WHY I LEFT HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL ...

[@swfbutler]

As a Marine Corps officer turned attorney turned medical student who just matched into emergency medicine as a 42 year old father-of-two, I definitely agree it's about the journey, not the destination!

[@DrStoooopid]

JD/MD, eh? very cool. I'm just now doing my post-bacc, leaving IT after 30+ years, with the end goal of going into Rural Family Medicine. I miss NY, but I'm never going back except to visit. My goal is to be a country family doctor, hand out lollipops, bring people into the world, and help their families deal with putting them in the people farm. The rural life needs a shot in the arm, and that's where I can do the most good. (I grew up on a farm....I'm a Redneck Jew...yes, it happens)

[@biomedmaven]

I love this! Congratulations on the jourmey!

[@ebiekem]

Wait...what??!! Sir, how did you achieve all that??!! Bravo sir 🫡🫡

[@bradleyseng9563]

That's a lot of career reinvention! Lots of work ethic 👏👏 and reminds me of Jonny Kim with combat medic, Navy SEAL, Harvard ER physician, to NASA astronaut

[@ExploreEpicsnow]

Congrats Tom!

[@silentspeedy]

Okay this actually turned out to be a pretty clickbait video (the title). For people who want to know, he DIDN'T leave medical school, he actually matched into a residency.

[@belieber.]

U mean he matched into residency before he finished his med school?

[@josepha133]

My mother quit her job as a doctor to become a teacher. She still says it's the best decision she ever made. But I'm glad to hear you reconsidered becoming a doctor. I have a disease called TRAPS and spend a lot of time in hospitals and doctors like you are so needed. Just from watching this video I can tell how kind and patient you are. Both qualities are so crucial to making patients feel comfortable, please don't ever lose that.

[@doctor-rich]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and that if your mother. These decisions about career aren’t easy, and a lot of personal factors go into them! I appreciate your support - our patients, like yourself, are always our best teachers 🙏🏼

[@scholarlyanalyst7700]

@@doctor-rich What sounds harder to your ears? 1. MD Degree or 2. Masters Degree in Statistics?

[@zazaiowens1407]

I’m trying to do the reverse of what your mom did. 😅 I’m applying to medical school this Spring, after teaching for over 20 years. ❤️

[@MelSpeaksMD]

Medical school was grueling.. work-life balance was difficult to maintain and I thought about leaving several times. Thankfully, I finished and years later I’m glad I didn’t quit. That being said, everyone has their own unique path in life and discovering it is the fun part. I hope the Match went well for you!

[@AfroMedic]

I’m in PA school, now I see why I made the best decision. Doctors here at my school are sad and depressed.

[@MelSpeaksMD]

@@AfroMedic lol yeah, the path to medicine can be a bit depressing but for me it was worth it. Although if I thought I’d be happy doing ANYTHING else, I wouldn’t have put myself through all that … you definitely made the right choice for you 💯

[@getfitwithnicol]

You’re such an engaging speaker and I loved hearing about your experiences and decisions. Thanks for sharing!

[@logandavis7584]

This was a great video. From a medical student trying to learn how to love the journey and take every day as it’s own, thank you for this. I wish you the best in everything you do

[@bernardomilanialvares1752]

Thank you for sharing! After a PhD and 7 years in management consulting, I am going for Medicine. A big driver are those personal connections. It will be hard, but those relationships are what keeps us alive. Inspiring!

[@bigtonk]

so you didn't left..... your basically using the management consultant gig as a backup in case you don't match into residency; nothing wrong with that, its just misleading

[@reet7060]

Especially since he matched

[@cindyt6909]

Def sounds like clickbait to me. He didn't actually leave. He took a break to pursue a job that made him a lot of money. Call it what it is.

[@bigtonk]

@@cindyt6909 AY big facts

[@justxenaa5489]

The timing of this video is crazy. Healthcare is way more complex than I anticipated, but you’re right it’s about the journey. I’m thinking of taking a detour as I write this. Thanks for sharing! Best of luck’

[@Aj-fd4ne]

As a med student whose dream is get into ivy league med school ( residentcy / post graduate ) .... This is eye 👀 👁️ opening. Thanks for making this 😊

[@ericshaker9377]

Incredible journey. I've always been split between the two sides (industry vs medicine that kinda thing) and also had a full time offer pursuing but the patient interactions just pull you back in. Lovely to hear how its going thanks

[@csc1641]

Dude, you are smart. Your journey is interesting and I look forward to see your journey ahead. You are an excellent communicator and advice is spot on.

[@doctor-rich]

Thank you, really appreciate the support. Looking forward to sharing more with you all!

