Just FYI: when I started Med School, and for those first 2 years, I was a single Mom of 3 young children, AND worked 2 VERY flexible PT jobs, (I'd already been a paramedic/RN for 10 years). My professors & physician friends were regularly checking my TSH, T3-T7 etc, lol, bc I also couldn't gain wait-but ate constantly & always hyperactive. :) (15yrs later I WAS diagnosed w Grave's) I certainly wouldn't suggest others attempt what I did though-if it weren't for my background & a LOT of help by friends-I couldn't have done it. Unfortunately, just after beginning my 3rd year, I was in an accident & sustained a spinal injury. While in spinal rehab, I was diagnosed with several things associated w my genetic disorder, (nail-patella syn.-Andrea, you may want to look at the glaucoma aspect), and my lifelong dream of practicing medicine ended. I miss my career terribly these days, but still try & keep up with the amazing advances in medicine & sciences.
Hi elaineg60. Your story inspired me. I will be starting Medical School in January 2018. I am 54 years old, married with two grown children (19 & 21). Last December I obtained my doctorate in Occupational Therapy. I practiced OT for 27 years and loved it but always wanted to be a physician. My family encouraged me to go for it. I hope you will be able to teach nursing, med students, and other health science majors because you have a unique and rich life perspective. Thank you for sharing. Best wishes and God bless!!
Just so y;ou know, in the off chance your kids came out alright, you should know that had very little to do with your input, since you didn’t input much into their life. If this is out of REAL necessity that you did that then god bless you, but when women put their careers above their kids its repulsive to say the least.
Thanks so much for this video. I was so concerned about having time with family. I always had the passion in becoming a medical doctor since I was 10. I was debating between PA and MD, thinking I should just settle for PA because of the time frame and the bad things I've heard about being an MD. I was not satisfied with that decision. Being an MD is still alive and well in my heart. I have a year left for undergrad school and I am so excited to know that applying for med school is soon to arrive. Thanks again! Also, I was wanting to do just family medicine.
Andrea thank you so much for posting your videos. Recently, I've been questioning which career path I want to pursue, and I've narrowed it down to becoming a doctor. I've always wanted to pursue medicine, but the past couple years I shied away from my dream. Personally, I was afraid that I wouldn't have time to properly raise a family. As well be able to have time for other things, such as running or have time for friends. However, seeing you and other female doctors pursue their dreams, and still maintain a active and healthy lifestyle has really opened my eyes. Once again thank you! (This video somehow made the completion of my physics lab more enjoyable, please keep uploading! It's a physics miracle!)
I feel like I have seen all of your videos over the past few years, but I don't know how this one slipped by me! I'm incredibly grateful to have found it today! I am a sophomore in college (pre-med) and the idea of having a good work-life balance is so important to me. At the same time, I can't see myself as anything but a doctor and I always struggle with worrying about not having a good family life/life outside of working. It was really encouraging to hear someone say that it is all going to work out! Thank you so much for posting!!
Andrea...what kind of advice would you give those of us who are less than confident about our academic intelligence. I hear from people, even strangers all the time "You are so smart" and yet I don't believe it. I'm scared that social and common sense intelligence is very different from academics and that I won't be able to pull it off. That I can't conquer math or memorize 206 bone names. Unlike many students the time commitment doesn't frighten me nearly as much as my fear of not being "good enough" or "smart enough". Any advice there? :/
You're my hero! I swear to god. I have to watch a video of yours before I study. I love how you successfully balance your life. My shadowing experience was crushed by a doctor that said "Why would anyone want to get into medicine," and she is a Duke University Pediatric Ophthalmologist. I am glad I stumbled upon your videos! I feel the positive vibes :D
Hi Andrea!! I just wanted to stop by and say thank you for taking the time to make these videos. You are so inspirational and friendly. Definitely one of my role models because you are so hard working yet so humble and kind! You are the best :D
Thank you Andrea! I always look forward to watching your videos. They are really motivational and comforting. I just finished my MCAT exam two days ago so now I'm playing the waiting game.. haha. Hope your boards went well!
