December 20, 2010
(last updated February 19, 2024) 
Happy Monday, CR readers!
For the last week or so, I’ve been making references to a “seismic life change” in the works, and a few of you have probably noticed Twitter allusions to my “last editorial meeting” or various “goodbye emails.” It should therefore come as no surprise to any of you to hear that tomorrow will be my last day as a book editor, my job for the past six years. Today, I thought I’d share what I’ll be doing instead.
As all of you know, I’ve worked for the last two years as a clinical nutritionist who specializes in plant-based food coaching. I’ve loved the work, and feel confident that I’ve helped at least a few of my clients—many of whom are regular CR readers and commenters—to take lasting steps toward a more balanced and informed relationship with food. Most of the work I do with clients is psychological in nature, but much of it is prescriptive, too: I try to help my clients understand what a balanced day of food looks like, what his or her caloric and nutritive needs are, and how to prepare, store, and create food that will serve those needs.
I love my work, but it has a lot of limitations. One of the most frustration limitations is that I can’t always address health issues that go beyond the parameter of nutrition. Why? Because I’m not a medical doctor, and I don’t have that kind of expertise. This means I’ve often had to turn away clients who were looking for an answer to diabetes, thyroid disorders, endocrine disorders, cancer treatment, reproductive disorders (like PCOS), and other illnesses. As much as I have a working familiarity with such conditions, I can’t really offer prescriptive advice on how to treat them; I just don’t have the expertise.
I’ve found over the last two years that forcing myself only to focus solely on food and nutrition is often frustrating; I hate turning down people in need because I don’t have the knowledge to help them get better. And since I see nutrition as part of the much larger picture of human health (and vice versa—human health depends completely on proper nutrition), it’s difficult for me to talk about diet without wanting to deepen the scope of my advice, and talk about health more broadly. In short, I love what I do, but I’ve come to suspect that I won’t long be satisfied with its built in limitations. And it’s time for me to change that.
In January, I’ll be embarking on a long, difficult, and exciting transition from food into medicine. I’ll be starting a post-baccalaureate degree at Columbia University (my alma mater!) in pre-med studies; this is what you have to do if you want to be a doctor, but were too busy studying 19th century novels and poetry as an undergrad to take any pre-med classes. And after about a year and a half of course work, a summer of MCAT studies, and a “glide year,” I’ll be starting medical school, and the long process of becoming a doctor.
The idea of med school actually occurred to me over a year and a half ago. I had heard a friend mention that her younger sister was doing a post-bacc to go to med school, and I felt a pang of jealousy. I’ve never in my life envied anyone else’s career, but for the next few days I suffered from a persistent case of “I wish”: I wish I were younger, so that I wouldn’t have to start med school at what is (comparatively speaking) a ripe old age of 28; I wish I had known that I’d want a career in health when I was younger, so that I could have taken premed classes as an undergrad; I wish I had money, so that I could take on the necessary debt.
In the end, I decided to start exploring less expensive and time-consuming options than med school. I looked into getting an R.D., and enrolled in some of the pre-reqs for that track at night. (If you’ve ever wondered why I tend to complain about being busy, it’s because, for six months, I’ve been taking organic chem, anatomy and physiology, and statistics at night, in addition to writing my blog and counseling.) But I kept bumping into the fact that a lot of my interest is in GI health and disease, not dietetics.
A few months ago, M asked me why I’d never thought about med school, and I told him that I had, but that I’d dismissed the idea because of my age, the amount of time it would demand, and the debt I’d incur. I was surprised to hear him say that he didn’t think any of those things should stop me from doing it. If I didn’t really want to be a doctor, or if I really did want to be a dietician, he argued, that would be good enough reason not to pursue it; if I were adverse to hard work or long hours, that would be another good reason. But of course I’m not. What scared me—what still scares me—were money and time. With M’s gentle encouragement, the support of my friends and parents, and some good old fashioned soul searching, I decided that I shouldn’t let either money or my age stop me from what could be the most rewarding pursuit of my life.
To say that I’m anything less than terrified would be a lie. I’m terrified of everything: the debt, the difficulty of the work; being thrown back into student life; studying the sciences, which don’t come naturally to me, rather than the humanities, which do; leaving an industry that has nurtured me; sleep deprivation; commitment to a thirteen year education; the prospect of trying to have and raise a child in my thirties as I also battle med school and residency; and oh, did I mention the debt? It all terrifies me, and on a bad night lately it’s not unheard of for me to anxiously send out a desperate text message or email to a friend or two, asking him or her to remind me why I’m doing what I’m doing. (And they always do—thanks guys.) I’m so, so scared of what lies ahead.
But of course, I also know that this is a meaningful and exciting decision—probably the most daring I’ve ever made—and that if I can achieve even a small fraction of what I’d like to achieve with this education, it will have been worth every dollar and every hour of memorization, clinical rotation, and sleep deprivation.