[@trisell1168]

Lately we have seen an increasing number of high achievers dropouts like Kevin Jubbal and Ali Abdaal, this tells you there is something seriously wrong with the system. The effort you give is not appropriately rewarded not only on the financial scale but all the orther factors including lifestyle, environment and working conditions. I hope one day some one will dedicate time and resources to make a change in the system, it is sad to see brilliant young doctors leaving the field

[@imap3smtp]

You are a rockstar and will be a pioneer in whatever path you take

[@TheHenMen]

Congrats man. Sounds like you’ve had a wonderful first chapter of your career bouncing between incredible places in Princeton, Boston, NYC, and everywhere else life has taken you. You really can’t go wrong with consulting or medicine and I think it really does come down to how much the “calling” calls for you. Looking at your other videos, looks like you recently matched into surgery. From experience, it’s going to be an extraordinarily hard year, but if you can find ways to enjoy it and have that work-life integration, you will soar. Good luck and keep us all updated man 💪

[@doctor-rich]

The "calling" is exactly it, couldn't have said it better myself! Really appreciate the support!

[@danielkantor27]

Thanks so much for this, so inspiring. I am currently pre-med and applying to medical school this cycle (hopefully). I have always been so passionate in both film production and medicine, I hope to combine them somehow but I am still trying to find out what I really want to do. We’ll see where life takes me I guess!

[@zachfinemusic]

I am so proud of you bro (even though we don’t know each other). I understand where you’re coming from with the management consulting gig; I’m sure that they pay well, and it is something that you’re interested in based on your background. That said, having a tangible degree, that regardless of the ups and downs in the economy, any specialty that is always needed is invaluable even so from a business perspective. To have made it all the way to Princeton , Oxford and Harvard Medical School alone is something that most human beings will never be able to accomplish. I’m happy to hear that you are finishing your degree, and I am excited to see your journey. You have gained a subscriber!

[@Olivia-no5qj]

Thank you so much for sharing. Also I absolutely love your calm aura and the way you speak; it’s like the perfect speed LOL - from a premed who is now inspired :)

[@Be1smaht]

you are the dream. wow your parents must be proud

[@jasonlopez8499]

im happy for you that you are finishing your md and even if you don't match there are plenty of jobs for docs that are non clinical and do not require residency. they may not be as lucrative but they are still an option.

[@incredblethings9575]

Could you please list some of them?.

[@thesneakygamer4343]

Better to quit in medical school as opposed to pursuing a career that will burn you out. Unfortunately, we live in an era where being a physician is just not conducive to having a balanced life. Only a few specialties are like that. If you want to be a physician you have to make a lot of sacrifices and your life will not be easy. If you absolutely love medicine and are willing to make that sacrifice, then it’s worth it.

[@itskarla4u]

I went to MIT for physics, worked for NASA for a while, did a 180 and now I'm a designer. Still not sure that's what I want to do long term but it's step in the right direction.

[@TheLORDismylightandmysalvation]

Congratulations my brother, keep pushing forwards no matter what and always keep Jesus first and all things will be added unto you. One day I will get accepted to Harvard med and follow a similar path such as yours, any tips to get into such a prestigious university would be appreciated.

[@addi1601]

I hate click bait titles

[@_Kim_Possible]

This video is crazy as hell bc you're not average lol Ambitious as hell pursing 2 different careers at the same time. That's crazy. Your resume is insane. But your comments about work culture is very relatable and about the journey. Mental health is glazed over in these type of careers..

[@earth2ellie]

Seriously, people love to criticize healthcare professionals for leaving or asking for better pay or better working conditions and try to shame the professionals for asking for these things. It's so sad because medicine is truly a sacrifice of your years as you go unpaid or overworked. Yes, you help others but if you're suffering, how can you properly care for others?

[@robinson2589]

Yess! I am starting my career development journey! I can’t keep getting up everyday going to a ‘job I don’t like.

[@AfroMedic]

As a Premed who went to PA school, I’m glad for my decision, Doctors at my school are sad and depressed. Science is interesting but when it comes to clinical work , policy and bla bla. Overwhelming, and overworked. I’m an academic. I like learning and acquiring knowledge. But clinical clinical work is just brutal

[@vsheehan5928]

Well either. You Matched & you are waiting to see what residence you got ; or you are going through SOAP right now trying to get a residency. What ever the case you must post an update video. Hopefully soon & not years later.

[@tk567]

I’m confused. He applied to residency?

[@daelcart1947]

​@tk567 Yea and he matched (I looked at his instagram)

[@EricCRO]

Oh man, you underestimated the power of being a management consultant after graduating and getting your hands dirty and then doing management consulting as you’d have an edge over others

[@Ben-g6p]

I see some vinyl in the back! What are some of your favorites? I'm an MS3 btw and I'm glad you are doing well.

[@bickass4303]

so basically it took 5 years instead of 4 to finish med school, fake thumbnail

[@michellegarcia7543]

Wow You are so inspirational

[@scottjackson163]

It’s probably mainly in relation to other medical career personnel that you feel the need to explain or defend your decision. You were already far more accomplished, before entering medical school, than most regular people will ever be. Few have standing to criticize your actions.