Andrea, thank you for this video! I desperately needed this reminder that I can still have a family and be a physician. Thank you for sharing your path and giving us an insight of what medical school is like.
I live in Europe and it is bit diff here and I am resident already but I still highly enjoy your videos so much! Cannot believe how beautiful person you are inside and out!!! Simply wow 🙆 Hope you have amazing time at home 😀
Hey Andrea! I know your husband is a PA, and I have seen the video you made with your friend who is a PA. But I was wondering if you could do another video about PA's more in depth. I'm sure you know a lot about the career since your husband is one and there is not much information about it online or some of it is wrong. That video would be really helpful for a lot of people who want to be in the medical field but do not wish to become a physician.
thank you so much. lately my previous educational mistakes were really bothering me. having being behind 3 years from people my age who are already doing med really upset me. but seeing your video has given me new confidence.
This was the most helpful video ever for me. I've been second guessing myself doing medicine because I really really want a work life balance, and everyone tells me I'll go crazy if I do medicine due to the workload. But I've always wanted to and even after exploring other options, I don't see myself doing anything else. I'm actually also considering ophthalmology haha! And this video helped put things into perspective for me that it's definitely tough but doable and it's so great to know that (some rotations) 3rd and 4th year aren't as constantly intense as year 1 and 2, and that a family is possible Honestly so good to know. Thank you so much for this video honestly ❤️❤️❤️
I love u u r the best so far! In my country,most girls prefer to finish colledge fast to be able to get married and have children.But I decided that I wanna be different that's why I chosed med school.I'm yet thinking about the future but Now (Because of your video) I think that I can be a normal mother and a doctor in the same time :)
I used to think that to be a doctor I'd have to give up my life. Right now I'm in engineering. Then I thought I could still have a family but I'd have to strategically plan when and all that. I'm still figuring it out. Thank you so much for this video.
That was one wonderful vlog!!!!! I've been hesitant to make the commitment and officially call myself a pre-med student fearful of many of the myths you addressed in this video. Thank you Angela, I'm not sure you fully understand how much your videos, words, advice and encouragement can influence people.
Hi Andrea, Thank you so much for your videos! You're always so encouraging and you give great, realistic advice. I love the ending of this video. I too cannot see myself having any other career apart from that of a doctor's. It's really motivating to hear that you were very focused and goal-oriented, and never let anything get in your way.
Your joy for medicine is very visible, and its very inspirational to see a doctor that has a true passion for helping others. What was your major in college? and How did your board certification go! I know you passed.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I am currently in two year college but my goal is to become a doctor. Your videos are very inspiring. Awesome video
Thank you so much for making a video on this topic! Great to know this ahead of time and be able to get an idea of what life will be like as a med student and resident. :)
Thank you for this video!! Ive been really struggling on deciding medical school or nursing bc i want to have a family as soon as possible but felt like i couldnt in medical school. This makes me so happy you really helped💕
Thank you, thank you, thank you Andrea so much for this video! I am a mom of four...yes four kids and am just now getting back to school. I've been a stay at home mom for ten years and I feel torn between pursuing medical school or something else. I have always wanted to be a doctor, specifically a pediatrician. My children and hubby are very encouraging but I just don't want to miss out on anything since they are still young. Your video has helped me stick to my decision and I'll definitely come back to watch it whenever I have any doubts. :-)
Thank you so much for your videos Andrea! You are an inspiration and have truly motivated me in my currently dark pre-med days. I especially love your "how to study" videos! Those tips have helped me immensely in my exam preps. I would like to make a video request for how to stand out with our extracurriculars, including job shadowing, and how this can be effectively balanced with maintaining a high GPA. I hear of students who have 3.8-3.9+ GPAs and also did huge things like organizing conferences and volunteering abroad - but it seems nearly impossible to excel in everything with dedication simultaneously. What is your advice in this area?