What do I hope to achieve? First and most obviously, I’d like to help people who are sick or suffering to feel better, and—when I can—help them to actually get better. I’d like to place an emphasis on preventative care through diet and lifestyle. Finally, and most obviously, I hope to devote my entire career in medicine—whatever that may be—to fostering a mainstream, medical understanding of veganism. I’ve been lucky always to find doctors who supported my veganism (in part because I’m proactive in seeking them out), but I know others who haven’t been as lucky. Until more doctors are educated about veganism, there will remain a skepticism about vegan diets within the medical establishment. I want to help break this cycle, not only by using my education and knowledge to help patients who are interested transition responsibly into plant-based diets, but also by sharing my passion for veganism and my confidence in its benefits with other medical professionals.
In short, I want to bring my understanding of the vegan diet to medicine, and an understanding of medicine to my work as a vegan.
This means leaving my career as an editor behind, which makes me sadder and more conflicted than I can say. Many bloggers have written about how blogging helped them to ditch desk jobs they hated and pursue their true passions. This isn’t one of those stories. Tomorrow or later this week, I plan on writing a longer elaboration on my feelings about the publishing industry and what it means to leave it behind. But for now I’ll say that my life in publishing introduced me to some of the smartest and best people I will ever know, kept me intellectually challenged at every turn, taught me innumerable life lessons, and was in every way a worthy experience. I’m not trading a job I hate for one I love; I’m leaving behind a job I love very much for another job that I also love, but that feels more urgent to me right now.
I’m sure that many of you have questions about what this means for me and for CR. For example, will I still be blogging? Yes! I cannot wait to begin chronicling my adventures as a literary woman who’s been thrust into the world of science; to talk about the things I learn about the human body and its workings; to write about the turbulent intersections between mainstream medicine and traditional, holistic beliefs; and, most importantly, to write about what it means to be a vegan advocate within the medical establishment. CR isn’t going anywhere; in fact, one of the nice things about life as a student (as opposed to life as a student and a full time book editor) will be a little extra time to devote to my blog each day. I’ve never before had the time to make this blog a daily chronicle of my life; it’s intimate, but I’m not a diarist. Hopefully, life as a pre-med student and med student will grant me at least some time to reflect on daily experience—and to cook a lot of delicious food.
What about my counseling practice? For now, I’m sorry to say that I can’t take on any more clients. I wish I could, but school is going to devour my time–and that’s as it should be as I work toward this goal. Keep checking back, because I WILL take clients during my gap year!
Finally, you may be wondering what I intend to specialize in? Thankfully, I have quite a bit of time in which to figure that out. I could conceivably fall in love with neurosurgery or orthopedics alike. But I suspect strongly that my interest will in gastroenterology, for pretty obvious reasons. No matter what, nutritional counseling will be a significant part of what I do.
Right now, on the eve of my departure from FSG, I feel the predictable mix of emotions: fear, anxiety, excitement, exhilaration, and inspiration. Most of all, I feel gratitude to the people in my life who encouraged me not to shy away from this path because of the hardship involved (M, even with the ramen noodle and dumpster diving jokes, that means you). And I feel grateful for you, my blog readers, who have kept my interest in health so alive in the two years I’ve been writing CR. When I began blogging, I had no idea that health care would become, along with reading and writing, the defining passion of my life. You helped me to realize that, by stirring up long and fascinating conversations about health, by sharing your own healing journeys with me via comments and email, and by cheering me on as I broke into the nutrition field. Thank you for that. I hope I can ask you for the same kind of encouragement and support as I begin this challenging process. And hey: if any of my physician, med student, or post-bacc readers have (non-scary) advice to share with me, I’m all ears!
Thanks for letting me share the news, guys. It was hard to keep it under wraps in the last two months, and now that I’ve said the words aloud, I can’t wait to keep you involved with everything that lies ahead. I’ll be back throughout the coming week with more reflections on the end of this era of my professional life, some recipes, and some holiday cheer.
xo
P.S. Columbia students! I’m about to join your ranks (again). If anyone’s interested in a meetup this winter once I’m settled, holler, and I’ll get around to setting it up.
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What a wonderful announcement, and the medical field will be lucky to have you! I can appreciate the fact that this is a big leap – I am working towards an RD, and leaving my job in 2 weeks. Yes, I took organic chem at 30 and did well, it truly is never too late. Best of luck!
i loved reading this post. you seem so happy with your (informed and rational) decision. this post is glowing with positive, directed and confident energy. i’m looking forward to reading about your pre-med and med school adventures, and seeing where this takes you professionally, and the blog. can’t wait. 🙂
Gena, you are/will be the MD of my dreams! As someone who has lived with Lupus for almost 10 years, I’ve searched high and low for a medical professional who has your holistic vision. Your blog has already helped inspire me to finally start the journey towards a plant-based diet. Thank you and congrats!!!
-Elena
It sounds like public health might be good for you. I deferred at columbia’s mph program this year- but I think they do a md/mph dual.
Hi Gena–
I don’t know you, aside from following your blog and once sending you a semi-panicked email about a consult. But this post is pretty inspirational. good luck !
there were 3 comments like 2 hours ago. oh snap.
