North American medical school admissions process, it is easy to be discouraged. There are excellent medical schools taught in English in the Caribbean, Ireland. Eastern Europe (Poland, Hungary) and Israel that can fill the bill allowing people with less than perfect credentials to become excellent physicians

[@mario-qq7bq]

These places have outside the USA are scam it is very hard to get a USA residency. Most of these school are for profit and don’t care if their student get a job and they cost a lot.

[@Be1smaht]

I so so so so appreciate this. Love it. Thank you for opening up this discussion

[@nikkyzj]

I am IMG and this chaos of quitting from med is more actual in UK than in any other country. I met the most rubbish personality doctors at UCL MS Aesthetic Surgery as Prof Ash Mosahebi, Dr.Rana Das Gupta, Zahra Mohri and others who made my last month of program hell. I regret of applying for that program. So exactly because of these type of people lots of doctors feel unhappy with their knowledge, self confidence etc and want to quit.

[@fredred5037]

Woah, please tell me more. Their websites makes it seem so prestigious and professional. 😮

[@melanieparedes202]

Best video yet! It’s so discouraging when you look around and everyone is so negative towards this field and/or dropping out.

[@tehmightymo]

Keep it up, Dr. Hilsden! You have great insights, and your videos are really well-made.

[@ralarfaj6591]

i’m a 25 years old 1st year medical student (MBBS not MD), who is failing the year, not only due to the high demand & intensity of the college but also for behavioral, thinking, emotional issues as well that are getting worse as the days go by.. didn’t work therapy out.. I’m thinking about switching major, but also afraid of leaving medicine at the same time.. I have nothing else, no aspirations in life, not to mentions that my problems will stay with me and shrink my performance even in other specialities areas of life.. stuck for years.. don’t really know what to do myself..

[@RichHilsden]

I feel your struggle. What matters most is you take care of yourself. Medicine isn't for everyone, and that isn't a failure. There are exciting opportunities in other fields. What is most important is you take care of yoruself and your mental health. In generally, medicine is hard on one's mental health for many reasons so if you are struggling there seek as much help and support you can get.

[@spillledcarryout]

@RichHilsden, Your struggles during your first year of medical school might feel isolating, but I assure you, you're not alone. I, too, faced a multitude of challenges in my M1 year-ranging from identity crises and academic failure to mental health issues. I was the first in my family to attend college, and the pressure was immense. At one point, I felt lost and even had to repeat my first year. Yet, it was during those trying times that I discovered a small, resilient voice within me, encouraging me to continue because I truly loved the idea of becoming a doctor. With the support of my school and a close-knit group of peers who were going through similar challenges, I was able to turn the tide. The fact that I had no 'Plan B' made the stakes even higher, but it also crystalized my resolve. Today, I am a fulfilled and practicing child and adult psychiatrist, and I find tremendous joy in my work. I share this with you not to talk about my achievements, but to assure you that it's possible to navigate through the fog of uncertainty and challenges. Seek out those who can offer support; they're out there if you look. And remember, setbacks can be setups for future successes. It's entirely possible for you to turn things around if you wish to do so. I'm living proof of that, and I wish you the very best in your journey. Kind regards, Carlos Barrios MD P.s. you can find me online here: Carlosbarriosmd.com Email: [e-mail]

[@Theparotidmems]

​@@spillledcarryouti have these doubts and in 3rd year i dont know why i got into medicine I'm having trouble finding my reasons

[@pppppppp-l8o]

I am going through the same exactly and therapy didn’t work for me and I have a rest exam after three days and I am highly failing it so I will repeat the year and actually it is just my first year so if you reached any place else than mentioned just tell wanna know wanna hear more so it help me in my decision

[@Baldwinthefourth-1176]

As an OMS1, who JUST started, it’s encouraging to see this. Thank you!

[@RichHilsden]

It's a long road, not for everyone, but stick with it until the next milestone if you can.

