Hey everyone,
I wanted your opinion on something I'm considering.
My original plan after college was to apply to medical school, and if I didn't make it in the first time, try for a Master's in Engineering before trying to reapply. Well, to my great fortune, I was accepted... However, as I move along in the pipeline, I still have a strong desire to incorporate aspects of engineering (device design, quality improvements, consulting, etc.) into a "side business".
About a year ago, I learned about this program offered through UCSF and UCB called the Masters in Translational Medicine (MTM)*. In summary, it's a one-year program that integrates engineering, clinical medicine, and business/regulatory disciplines with the goal of accelerating bench-to-bedside innovations. From what I can gather, it exactly matches what I want to do at some point (if not throughout) my career.
However, the cost is steep; estimated tuition & fees is $51k in-state, and not including room & board in the Bay Area. Additionally, I would need to take a year off to do it between MS3 & MS4 year, delaying attending level salary by a year. To make things more complicated, I may take a year off to do additional research anyway, as I'm very weak in that area for the specialties I'm most interested in.
I'm having trouble justifying the cost of this program as an "investment" (increase my future earning potential?) vs. a "consumer expense" (I'm just interested in having the skill set). Though, now as I write it out, it seems like I'm crazy for even considering this... I'd still like to hear what you think!
TL;DR: Is a Masters program worth taking a year off in med school?
For reference, I have $6k in subsidized undergrad loans, and $49k in med school loans so far, of which $35k is subsidized. I expect to graduate with $113k ($106k principal + $7k interest) total in loans.
I wanted your opinion on something I'm considering.
My original plan after college was to apply to medical school, and if I didn't make it in the first time, try for a Master's in Engineering before trying to reapply. Well, to my great fortune, I was accepted... However, as I move along in the pipeline, I still have a strong desire to incorporate aspects of engineering (device design, quality improvements, consulting, etc.) into a "side business".
About a year ago, I learned about this program offered through UCSF and UCB called the Masters in Translational Medicine (MTM)*. In summary, it's a one-year program that integrates engineering, clinical medicine, and business/regulatory disciplines with the goal of accelerating bench-to-bedside innovations. From what I can gather, it exactly matches what I want to do at some point (if not throughout) my career.
However, the cost is steep; estimated tuition & fees is $51k in-state, and not including room & board in the Bay Area. Additionally, I would need to take a year off to do it between MS3 & MS4 year, delaying attending level salary by a year. To make things more complicated, I may take a year off to do additional research anyway, as I'm very weak in that area for the specialties I'm most interested in.
I'm having trouble justifying the cost of this program as an "investment" (increase my future earning potential?) vs. a "consumer expense" (I'm just interested in having the skill set). Though, now as I write it out, it seems like I'm crazy for even considering this... I'd still like to hear what you think!
TL;DR: Is a Masters program worth taking a year off in med school?
For reference, I have $6k in subsidized undergrad loans, and $49k in med school loans so far, of which $35k is subsidized. I expect to graduate with $113k ($106k principal + $7k interest) total in loans.
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