Okay, I had a couple of ideas of what you would announce. This was not one of them! 🙂 I admire you so much, Gena! Life’s calling doesn’t happen by a certain age or at the “right time.” We all get callings but many are not brave enough to answer the call. You are. Congratulations!
Congratulations on your wonderful decision! You have to love what you do and I believe you will be very successful. I follow your twitter quotes, which helps me makes right choices of nutrition. You’re an inspiration!!! Good Luck!
Gena,
I am absolutely THRILLED for you in your decision to follow your heart and passion!!!! Bravo to “M” and all of your friends/family who supported your dreams and did what was needed to quell the fear, which would’ve otherwise held you back (and had I known sooner you know I would’ve been in their camp, FOR SURE).
I personally think that 28 is young (however, considering I am 38 I would) and that we can at any moment decide to switch our path in life and create something new. Maybe more challenging, but if anyone is up for it, it is YOU, dolly! The rewards far outweigh any blood, sweat, and tears!
As you have undoubtedly assisted your clients and readers of CR to find wellness, your brilliance will continue to develop and deepen to help countless others in the future.
BE that trailblazer in the medical, health and wellness community that you are destined to become…it is SO needed as you are well aware!
Bridge the gap. Educate others. Be a LEADER towards radiant health. Inspire along the way. The world will be a better place because of you
(actually, already is)!
You rock, sister!
XXX M.
Gena- How exciting and congratulations! This is my first comment and I cannot tell you how much I love reading your blog. You challenge me and continually inspire me on my vegetarian journey. (and for January well see how being vegan goes!) I am applying to law school right now and have been procrastinating and having the same doubts/worries/terrified thoughts you have. This was just what I needed to hear- Thank you! Have a wonderful holiday, and good luck!
I don’t think I have ever commented, but I wanted to say congratulations and best wishes on your new journey. Oh, and 28 is young! I’m 33 and just finished my PhD in Environmental Engineering and am working on the career/family thing now. You’ll be amazed at what you can handle – at 28 I was going through a divorce (while in grad school) and since then managed to meet and marry the right man and buy a house. Sure you will be crazy busy, but life keeps on going and you will appreciate all those special moments that much more. You will be an amazing doctor!
Wow!!!! Amazing!!!! I have to say, I thought a change like this might be on the way! You are going to do SO well, and I bet you’re going to LOVE it too! Congrats, girl!
Congratulations Gena! I’m long time reader, and I just had to de-lurk and wish you the best, I am certain you are going to help better many lives.
goodness. gena, you are so inspiring. i did not expect this at all. i know it may sound creepy, but i have looked up to you from afar for being a strong woman who overcame a lot of things largely by herself. major congratulations to you. you are humbling. i can already foresee you writing a book like barnard and campbell have, no doubt about it AT ALL. i can say when your book is out that i was a reader of yours from the very beginning! oh man.
Rarely do I feel such butterflies of excitement for someone I don’t even know! Gena, I think this is the perfect path for you (and since I know you so well, you should trust me on that ;-).
I often discuss with other vegans my frustration that medical doctors do not understand my veganism, and as a scientist and a skeptic, I cannot be satisfied purely with ‘alternative’ treatments. Like you, I tend to believe that a combination of both is where it’s at, and the idea that you are going to do that makes me want to pick up and move to New York when you’re all done 🙂 Keep me posted when that happpens, and I’ll try to convince my husband that we can move to the US and avoid all the right-wing crazies that he sees on TV and in the news! I’ve got years to work on it 😉
On another note, this is also inspirational to me, as I will be going back to do my PhD in a year or two. Right now, I am being held back by immigration paperwork, but once it’s all sorted an I am a permanent resident, I will be going back to school. I feel too old to do it (I’ll probably be 30 or 31 by the time it happens), so it’s nice to see that you’ve taken the plunge. Congratulations and I wish you the best of luck. I’m looking forward to following you on this path!
What exciting news!! I saw your post on twitter and had to jump over here and read all about it.
Gena, you are taking on this challenge in order to better HELP other people. Not even people you know, but strangers, to live a more complete and fulfilling life. I can not image that the universe would not support you in that. Doors will open for you.
Oh, and my Dad went to med school at age 30 to become a chiropractor, with my mom pregnant, and he was a teacher before that so they were dirt poor. I know you’re worried about the $, but that courageous move has only paid dividends for their health, happiness, and wealth. And he loves his work because every day he helps free people from pain. What is better?
wow, gena! you are so inspiring, i really hope you know that. i absolutely love the fact that you are going for your dreams despite your age and despite your already solid career path. not very many people follow their hearts! good for you! i cannot wait to read all about it!
you’re going to make a great doctor. know how i can tell? because of this:
“I’d like to place an emphasis on preventative care through diet and lifestyle, which is what so many doctors seem to ignore in their concession-making to pharmaceutical companies.”
you are so clearly a person genuinely concerned about health and not about “band-aid” solutions. it seriously makes me happy to know that people like you are going into the field of medicine. gah! what a wonderful post. the best of luck to you, gena!