Hello Andrea :) Thank you so much about all this information ! All your videos are being very helpful to me. Just as a side note, I think in one point in life when we come to a point where we realize the impact that we have on other's people lives and we consider to give the best of us to serve others as on the medical field is a really rewarding feeling that it will last a lifetime. Thank you for making the decision to be a doctor and keep it up :) -Omar
I give you credit where credit is due. You've chosen a career path that's extremely demanding of your time and energy, and the fact that you're doing as well as you are is quite commendable. How does your husband deal with you having such a grueling schedule, and does he ever complain about not having enough one-on-one time with you?
+6672rock not that i should answer for her but ... considering someone else mentioned he is a PA he is probably fully understanding of her time commitment. My father was an ophthalmologist and he had plenty of time for family.
so glad I️ found this channel.. this has been my concern as a non traditional premed who was a medic in the Navy. I’ll be in my 30s in medical school and want a family as well.. 😩😩 time is ticking away lol
I worked all through my pre-Med years; even worked throughout PA school full time. I was a security guard and a part time CNA. It was tough and exhausting 😫😥! But hey, I had a mortgage when I was in PA school and a baby on the way. I wouldn't recommend ANYONE work in medical school unless ABSOLUTELY necessary! You're going to need that extra time to sleep. There's only so much caffeine your body can take before it starts to have deleterious effects on you! I used to fall asleep in class.😴
Hi! I just discovered your blog and your vidoes are so interesting and very helpful! I was just accepted into IUSM (yay indiana!) and was looking for more advice on how to manage the coming years. Thanks for taking the time to make all of these videos. I excited to watch more videos from you!
hi andrea i am really happy to see your new video .. it was so important to me .. i was wandering what my life will be how to live with it and how to enjoy in my premed years your videos answer my all questions .. you are amazing person your positivity overwhelming .. thanks a lot
Hello Andrea! Love your blog and your videos! Can you please make a video on how we can talk confidently, and maturely, like how you talk? I like how you don't use "um" and "and like this and like that" too much, and I like your use of vocabulary. I was wondering how did you train up your speaking and communication in order for your interview to sound like you are mature? Because frankly, I'm a fresh student out of Highschool and I have no experience. I always get tongue tied. Kind regards
Holly Ho Hi! Thanks so much for your comment! I think it's probably just practice and maturity. I'm sure I sounded way less mature when I was your age. Just try to be conscious of how you speak I guess- I don't think I'm that great at it- I appreciate you thinking so!
Awesome videos. I'm in my second year of college with a double major in bioethics & humanities and biology. Could you please address on Mcat preparation. I'm going to take the new Mcat and I just want to know what worked for you when you prepared for it. Which books, how long did you study for it, how not to be nervous or keep composure in the actual test day etc. The best Mcat score in terms of being competitive when applying to schools. Plus how many schools is ideal to apply to. Thank you
Bhavya Jani Yes- anything that you are committed to will show that you are dedicated and hard working- Just find something you enjoy and stick with it. Try to be a leader within your extra curricular and you will be all set.
Hey Andrea :) im a junior in high school and medical school is definitely the path im on. The only thing I am not completely sure about is the interview when trying to enter into medical school, do you think you could do a video of what the interview was like and what kind of questions they ask? If you already have one sorry for making this comment, thank you :)
Hi Andrea, I've seen so many of your videos, and they are so helpful and informative. You are a real inspiration. You mentioned that some fields of medicine are more conducive towards having a family than other fields such as neurosurgery. What fields would you say are more conducive versus the ones that are more unstructured? It was real reassuring to hear you say that it is possible to have a family and be a doctor, warm regards, Jen
Could you please please please PLEASE make a video about how to not procrastinate and stay focused on during your study time?? my biggest problem is setting a good time to study but not using it to study... what would be your advice on staying focused??
Can u do a video on different types of doctors and their lifestyle differences? How many hrs they work? How much on call they usually work? Overnight shifts?
I love your channel! It's so inspiring! I just want to where you see yourself working in the future; on call in a hospital (ER) or in a private practice?
