See, the thing is, I too want to write. I know I will – just as you do – the question is in what capacity. I want to write books, both fiction and non, with the cheekiness of Kurt Vonnegut and the literary mastery of Nabokov. I want to write philosophical treatises. I want to write movies and goofy little poems. But I don’t just want to write, I want to travel. I want to do neuroscience research and put people in giant spinning magnets to see what parts of their brain turn yellow and green when I ask them about God or dogs. I want to become a behavioural economist and help society understand the many ways in which humans are NOT rational, are IRrational, and full of the quirks of our sordid evolutionary past, and I want to help point out the philosophical ramifications of this (the rational consumer is dead and buried). I want my band to put in some serious practice time and take this show on the road. I want to effect positive social change through debates and idea exchange, ultimately influencing policy choices. I want to get a law degree. I want to learn French and Japanese. I want to do all of these things, and, well, I want to be a doctor too.

Applying to med school has always been this thing I’ve been working towards, that I know in my heart of hearts to be an excellent career choice for so many reasons, and that I know would bring my life much fulfillment. But I’ve never been certain about it. I have this haunting feeling in the top part of my left leg that I might be taking the plunge into something that won’t make me happy. Because I truly do have a desire to do some of these other things, too. While the list is a little grandiose and over exaggerated for entertainment’s sake, many of these things are important to me, and there’s even one or two I might be able to do.

So I guess my question is – is it possible that at some point in the post-med school future that I could have a life outside of medicine enough to pursue some of these childish and borderline comedic passions of mine? Or is medicine so all-encompassing that I don’t have a hope in hell? I’ve been pushing forward with the med plan because I’ve convinced myself I can find a way to do both – that is, have my cake and stethoscope too – but am I dreaming? Well, I’m definitely dreaming, but just how deeply is what I can never tell. I’d love any insight you (or other docs on this blog) might have.

Keep writing. It’s the heartiest soul soup, and it will keep those long days at bay.

I wish you many blessings.

Stay Strong
Paris Jones