Congrats Gena!!! This so huge and I’m so excited for you.
I recently applied for ND school and I have my interview in January. It is scary but for once in my life, my passion is stronger than my fear!! So,I know its right:)
Don’t worry about the debt..you can deal with that later!!
Enjoy the journey!!
I am so excited for you.
I have not a single doubt that THIS is what you are meant to be doing. Your gift will change lives.
I am so very, very proud. That a girl!!!!
Wow! Congratulations! What an inspiring and bold decision to follow your passion. I jumped off the corporate band wagon at 35 to go to art school, and have never regretted it. You’ll have so much wisdom and life experience to bring to your studies. You’ll be a wonderful role model for the other students..
Congratulations Gena! I’m so thrilled that you’re doing something that you’re really passionate about. A good friend of mine decided recently that she wanted to be a doctor, so she’s going back for her post-bacc in the fall (she didn’t like the pesky science classes in college either), and she’s really excited about it. Once she figured out that it was something that she really wanted, that felt right, she just got this serene attitude about everything, because everything was falling into place. I only hope that you have that feeling as well.
Best of luck! i know you’ll be amazing!
P.S.–Another medical doctor who understands veganism–Dr. Fuhrman, who wrote Eat to Live.
A fully educated and credentialed vegan MD who is passionate about raw food: what a gift to the world you are giving! Not an easy road you are headed down but your passion will get you through it, I am sure. There will be many ethical stumbling blocks I am sure. I left my pre-med major due to the animal testing aspect, which I wasn’t pressured to do, just was annoyed by mostly.
Thanks for the inspiration for following your dreams. As someone who is trying to reinvent their life, I love hearing about people who make big changes following their passions.
I understand about the debt aspect, but academic debt is the least worrisome of all types of debts and it will eventually end.
I hoped this might be the big change you were hinting at. I’m so happy for you. And while it seems many circumstances conspired to bring you to this place, I’m glad I could be of some encouragement. I do think we outgrow possibilities, and part of getting older involves letting go of the people we might have been. But becoming a doctor is a very different dream than becoming a ballerina, and you are absolutely not too old. I have a friend who will graduate from Columbia Medical School in June, at age 45. I think age is a useful heuristic, facilitating life in linear time, nothing more.
I didn’t think it was possible to think higher of you than I do, but, lo and behold, it is. You are inspiring, brave and humbling. I look forward to reading about your new life and cheering you on from the other side of the computer screen.
You. Are. Awesome.
After reading almost all 95 comments, I think this one sums it up best. Yup. 🙂
Mazel tov on making such an important decision and life change! And going back to school at the “ripe old age” of 28 is fabulous — I returned to school in my mid-forties and I loved every minute of it. It was the best gift I could have given myself, and I suspect that you will discover this to be true for you, too. I know you will be a fabulous MD.
Follow your heart….. that is the true direction and where it leads you will be pure in your soul!!! Bon courage!!! Bliss x
Merci bien, ma chere! xo
Gena, you are inundated with comments on this post and it only showed up in my reader 40 mins ago:)
Wow, congratulations on this seismic leap. Yes, that IS the only word for it. It all makes sense now. I get it. Wow, yes, only in hindsight and knowing the pieces of it all does everything finally make sense.
I was a pre-med student. Then at the 11th hour i realized that I did not like the hard sciences b/c they are a struggle for me, and I changed my major from bio to psych.
I went on to go to optometry school rather than med school (sort of like dental school, it’s 3 yr program after undergrad) but I didnt like it and quit after a semester. I went on to pursue my graduate work in psych, which was my passion.
But I was in my early/mid 20s. If I could do it all over again…I have no idea if I would have stuck w/ becoming a MD. Or maybe a ND (but back then i didnt know what a ND was). Or maybe a midwife (But back then i didnt understand why midwives were so important..yes, i was so young).
It’s all a long way of saying, you are rightfully feeling a bit overwhelmed with this all but honestly, you seem like you are just a tiny bit overwhelmed. Not even majorly 🙂 Hats off to you, lady!
And the money? That is the LAST thing I would worry about. Debt? Who cares. You’ll pay it off. Money is easy to come by and to lose; it’s just one of those things.
The thing I would care about is HAPPINESS. Is this what is going to make you happy? Sounds like it! Perfect, you’re all set 🙂
I am rooting you on!!!!!!
p.s. organic, inorganic and physical chemistry and upper level physics were awful for me. I hope you are faring better with them than i was 🙂
What a gorgeous post. You already know how excited I am for you and how much I support this decision. Taking a step like this is indicative of who you will be as a future doctor – fearless in your pursuits. xo
Gena, as someone who just finished earning my degree in a related field…I want to say congratulations on this momemntous decision from a place of having truly been through something like what you are about to embark upon. I too have my qualms about my field, but it for for that reason that I sought a degree, in order to make changes from the inside. Your fears are valid but importantly are not holding you back. I think undertaking a challenge knowing full well it will be difficult, rather than with an idealized perspective, is strongly associated with success. The thirst for knowledge is not easily sated…but with enough delicious vegan rawness and loads of articles to read, maybe?