[@drh9940]

My frustration is with the whole residency process. Even if you want to because you know it is your passion and that smile on your patient’s face makes you smile or devastating patient news breaks your heart or brings tears to your eyes. But the red tape and the craziness that is happening in USA - is really discouraging a large number.

[@enscebose8466]

dont quit perhaps but build different income streams and work on your own terms. And probably realise that financial freedom is more important than social status.

[@fredred5037]

This exactly. Don’t rely on just being a doctor as your only source of income + social status. Most of the doctors simply have no boundaries

[@wild663]

Like so many of the other commenters here, I'm an MSI2 who's struggling right now. I wasn't prepared for how difficult this would be for me. Thanks for the video

[@RichHilsden]

It’s a tough road. Glad you found my video valuable

[@jenny-DD]

It’s a tough road have a Plan-B

[@purpletinkerbell8524]

I’m currently in OB/GYN residency and I also wanted the good stress but now I hate it, I hate it so much I hate the clinical side of medicine, I am thinking about going into public health and do a Master or something but I don’t see myself working in a hospital anymore

[@marting6015]

People want their doctors to be compassionate and great people. Yet, these doctors are treated poorly during residency and medical school. Plenty of attendings have this mentality of "i suffered so you need to suffer as well". Most premeds also need to understand that as long as you work for a corporation with its own interest you are not changing anything. The whole I want to change the world thing is really just a punch line because there's too much money at stake. The only way to really do it is to open your own practice and not deal with insurance companies. Otherwise you will always be owned by someone.

[@sksim6154]

I quit medicine too ! 37 years after graduation and after 30 years in Pediatrics. It wasn't easy but it was all worth it. No regrets. Hang in there.

[@husam9766]

thats a retirement..its way different from quitting..you already made enough money off medicine.

[@Be1smaht]

No one says this stuff and it Saddens me. Again thank you

[@starlight200816]

I really want to quit. I lost 3 relatives back to back while in medical school, plus I'm watching my dad die slowly. I never was given time to rest and now I'm graduating near bottom of my class. I have done everything I can to not fail anything while in training so far and succeeded, but it has left me feeling that I'm too stupid to be here. I had to try so hard to just not fail anything. I don't know how residency will go and am scared about further abuse and depression along the way.

[@jamesthomas6984]

Youre incredibly strong to even be graduating. You will get the rest you deserve.

[@victoria.has.no.secret]

I feel this exact way. I'm applying to medical school with an extremely late MCAT (and potentially very low) and took way more unintentional gap years than I had planned. Meanwhile, also watching my dad die slowly from Parkinson's Disease and dealing with the palliative/hospice care services without the help of my own siblings and being the youngest one too. I understand your stress so much and the anger you feel like why did this happen to you. Ultimately, I try to focus on the end result. It's hard to not feel that you could've done better if this didn't happen, but this will not define your ability to care for your patients in the future. Good luck to you!

[@matthewsurajbally3755]

i keep coming back to this video, and i've shared it with my friends. It is rly easy to get disheartened. I will keep trying, thank you.

[@lynnnguyen4499]

I'm starting medical school in a few months and the imposter syndrome has already kicked in. Thank you for the encouragement ^_^

[@orlandofurioso7329]

As an almost graduate, what bugs me is that many people that make videos on tips on how to make med school more productive quit some months after those videos. It really brings people down after a while.

[@RichHilsden]

A lot of those people have found great success in the advice niche. Hard to keep going when the grass is so greener on the other-side. Most of us, should finish what we started so we truly know and understand the opportunities we have.

[@orlandofurioso7329]

@@RichHilsden yeah you are right, great video Doc and i wish you the patients with the most sturdy blood vessels lol

[@saidnassr9963]

Don't judge anyone for God's sake!!!!! You never know what these people were going through!

[@orlandofurioso7329]

@@saidnassr9963 not judging, just saying i don't expect people that have an entire channel on medical school to quit after 5 productivity videos in a row

[@saidnassr9963]

And they did so what! KZbin is another platform where you wipe clean the dirt of life to lure other's attention. If they show you content that highlights perfection, it doesn't necessarily mean that they have perfect lives even with 5 productivity videos in a row !

