How to tell if you should study to be a doctor

So, you want to be a doctor? Or maybe you just think you do ... Here's how to tell the difference as you consider going pre-med: the bad reasons, and the good reasons.

BAD

1. You laugh your head off during every episode of “Scrubs.”

2. Your friends and family are really impressed when you tell them you are going to be a doctor.

3. You have wanted to be a doctor ever since you were in kindergarten, and you have never considered any other option. Only losers change their minds.

4. It’s all about the Benjamins, right?

5. You would look great in a white coat.

GOOD

1. You’ve been volunteering in a medical setting for years. You see what doctors do on a daily basis and you can’t wait to step into that role yourself.

2. You have a strong aptitude for science, compassion, and great communication skills.

3. You’re not sure what field of medicine you want to go into, but you get good grades in science, so you adopt a basic premed curriculum to keep your options open while you explore.