Such a brave move! I’m very, very happy to hear that you have made the decision to join the medical arena. I think it sounds like a perfect fit, even though I don’t know you personally, and am cheering for you! I have the exact same feelings about the medical community and preventive care that you do, and I love that you’re going to be joining in to make a difference. I can’t wait to read along!
I’ve never commented before, but really enjoy your blog and wanted to congratulate you. I am a freelance editor and applying to do grad studies in publishing next fall, so I always enjoyed hearing tidbits about your career at FSG. I’ll miss that, but look forward to reading your reflections on your publishing career and seeing what comes next. Best of luck to you!
Oh yeah, I was also going to say, I started out as pre-med and made my way into the humanities. Those critical thinking skills are definitely transferable!
OHMYGOSH!! This is amazing! you will be an awesome doctor 🙂 Don’t worry about debt you will pursuing a life dream, and be helping thousands of people. Can I shcedule my appointment now for when you become a doctor haha 😉 So awesome you will be a vegan doctor. Congrats, sometimes we do just need some reassurance from friends and family 🙂
Congratulations and kudos on your very-well-thought-out decision!
I’m excited to hear it because I go to GS too, but for kind of the opposite reason. I was pre-med undergrad then got my master’s in acupuncture and feel like I missed out on the whole liberal arts education, so now I’m back in undergrad studying Urban Studies (which relates to my experience and interest in the NGO sector).
I want to validate what you’re saying in a few ways. Interestingly, I left medicine because I felt marginalized as a non-MD or PhD. (I do not mean to offend any non-MDs or non-PhDs. I respect the heck out of those paths. For me, I loved treating patients, but did not love not being able to aspire to contribute to medical journals, lead research, or join the ranks of mainstream, upwardly-mobile hospital staff.) I considered doing the MD path, but ultimately decided that there was a different, stronger fit out there for me. I think it’s a *great* idea to go all the way.
Regarding the $, some good news. My husband is doing his MBA at Columbia and we were initially very, very freaked about the debt. But we found that it feels very different to return to school to study something where you know you will be able to make your student loan payments quite comfortably as opposed to doing a master’s in something where the job prospects are low-paying. Also, there’s always the option of going to an area in need for a while in exchange for hefty loan reimbursement. Those programs are plentiful. I worked with MDs at the UCLA/Venice Family clinic who did this and they said it was some of the best medical training available.
Welcome back to Columbia! We could get a GS vegan dinner together if you’d like.
The delay in your response makes SO MUCH MORE SENSE NOW. 🙂 I’m really, really excited for you. I, as I’m sure many others are, frequently avoid doctors because they aren’t interested in health. They’re interested in symptoms. And I want someone to see ME when I’m looking for answers. You’re gonna be that person. Woo hoo! Anyway, excited for this new adventure for you and to hear from you soon.
I am so excited for you, I have nothing but faith that you’ll make an amazing change on the world. Age should never hold you back – my husband’s best friend in medical school (they are both 2nd years) is 33, and she is kicking ass!
Wow wow wow! Awesome news, Gena. Looking forward to reading along. 🙂
Congratulations on this exciting step, Gena! I can’t imagine someone as passionate and intelligent as you doing anything less than becoming a doctor – you are going to change the world! I’m really looking forward to following along on your journey. 🙂
WOW
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! For pursuing what you truly want, for having the guts to do it, yet again you are an inspiration to all of us (you actually made me feel empowered just by reading your post,how can we thank you for all you’ve done for us? sniff *_*) and I have no doubt at all you ‘ll make the best.doctor.ever. No I ‘m not exaggerating I truly believe that!!!Good luck with everything, I am so happy for you and I ‘ll be cheering you on in everything you do!
Best wishes
your future client;)
(I ‘ll email you sometime in January)
You are so inspiring and amazing. Most people would not have the courage to do what you are doing. I know you have a long road ahead but I also know you are brilliant and will do so well in medical school. I look forward to the day you can be my own doctor because you know more than anyone how much I needed someone like this (I still do, but not as much as I used to) when i was struggling for so long with my own illness. I truly believe you will make a major name for yourself as a physician and will tear down misconceptions and enlighten not only your patients, but other health care professionals and many other people (because I have no doubt you will also write a book). Good luck and I can’t wait to follow your progress!
Dori,
We’ve had a lot of the same physical and emotional challenges as patients in our lifetimes, so it means a lot to me that you support me! I hope I can help people like us one day 🙂
G
What an amazingly courageous and happy decision, and a beautifully written post. Congratulations!! At any age I would so much rather follow my passion than know every day that I was passing up an opportunity to do what I truly loved.