[@adiawillemse]

As a 5th year med student in South considering quitting med school, this video gave me s different perspective

[@AronAroniteOnlineTV]

Quitting being a doctor is only as long as a loved one doesnt fall very sick. I quit ER and medicine for 12 years till my dad had MI and later Post MI CCF.I had to take care of him. So I decided to start my practise again.Having said that we must admit that our system is toxic, self serving and only conceit of being inside the system blinds us to facts Dr Ali is talking about.

[@jomanamadieh872]

I found the last point so interesting to mention and relatable. It's something I've been thinking about but haven't heard said out loud before.

[@RichHilsden]

Glad you found that helpful. I would definitely encourage students to finish. There are unique opportunities that they will have if they make it through. It can be hard to see it when you are in the middle of it

[@jomanamadieh872]

@@RichHilsden Yes I agree. I’m currently a junior trainee and like you said it’s hard to see it when you’re in the middle of it. Also that it’s ok to want to stay in it for different reasons than when i first got into medicine. I thought that might be a negative thing; to have this change in mind or motive behind why I want to be a doctor. But you mentioned that was the case for you so it felt reassuring.

[@kanizfathama9622]

Thanks so much... Dr i was in middle of a breakdown cuz having a family along with medicine is getting tougher for me... and i have been doubting my choices now and then... this helped to get me thru a bit.

[@ianchiwo3536]

Hey love you videos and this one in particular spoke to me, I don't know if I want to continue my path to be a doctor for the following reasons. if you can please give me your opinion if you have a minute on whether my reasons are valid or not: Prestige? It does not matter who you are or what you do, some people won't respect you or what you do especially during the worst day of there life's Cost - $200000+ is average debt for graduating med students, with this number increasing every year as med schools become more and more competitive. Time- 4 years undergrad + 4 years med school three-year residency = 11-year minimum to become one with some residences being up to 7+ years(neuro) Residency is the most challenging part. ( because you pretty much live at the hospital) 60-80 hr workweek is typical. Residents can make less than $60k a year-all after spending four years in undergrad and four years in med school. And by working 60+ hr a week. They make around as much money per hr as a McDonald worker =($15 per/hr)*80hr*4week*12month= 57,600 a year) for 3 to 7+ years Suicide rate- many physicians commit suicide a year in America. The rate is twice or more than the rate of any other job in the United States. Except maybe veterans. - After med school, there is residency match where med students go through a stressful residency picking program and end up in a residency. Once in, there is no realistic way of changing specialties. Worst part is that you don't really even get to control what kind of doctor you get to become. - Debt gains Interest while in residency resulting in it increasing to up to twice its original debt - Even after finishing undergrad, med school, and graduating residency, and all associated exams, physicians still have to take a recertification exam (10 hr exam) every ten years to practice - Physician salaries are decreasing - Doctors can regularly get sued by the people they treat for complications post-op. That can cause them to lose there license in a worst case and in a best case destroy there confidence. Lastly, competition. From med school to residency, the competition is astronomically high. The chances of getting into a high-paying specialty are meager. Matching to a good residency (that would allow you to pay off your colossal debt promptly) is very hard. Medicine is not as it used to be, and I feel like hundreds of people every year wait too long before they come to this realization. I believe This late discovery leads to many people drowning in med school, with the unbelievable competition forcing them to put on a fake face till they can't do it anymore and end it. Times have changed, and becoming a doctor no longer seems like a great idea. I have been thinking about the opportunity cost a lot, and I think sometimes it's better to chase a happy life than a life with purpose. Life will never be easy; for anyone. Med school alone is deadly for many great people who just wanted to become a doctor as I did. Even with all these reasons something tells me to follow the path. I think that is called cognitive dissonance.