The job part worries me the most Dr. Tooley, I am used to working full time, and full time school, it's very tiring. I have a big commitment to school but my mother as well, I just don't see how I can support myself through med school, what do you think? Or anyone been in the same situation?
Hi Andrea! I love watching your videos and it's kept me motivated ever since I started watching you! I'm a junior in college and I'm in the process of applying for optometry school. There's been days that I've been really down and have felt like giving up but I keep going because of your motivation video. Anyways, you mentioned that you studied abroad. I love studying abroad and I've been to Spain to study Spanish last summer. This summer I'm going to Belize to study marine ecosystems. I was wondering if you could make a video about your study abroad experience. I'm also thinking about taking a gap year. Do you have any advice about that? I know a lot of people that have taken a gap year and I've had mixed advice about it. I just wanted to know your take on that matter. Thanks! You're a great inspiration for pre-med students out there!
Thank you so much for your videos- I just discovered them and they are really helping me to make the decision as to whether or not to pursue medicine. You, personally, seem to be handling the demands of medical school really well. I'm wondering- is that the norm? Are there a lot of students who really struggle with the workload?
Hi Andrea, I love your videos. Can you do a video on family medicine or explain what family medicine is about. I view myself as in Family Medicine however; lots of people say you don't have life as a doctor, you can't have any kids. I really wish to prescribe negotiating between FNP or FD. What is the difference in regards to hours of working? Can you have same lifestyle as FNP with being a FD?
I have a question! I also have bipolar , attention all disorders and sometimes panic attacks. Usually the attacks are when I feel watched or have to be with people too long. At these times I have to leave or I will hurt myself/people around me along with struggling to breathe and becoming tearful or laughing uncontrollably. I'm very excited for medical school because it's the first time I've had an aim in life with a clear path instead of being an actress, artist, photographer ect. However I have serious doubts as to how I'll handle it being a perfectionist, suffering from short and long term memory loss and having periods of not wanting to live or move or see people (along with periods of being so enthusiastic I'm scary!) My grades are extremely good across the board. In english ive got the best grade in the history of the school kind of good. But I'm so scared of my horrific organisation to the point that I've done three pieces of homework this academic year and will often go out to scream or run for no reason at night making me tired the next day or behind on work. I guess I'm mainly asking if you think I can do it? Sorry :)
Hey Andrea, What do you know or what is your opinion on using the Military to pay for Medical School? ( the military scholarship recruiters keep trying to sell us on at my college XP )
I will be 35 when I finish residency. I'm 24 now and I'm in a post bacc I finish next year. Is 35 a bit late finishing medical school? I'm also considering PA but I hear a lot of negative things about the doctor giving you scut work or you'll be the one on call and the doctor will be the one getting peaceful sleep at night. I also heard some comments from Patients say that they rather see a "real" doctor. Some patients don't even know what a PA is they get it confused with medical assistant. Do you witness this? Or does your husband experience this? That's why I'm torn between the two. I don't want to wait to start a family at 35 I want it sooner but I also want to be respected in my career. I'm not guaranteed to have a family before 35 so I don't want to regret not going to medical school either.
when did u decide to be an optholmologist? am in my 2nd year in medical school and i havent decided yet what field should i take or be interested in...
Thank you sooo much!! Your videos are so inspirational and insightful!! Just wanted to ask how did you stay on top of lectures during med school, it takes me around 3 hrs to cover one lecture and I'm so behind atm. Hoping to catch up over xmas hols... :)
Lamzicles Set time limits for yourself and push yourself to get through things faster. Make sure you don't have distractions like your phone or the internet because those can take up so much time! You will get better :-) Good luck!
This may sound like a dumb question but I watch the show greys anatomy and im at the spot right now where the main characters are residents and I was wondering if you were firmiliar with the show and if you think that residency is actually like it is on the show? Also how competitive is the dermatology feild? I would really love a video on the different levels of competition for the different fields of medicine!