The world needs more people like you, Gena! This is an incredibly brave decision, especially given your tendency towards the humanities rather than the sciences… I can completely relate to that. 🙂 This is going to be an exciting adventure, and I can’t wait to keep reading!
um, WOWZA! this is huge, but i am so proud of you for making the choice to change the world…sending you BIG HUGS from colorado!
Congrats, Gena! I’m so amazed and encouraged by your willingness to go after what you want. You are SO inspiring! The medical world is lucky to have you! Congrats! Congrats! Congrats! 🙂
I’m so proud of you, my friend 🙂 Can’t wait to follow in your journey as you combine medicine and your previous nutritional knowledge. There’s not enough collaboration between those two fields, as you know!
Oh wow, Gena!! This is quite the major change! It will certainly be a big turning point in your career…and there may be some hardships ahead (hey, studying is always hard)…but I honestly, sincerely wish you all the best. I love your passion to serve others…I think that truly is what makes you such a beautiful person, Gena.
OMG congrats on such a great decision Gena! I am so proud of you and I know you’re going to enjoy doing it!
How exciting, good for you!
I incurred over 50k of grad school debt and then went on to work with people who have HIV/AIDS, so the government paid my loans off in chunks of $10,000 the longer I agreed to continue working with that underserved population in a HPSA (health professional shortage area). Going into grad school, I didn’t even know this would be an option! It all works out if it’s meant to be.
Also, I have a friend who started med school at age 40 and now is a successful dermatologist and doesn’t regret her choice one bit.
Wow, Gena, you were right when you called this a seismic life change but what an amazing one it will be! If anyone is up for the challenge it’s you. I just wished I lived in NYC so you could one day be my doctor!
Congratulations on a truly impressive decision! My daughter is a pre-med student right now, so I’ve seen how challenging, yet rewarding, this path is. I think you’ll do remarkably well and provide a much needed service. Good luck in your endeavor!
WOW!! Congratulations Gena! What a huge, exciting change. As terrified as you may be, there is nothing more comforting than knowing you’re following your heart. No regrets! You are going to bring an invaluable perspective to the medical community. If I’m still in NY when you graduate, expect a call from me!
Wow! I never would have expected this from you but am so amazed and impressed that you are doing it.
I share your feelings exactly! Except instead of the literary world I was working in the business world when I realized that, though I had a talent for marketing/public relations, healthcare was the field I truly wanted to be in!
I am taking the RD route and am starting my Masters of Science in Nutrition this January… at Columbia! I would definitely love to meet up!
Interestingly enough, my advisor told me that many people in my program, many of whom are already in their mid-late 20’s, choose to go into medical school afterwards. It is something I am actually considering. But we’ll see!!!
See you around campus 😉
What an amazing step! Congrats! Quick question (and you may have addressed this somewhere else) — did you consider a program to become a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practioner as well? My sister-in-law is a PA and finds it a very rewarding and has lots of the same privileges (prescription writing), but with a remarkably shorter amount of schooling (think they are 2 – 3 years). I think each state has differences in terms of the licensing and in which is more common, NP or PA, but I just thought I’d ask!
Good luck! As a girl that also spent her undergrad also furiously reading poetry and 19th century novels, I admire you GREATLY!
Such an amazing transition–congratulations! I’m so impressed by your drive. This is so inspiring.
Congratulations Gena!! It takes so much courage to follow your intuition, especially when you are already happy and secure. But I know the world desperately needs doctors like you. Reading your blog is a constant source of inspiration and I am so happy to hear you will continue to write. I myself am embarking on a year of change, leaving my job (that I enjoy) and going back to school for holistic nutrition while moving to Italy to be with my boyfriend. Change can be scary, but knowing that you are honoring your intuition, following your passion and giving back in such a selfless way are far greater rewards. Thank you again and best of luck!
That’s excellent! I know you will find the area of study that allows you to do the most good. You have a wealth of knowledge and care for individuals’ health to give to the medical world and I know you’ll succeed!
I am soo proud of you for sharing with your readers! We are all behind you 100%!
Chick, you are going to kick med school’s ASS! I barely know you, but I’m sure of that. I’m so happy for you!
I have a degree in biology so I understand the science trepidation, but I promise you there’s nothing magical or mysterious about science. It just takes diligence and dedication – you’ve actually got the perfect personality type for it. So don’t worry!
I’m really REALLY looking forward to reading about your experiences in the context of ‘a vegan in med school’. Seriously excited about that.
Congrats!
That is amazing news! Good for you! What an exciting journey. I know you will continue to help loads of people and we soooooo need it in this country!
Congratulations, Gena! I am so happy for you. I actually almost went to med school, too (so many bloggers, it seems!) and went through 2 rounds of interviews before I realized it wasn’t for me. I think it is wonderful that you know what you want and that you are going for it. And I think you will make an amazing physician, and patients will be so lucky to have you! It sounds like the perfect confluence of your many interests, too. Best of luck, and I can’t wait to see where this leads! xo
Congrats, girl! This is such an exciting step, and I know you will reap huge rewards.
Again, so excited for you!