[@marshetbatu6204]

Great insight. I am an international medical graduate who passed through most of those struggles and finally got into a residency after 10 years from graduating from medical school. I think about quitting every day and feel like it’s not worth it. I was always happy when I was not practicing medicine and when I am not in hospital. I am in huge dilemma to quit and live a simple happy life without so called purpose or drag myself everyday to my miserable residency!

[@fredred5037]

The thing is, everyone is dissatisfied with their job and lives regardless.

[@chrisdavies6475]

My grades in the first year of medical school (in the UK) were poor but just enough that I was not thrown out. After five years I had the degree and left medicine. The prospect of being a junior doctor in hospital was very scary. Apart from anything else I need my sleep!

[@johnlemma401]

We have a lot of miserable doctors and we need to encourage them to quit medicine so they stop infecting others with their negativity and pessimism.

[@RichHilsden]

I wonder if I should do a follow-up video, when to quit

[@johnlemma401]

@@RichHilsden I think that is a great idea!!

[@fredred5037]

@@RichHilsdenAnswer: when you’re finally off the hook for child-support

[@seriekekomo]

I love how KZbin doctors drop out of medical school as soon as they become famous and start making money online! I love to see that young doctors are just going after the money, it makes me feel sooo safe as a patient to know this 😂😂😂

[@dawitlemecha5015]

in this fast paced world currently we are living at we are used to instant noodles , fast deliveries , six month short course . i see all the people around me moving with there on life very fast but i am stilll trying to be a Dr in usa after i spent 8 year in medical school in ethiopia. i really needed this video. my biggest worries is what if i didnot like my self if i didnot make it. can i see any other way out side of medicine.

[@sherlockholmes6332]

Thank you very much doc Ffr the insight. I can confidently say now that I want to be a doctor and continue medschool. Literally life changing video haha.

[@samh3438]

Thank you dr , really needed to hear this!!

[@marcelmorningman6429]

Take care watching this video! Its may right, that it requires to push through sometimes in life BUT also every investment will also form your identity and the decision to start something else will become more difficult. Dont miss the right time to leave :-)

[@jenny-DD]

Once this KZbin channel hits 100k subs he will start making videos on "Why I left Medicine 💊 "

[@fredred5037]

“How to be so efficient, you quit entirely”

[@JT-tx2ns]

thank you for making this video. it’s helping more than you know.

[@RichHilsden]

Glad it was helpful! I appreciate you watching my videos.

[@nikhitakumar]

Wow I needed this. Well said... and you are very charismatic.

[@RichHilsden]

Thank you for the view and the comment!

[@drvikisamadi1946]

Thank you so much its 4.00 in moscow and im fully stressed ,tired trying have 3 hours good sleep ,its so hard but ,this was a good motivarion)at the end we do what it take for our pation

[@Tarsen-qb2ub]

There is no good reason to be part of the American medical system anymore. Owned by insurance companies, hospital administration, etc. Make your own business, or there are so many other passions you can develop that will help support yourself and your family so much better than a medical career without as much stress, not to mention not being anchored by medical school debt. If you want to do it because you like helping people, make your money elsewehere and volunteer on weekend.

[@BrianErwin]

i don't consider people like kevin jubbal to be doctors. if you drop out of residency, never board certified, or never an attending, you're just someone who got the degree and masquerading on youtube using the title for the credibility of your content. a DNP is more of a doctor than those people. but you are right about staying the course until practicing, it's just crazy to see so many doctors trying to escape medicine though youtube

[@fredred5037]

Kevin is an insufferable personality anyway. No wonder he wanted to be a surgeon 😂

[@xavier4260]

I would say that if these people truly loved their career they would take on youtube as a main career but still work part time as a doctor

[@scriptorpaulina]

Hey many, you’re really helping me want to finish my PhD too

[@Talfo08]

I really needed to hear this. Thank you

[@bipasha.77]

Thank you for this, sir!

[@RichHilsden]

My pleasure!

[@vanessahowe2592]

All I can say is thank you 🙏

[@matt37221]

University is over promised and under delivered. Everybody does it. It lost any and all value. Be you. Live.

