As I watched the film, I realized that being a doctor is not really my goal in life at all. It is just my means to something more -bringing about a significant change in society. Watching all those refugees and seeing the UN Peacekeepers frustrated at the lack of things they are allowed to do, I told myself, Politics is what I really wanted, needed to be in. I am not saying that I would run for office someday but rather, I would like to have a hand in decision making. And so, my new life plan,
- Finish medical school by 2016 (hopefully)
- Take up residency -currently considering surgery
- Enter the Navy (during residency?)
- After residency, apply to MSF
- Practice medicine in a government hospital (still considering private practice in addition). To augment income, buy stocks, set up business and find other means of earning. At the same time, look for avenues to engage in policy planning.
- Take up Law or MA in International Studies
- Performance in succeeding years would be crucial to be able to be involved in foreign policy making and diplomacy.
- And if A is still willing to go all the way, then :)
- I don't need to be in the top of our class but it would be very helpful if I wanted to do practice in a highly competitive tertiary hospital or work with MSF.
- Learn a foreign language (preferrably Spanish, French or Italian). Plus points for MSF and and foreign service.
- Invest in stocks early on. Key to success is time.
- Don't forget political science roots. Read once in awhile.
- Maintain connections. Don't be a hermit. This is IMPORTANT!
- Get old work ethics back! This is crucial at the moment.
- Finally, don't be disheartened. Don't lose sight of the goal.