Congratulations on making such a life changing decision! I respect you so much for the choice you’ve made and I think you made the right choice. Age, money and time are usually a HUGE deterrent for people when it comes to getting an education or furthering the one they already have and I don’t believe those should be such a huge influencing factor as they are nowadays. Taking the step to do what you truly want to do in life is what, I believe, everyone should do, because if you’re not going to do what you want or enjoy, then what kind of life are you actually living? Taking a chance to put yourself out there and embark on a long but rewarding journey is a wise decision and I fully support it. I hope you really enjoy it and make the best of it and I look forward to hearing about the progress as it comes along!
Congratulations!!! I took the plunge this year and started going to school part-time to become a teacher. I still work my full-time HR job during the day. I know my path is totally different than yours, but just having made the decision to do something new that I really want to do made a huge positive change in my life. I’m sure it will do the same for you! I’d be really grateful to have a doctor with a holistic approach to health and helpful science-based advice in support of veganism. (And I’m not even vegan- just vegetarian!) Good luck- it sounds like this is just the right path for you 🙂
OOOOHHH I <3 organic chemistry!!! I know you'll be the one to take the medical system and make it work for you and your clients. I'm so proud, and you'll definitely do great things. Enter academia with pride Gena!
Huge congratulations to you! What an exciting (even if part terrifying) time for you. I have many friends who are doctors and while the road is no doubt long, all of them wanted it so badly that they knew everything that they put into the process would ultimately get them to their goal. It sounds like you are just as passionate! This will be an amazing turning point for you to look back on once you have achieved your goals. Best of luck!!
I´m so exited for you! And impressed and inspired. For you to be brave and follow the path you feel you need to follow. I hope I´m brave enough to do the same. Good luck!
Oh my goodness, I am so excited for you! My mom’s a GP (now practicing as a therapist), and she a) entered med school when she was almost 30 and b) had me while she was there! I have no doubt you’ll make it work, too! Best of luck!!!!
Very exciting! I’m sure you’ll succeed. I have a feeling that you’ll end up being one of those big vegan names (Neal Barnard, etc) that the rest of us look up to and refer to for information and foundational knowledge, and I look forward to that day. As for the long journey, I have no doubt you’ll handle it with grace. You’re going to be 13 years older in 13 years anyway. Might as well do something you love. Congratulations on taking this big step and being bold enough to follow your dreams.
Oooh, congratulations!!! One of my bellydance instructors is also studying to be a doctor~ she returned to school when she was 50 and we couldn’t be more proud of her! (To a certain extent) with age comes knowledge and more understanding: of ourselves, of the world, of others. You have even more to offer now at 28 than you did at 18 or 22, so watch out world!! 🙂
Wow, seismic indeed! Congrats on your new foray. You will be truly great.
Congratulations on a HUGE decision! I love your mission of bringing your understanding of a vegan diet to medicine and vice versa – the world needs more people like that and you will do a fantastic job. Keep that mission in mind when times get tough!
I’m at work and should neither be reading nor commenting…but….
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! I am so damn excited for you and cannot wait to see where this takes you!
A true inspiration, friend. 🙂
Wow!! I am soooo happy/excited/thrilled for you!!!! Yay for following your dreams, you are going to be an amazing doc (and if you go into gastroenterology, you KNOW you have ME as a patient)! It would be amazing to have a doc with the same beliefs I have!!! Good luck, I KNOW you are going to kick ass!! XOXO
Oh, and question: have you ever thought about becoming a nurse practitioner? They can prescribe medicine and have their own practice (independent of an MD), but it takes about 2.5 years to get that degree. Let me know if you have any questions about it, because I know some NP’s who love what they do. Good luck!
I did consider it. But if I’m going to do this, I’m going to go whole hog.
Good for you! I’m so envious that you’re about to have the student schedule again. I miss that!
Wow! Good luck, and also can I say M is a hero. I haven’t met him but anyone who encourages and supports someones dream is a keeper!
Congratulations! I’m also 28 and am applying to graduate schools all over again. Sometimes I feel a little old to be giving up my career and going back to school, but like you I know it’s what I want more than anything, and that makes it worth it.
Can’t wait to see the changes that this new life transformation will bring about!
Congratulations! I am so happy for you. This is such a brave, exciting thing you are doing and I know you’ll get all of the support you need. 🙂
Wow, congratulations! That is a super life-changing decision.
My curiosity is getting the better of me though – you didn’t mention any thoughts about the possibility of becoming an ND. Did that thought go through your mind too, or was it MD-Or-Bust?
Either way, I wish you the best on your new life path, and I will continue to check in on your blog to read about your progress.
MD or bust, all the way. I actually haven’t developed a high opinion of NDs — and I say this as someone who has seen some very well respected ones. But of course I support what they do, as well.
Congratulations and best of luck! I admire how brave you are to follow your passion and not let fear get in your way.
I am SO happy and excited for you, Gena! Can’t wait to follow along on this new journey and hear the fun stories as you go. You are an inspiration!
