How Do Med Students Make Ends Meet?

MiamiDAP
Wed, 22 Apr 2015 18:16:37 +0000

" other than paid employment that first summer " - Well, unless they can find a paid “research” position, they really cannot afford any other job as they have to spent this summer doing research or doing something else medically related which may actually cost lots of money. D. had an opportunity to go abroad with the group of physicians / residents / med. students to serve in very poor reqions where they have no medical help at all. She was selected because of her level of Spanish, more med students applied than they had spot available. It costs us several more thousands of $$, but she had an unbelievable experience that she would not have otherwise which somewhat influenced her plans for certain specialty later. Because of this trip, she missed an opportunity to do research during this summer, which many in her class did. I do not know if they were paid for this research or not. They cannot afford taking any other other job during med. school (unless one has a gap year).
I am sure though that even if parents do not support them fully, many get some financilal family support. This is the only “creative” solution that is known to me. Other than that, it is normal: pasta, pasta, pasta, no shopping. But those are not exercised by many, they are still very young, want so spend some time socially and it usually involved going out, they want to shop…etc.
Or, there are also tuition free Med. Schools. I know only 2 maybe there are more. However, after closer look during her interview at one such school, D. decided that it is not for her. She withdrew after she was put on hold. I know some people who were initially put on hold and currently are attending. This was 5 year program, so it is not exactly free, since it costs additional year of physician’s income.