Day 6: Money Is An Object

Usually when I talk about wanting to go to medical school with my parents my dad's first reaction is to talk about the loans I'll have to take out and I don't blame him, its going to be ridiculously expensive. Listening to Mr. Casey Wiley's talk on how to pay for medical school though was reassuring in some ways and discouraging in others; the fact that paying the loans off is doable but that it will take several years is slightly disheartening. It is nice, however, to get a good idea early on as to what we're getting ourselves into without being blindsided when the time comes.

The next topic is very interesting: pharmaceutical companies. When I was in pre-pharmacy and attended the club meetings we actually discussed something similar to this. It was really frustrating and kinda disheartening to hear what a tight grip the large pharmaceutical companies have on the medical field; it certainly isn't putting the patients first rather their own pockets. One thing that shocked me is that oxycodon is the #19 best selling drug in the United States and that anti-psychotics make up many of the top 10 selling drugs in the US as well. Thats crazy!! Anti-psychotic drugs should also not be used on a child's developing brain to help them sleep, parents need to resort to more natural methods before drugging their children (unless it is an extreme case then I understand the exception). Listening to this discussion reminded me of when I used to tutor kids with ADD/ADHD. Most of them were on medication but sometimes when the children forgot to take their medication and I allowed them to exercise and run around in-between studying they were pretty much the same as if they hadn't forgotten to take their pill.

In the afternoon I had my advising session with Dr. B. The advisors I've had at USC are very good but I really enjoyed talking to Dr. B because we reviewed what I've been doing at USC and what medical schools I can potentially get into if I keep the work up. It gave me a boost of confidence I think I needed going into the next school year after he mentioned some schools I never would have thought of twice because I didn't think I would have a chance. After doing some more research in our groups we gathered together to listen to Mr. Al give his "Top Ten Talk." I always feel so empowered after he gives this speech! It makes me nervous about all the things I have to stay on top of to impress medical schools but at the same time it makes me feel as if it is a possible goal to have. :)

#MedExTierII