That sounds so perfect and right for you. Congratulations on taking the leap!
Congratulations!! What an exciting step! You’ll do fab!
Gena: I hope that when you write your admissions essays two years from now, you come back to this deeply honest post and pull from it for inspiration.
If I was on your admissions board, I’d only have one word: Yes.
Yes: medicine needs more women like this one – who believe allopathic and holistic medicine do not just coexist, but when used together, make medicine better.
Leap, and the net will appear.
Yay Gena! You are going to blossom into an inspiring doctor, who I’m confidant will shake up the medical field in terms of how it places a vegan lifestyle. I wish you luck and love. I am incredibly humbled by your aspirations in the medical field and your obvious stubborn desire to help people find health, peace and in turn, happiness. You will make an amazing doctor. Your future patients are very lucky you have chosen this path.
Until we chow-together again, xoxo Kathy
This is fantastic, inspriring, and so very exciting! Isn’t is wonderful to be human and have the ability to change our minds whenever we feel, and know that we have the freedom to do what we want, as long as we have the faith that it can and will happen! So amazing, very glad you shared!
Major congratulations and I’m 100% here for you as you embark on this new journey!
Congratulations – what wonderful news 🙂 And what a beautiful post. I look forward to continuing to follow your journey 🙂
Also: check out Michelle Au’s blog and upcoming book – while she went to medical school right out of college, she had her first child as a resident – you may enjoy her blog 🙂
Thanks Valerie! And we’re overdue for a DC meetup.
That would be most lovely. I am in DC over the holidays so if you come back down in the next couple of weeks, just send me an email at citylifeeats@gmail.com 🙂
By the way, I got epically busy and did not comment for a while, but I felt bad about your visit to Cafe Green – I too find the raw soup there inedible – I have had the best luck with the cooked entrees and the raw pizzas. I also found the portion sizes and service at the place to have become inconsistent recently. On the other hand, I live two blocks from there and am so appreciative or how much gluten-free vegan eating I can do there, I still go in hopes of them getting more consistent again. I am so sorry you had a bad experience there 🙁
Cafe Green needs to get it together, because it could be such a success! We should go chat with the chef 🙂
What a brave decision you are making! That’s great that you are pursuing your dream! Congrats.
Wow that is inspiring, awesome, and just a huge leap to take! Can’t wait to follow along. Congrats on beginning a great new life course for you!
Congratulations, Gena!!! So excited for you. Expect an e-mail from me in the near future…
OK! Send away.
Well, we’ve already talked about this and you know how I feel. I’m so excited for you and you’re going to be great at what you do! I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re top of your class at Columbia.
I’m 99% sure Ada of Collegaleats.blogspot.com goes to Columbia(studying to be a doctor, too!) and would love to meet up.
oh wow! this is quite the departure. i hesitate only because i work at a medical school (penn state hershey college of med). i refused to go to medical school and went the biomedical research route due to the stress factor. if you have any questions about clinical rotations, coursework, expectations etc. i can give my observations and ask my friends. it’s so intense and you are a stronger woman than i!
i’m refreshed to read the reasons of why you are making the choice and you give a great case but i will forewarn you…med students are a certain “type” personality wise and they can be sort of grating to get along with. they remind you that they worked on an organic farm abroad or saved african babies from a flood during their year off between undergrad and med school. they are all mostly super attractive people that have 8000 talents and have been a part of 100 clubs in undergrad. i think that’s what turned me off the most besides the stress aspect. but i’m excited that a person like you who is amazing in their own right wants to go enlighten the masses and make a real change. i’d totally go see a doc like you! best of luck!
Ha! thanks. I’ve spent my life around type A overachievers, and in truth I am one, so I think I’ll be able to handle it. Or just ignore them 🙂
Wow, Gena! This is AMAZING!!! You are SO needed in the medical community, and I know countless people will benefit from your continuted education. Ahhhh, so exciting!!! This is just so fantastic. I had chills reading your big news!
Congratulations! I think you will be a perfect fit! How inspiring!
Oh wow! Many congratulations and Good luck in all of your future endeavors!
How exciting! I wish you the best, you are going to make an amazing doctor! Hopefully you can influence more people going into medicine to focus on prevention vs. fixing things with pill. Congrats!
congrats Gena, you will be an amazing doctor! We need more people like you in the medical field.
Congrats Gena!!!! What an exciting announcement and a beautiful heartfelt post to go along with it. I am so excited for you and I cannot wait to see where this new journey brings you. They heart pays no attention to our age, only what it is passionate about. At 28, you could live many years of regret or you could go out and do it!
Good for you! My primary care physician is a Naturopathic Doctor who is also licensed as an RN. It’s been the best thing ever for me as she really brings that allopathic approach to the table.
Congratulations and best wishes as you embark on this exciting adventure!
congrats! I actually was planning to take the MCAT (to go to medical school) but then we moved abroad for a year with my husband’s job… I may still pursue it (an MD goes nice with a JD right?) I’m so happy for you!