Thank you for all this info!! I appreciate it so much. My question though is how do you pay for your life in med school if your schooling in med school is your full time job?
Frankly I would recommend it only if you are a very academically driven "nerd," for lack of a better term. College is an important / fun time that you should enjoy and mature in. Those are some of the most fun years you will ever have. Don't rush into the grind unless you are 100% ready because you are signing up for a lifelong commitment. There are some people ready for med school at a very young age but there are others who aren't mentally prepared at 20 years old. And of course most people think they are ready ASAP. Med school is the beginning of a marathon with no finish line. Will you have no life once you start? of course not but you have to sacrifice a lot of freedom. My personal opinion as an internal medicine resident with high school friends who did this ... is to not rush things. Not to mention you have more time to study for the MCAT (which i believe you still have to take) and the board exam (step1). The step 1 is the most important test you will ever take so i would do everything possible to ensure the best score. Im 27 years old and holidays are coming. I want to go home and play this computer game thats coming out, play a tennis tournament, and be lazy with my family but I can't because I have an exam coming up and have to be back at work sooner than anticipated. I love what I do but it gets exhausting... I am very glad I enjoyed college and even a year of work after before starting med school.
This was great Andrea!!! i have a question about volunteering for you, i am learning NOTHING! all i do is sit in a chair at the hospital lab and match names on a list to papers. I know im suppose to volunteer long term but when they ask me during interviews what i learned what am i gonna say? i feel like i make no difference when i volunteer and its such a hassle to go that its becoming more of a chore, what can i do??? Thanks!!!
Massie Block Can you ask the volunteering coordinator to help find you a different position? Or, try to find a volunteering job at a different clinic or hospital where they might let you do more- sorry you're going through that!
Andrea Tooley thanks i actually just had an interview with an optometrist for a volunteer position that could potentially lead to a job there which is great. i hope i get it! :) thanks for the awesome videos!! happy holidays
Do you think being an EMT before med school (so during undergrad) is useful for getting in? I am interested in being a in EM, so I would love to get into the field before becoming a physician!
hi, please i am in the process of starting my BSN and during that time i will be taking my pre-med courses too, after listening to some of your video, i was going to ask which two biology classes do you think will prepare me for med school, because my professor at school advise me to take 2, instead of taking just one that was required. her reason was that it will prepare me for medical school. so which two do you think i should take between immunology, cell biology, genetics, or molecular biology. thank you
Thanks for the information! I have two questions: Do you feel like you learned more about medicine your first two years of med school, or your last two? Do you find some information that was taught superfluous? Thanks!
unknown123012 I think I learned a ton during first year, but a lot of it isn't as applicable to every day practice. I probably learned the most during second and third year.
Andrea!! I've been a fan of your videos for a while now and I have a serious question to ask... Can I still become a doctor if I can't pay for medical school? do you know any alternative pathways for me? I really think this is my passion but financially I cannot support myself in this field :(
Joey K I'm sorry you are in this difficult situation. Most people do take out loans, but I have no idea how that works if you're not an American citizen. I think there were students in my class who weren't Americans- so they made it work somehow. I would try to meet with a financial advisor for your local medical school and ask- they will help you. Good luck!
I have studied extensively in anatomy and physiology. Also some in cytology and I am knowledge in veterinary medicine as far as lab values, large animal gastrointestinal disorders and emergencies in bovines and horses. I went to phlebotomy school but I have read all my mom's old books who is a DVM and done research in anatomy and physiology all on my own i know surgery doesn't interest me Im thinking family practice or physical medicine and rehabilitation or chronic pain mgmt. As I suffer chronic lumbar sacral pain which worries me about my stamina for school and internship and residency but being a teaching attending would be something I have tube leadership skills for. But my downfalls are I never took SATS or ACTS and didn't graduate I have a GED it was that or lose my family farm Im not the greatest with advanced math but know my liquid measurents and can calculate a dose or bolus. I have a good support system and a couple medical professionals to help me lol and my family dr would even help me he is an old timer please give me your input