[@MT16987]

I think those people found KZbin is good money maker and doesn’t need that much effort

[@RichHilsden]

For them it’s probably an easy choice. For the rest of us, a little encouragement to stick with it can go a long way

[@MT16987]

@@RichHilsden I think they will regret in the future, and they will face difficulties to return back to their jobs specially after having a huge gap in the CV

[@fredred5037]

@@MT16987pretty soon the medical influencer space will be overwhelmed with these same types.

[@lllcodalll]

Solid Vid Dr. Hilsden!

[@RichHilsden]

As always, thank you thank you my friend.

[@Depresseddocp]

I think drop rate is high in US (yes there are exceptions)because they don’t get exposed to the specialties before residency like an internship year or something like that which is there in many countries like uk and Australia So they end up choosing wrong pathway and regret about it and quit their jobs

[@fredred5037]

The first 2 years is purely academic just like undergrad. But a good number of schools are redoing their curriculum, “Integrative” curriculum where they start clinical exposure immediately

[@kajamichalowicz]

thank you

[@surgeon888]

Going into premed. Feeling slightly anxious

[@tasniakhan2950]

I needed to hear this today - a burnt out premed

[@RichHilsden]

Glad it helped.

[@KM-up4xz]

I want to go to medical school but want to work overseas

[@NonhlanhlaCholene]

Thank you very much for sharing this 🙂

[@EM-mk8jk]

“ayley abdeeil” ..... excuse me what?

[@Mrs_PinkMarie77]

love this video thank you for making it!

[@imanebennani7732]

thank you so much for this video!

[@Daughter777_]

I’m at this crossroads. I’m stuck with the position of redoing the entire 1st year or quitting to have a balanced life as a RN.

[@fAhmedYacine]

Go redo it! Get Rid of the uncertainty

[@absalkhan2761]

It's like that in India. I entered med school by entrance exam. But didnt the reason anyway. Also I felt like some time i am better at physics than biology. But whenever I study sone books like grey anatomy, guyton, robbins, and some standard books without straining but reading slowly, the book is so much intersting

[@coffeemaplays4787]

Thank u so much for this!!♥️

[@javiereg956]

Awesome video Dr. Hilsden. I wanted your input on what would you tell someone in my situation: I have an opportunity (a good one at that) to apply to about 4 medical schools and get accepted. However, my grades are subpar. Out of those 4 only 2 would be a good choice and Im a good candidate for ALL of them. Lately, I noticed they are putting many “buts” in my application “oh you took this class online, we want it in person” “oh you took this class 5 years ago you need a recent one” etc. (many others…) That being said, I will not go hungry without medical school, I make very decent money and I have potential to make more as a CRNA. BUT, I want to use the benefits being a physician has to make a difference in my community! I can do so many wonderful things for the people around me (and around the world) with the MD/DO title. Why do they make it so tough to apply, why do they want me to keep spending more and more money? but more importantly why do they want me invest more TIME unnecessarily? Time, by the way, that I will not get back. Anyway, sorry for the rant. Im just upset I may be cutting my losses, but heartbroken because it is such a beautiful career and lives can be truly touched by it. God bless

[@patriotcine7521]

Nothing good in life comes easy.

[@berkeleygolfer]

Thanks for posting this. I really liked the idea of an academic coach. Where would you recommend finding an academic coach if your school doesn't have these kinds of programs?

[@RichHilsden]

You would have to hire one. Which would be a little tricky. Because, its arranged by the school, arguably ours is covered by tuition. I would suggest any resident, or junior doctor could make a good academic coach because they were at your stage more recently.

[@ERdoctorMike]

I would caution anyone taking advice from any doctor with a QUIT video.

[@fredred5037]

Now Zach Highley quit.

[@midairywala]

How are you getting that frame-rate jeez that video quality is smooth

[@veronicar6913]

Thank you for this video

[@rudymilla]

your sound is amazing, how do you edit it?

[@hindraddi9967]

thank you for this !

[@Aaandrea735]

Thanks doc.