[@Heyyyyyy870]

You are awesome.

[@waytogo7948]

you are not saying the truth with what you started with.

[@noonestark7908]

Congrats on all your success but where do you get the stamina for your academic pursuits bc I’m already drowning and I’ve only been in college for 2 semesters 😅

[@educationandentertainmento959]

I hate it that we are such slave to big institutions and society expectations on how they want us to turn out to be instead of letting us do your own things as long as it adding values to society.

[@funsize198]

Yea I had subscribed awhile ago and was wondering the other day what had happened to you. Thank you for the update and I'm glad you're happy. As a person who wants to do an MD/MBA as well, what medical specialties do you think would be great if you also have an MBA? I've thought about EM bc it gives you plenty of time outside of medicine to pursue interests in business, but I want to know your advice. Good luck today. I'm sure you did fine and matched

[@doctor-rich]

Hey there!! Feels good to be back and things did turn out well! EM is a great choice, as is IM. The best choice is the one that fits you the best - in terms of your career aspirations, your life goals, and your day to day life preferences. Best of luck!

[@poohbear0320]

What is EM?

[@jcnlaw]

@@poohbear0320 Emergency Medicine

[@christina12311979]

first he said he left harvard medical school then he said he took a leave of absence and in the end he said he is finishing up his last year of harvard medical school. sounds like you took a leave to go make more money. misleading. just keep it real. lol.

[@davidlakhter]

good luck! very cool

[@doctor-rich]

Thank you for the support!

[@oliverpickering3700]

Classic Harvard snake/bot behavior. Clickbait lying ah title and he’s talking with a straight face the whole time 😐

[@davidsoto4394]

I have a degree in English. I would give almost anything to have the opportunity to be allowed into medical school in America. Excellent video.

[@Mike-cb8cv]

not 2 late

[@jcnlaw]

Great video! No matter what you do, be happy. This life is not a dress rehearsal. I wish you much success and happiness.

[@Ricocase]

$, got it.

[@notanonymous4940]

I would love to know how’d finances go, were you the one paying it through loans, or your parents? I would love to hear, I am a junior in high school and was thinking about becoming a doctor.

[@queeenbeeee]

Could you talk more about your work in global health and policy? I’m looking to get more involved in this field as an engineer.

[@justinhuynh4163]

Thank you

[@Dr.Mini_moe]

Click bait not cooo!

[@Vaishnavigangane23]

I’m a last year Mbbs student I didn’t want to go for my clinical side option so found this msc in healthcare information management in uk where after completing my course I can take up management counsulting so is it’s a good option ?

[@royamehr4937]

🙏🙏🙏

[@elvisnnaemeka6722]

You Left medicine to go into corporate buzzwords hustle? You didn't say the most important thing. Does it pay better in income compared to medicine?

[@tk567]

I didn’t match to ent this year and it hurts to think I’ll have to change to a different specialty. Everyone expected me to do more but I feel like a failure but I did everything I was expected but still no match. I think I’m going to change my path.

[@FizaKhan-zx5rq]

Hey, don't worry too much, all those things u r facing are impermanent nd gonna change, do wht makes u a better person,Good luck buddy

[@trisell1168]

If ENT is what you want, do yourself a favour and try again and again till you get it not everything has to work the first time

[@tk567]

@@trisell1168okay

[@luceromartin1]

what extra curricular, and research did you do to get into medical school? what type of leadership did you had? Did you had any clinical experience and if so what kind? Thank you!

[@tk567]

I’m confused you said you left.. but in the end you said you’re finishing final year of med school!

[@raqui174]

He left it momentarily

[@dixonfreeman4059]

I have been coaching my students, residents, and even faculty on the language of "work-life integration" instead of "work-life balance". That's where we need change the mindset

[@georgia9262]

Such a cool journey! Did you end up working on mostly health-related projects/clients?

[@doctor-rich]

Yes, all healthcare! About half of my work is public and global health, and the other half in life sciences R&D

[@professorprofessorson8795]

Asian parents gona be like: y u no doctor

[@bozenajencek]

sunny days happy days Bj Slovenia

[@SOCCERandSKILLS]

I know where rich is goin 😈

[@mirgrant]

yeah insurance companies have taken over healthcare. you can only do what’s approved… ugh

[@karissaalf]

This has got to be the funniest and most pathetic video of all time.

[@karissaalf]

So being an opportunist and dipping your toe in both fields for security? Conniving lmao but what else would you expect

[@raqui174]

Lmfaoooo.. how is he being an opportunist??you sound like he is doing something sinister.. he is trying to figure out his life you sound crazy and hurt

[@Kickbackfool87]

Sheeeesh, what a pedigree

[@joymae]

So inspiring and great video but are you single hahah

[@SOCCERandSKILLS]

First

[@AJamesCortazar1006]

This is saddening 😢

[@Olivia-no5qj]

Huh? How?