Personal Passion: Do you want to pursue medicine specifically or are you just unhappy in your current job/industry? Get some experience in the medical field to ensure that this is not just a shiny object but a real passion.

Commitment: Are you ready to dedicate a minimum of 9-10 years to becoming a physician? That’s two years of a post-bacc and applying to medical school, four years of medical school, and at least three years of residency training. This includes long hours of studying and working.

Career Satisfaction: Spend time and network with those in medicine to confirm that the job aligns with your values, goals, and interests.

Academic Background: Analyze your undergraduate coursework and GPA to determine if they meet the prerequisites for medical school. A post-baccalaureate program can help bridge gaps in your academic record, but you want to feel comfortable that you can do your best if you take these classes. Have you taken hard science classes before? How comfortable are you with test-taking?

Standardized testing: It starts with the MCAT and continues your whole career. Be sure to evaluate how well you prepare for and perform on these types of exams.

Cost of Post-Baccalaureate Program: Research the tuition and expenses associated with post-baccalaureate programs and assess your ability to finance this education.

Missed income: The next 9-10 years of studying and training will be mostly without an income, so be aware of the opportunity cost of pursuing medical school versus trying out another job.

Medical School Costs: Factor in the cost of medical school, including tuition, living expenses, and potential student loan debt.

Future Earnings: Consider the potential long-term earning potential as a physician and weigh it against the initial financial investment and lost income in the interim.

Work-Life Balance: Reflect on your preferred work-life balance, including the work hours, work environment, and the potential for work-related stress in the medical field. It is an immensely rewarding job but a demanding one. It is important to go in as informed as you can be.

Family and Personal Commitments: Evaluate how a medical career aligns with your family and personal responsibilities, as it may require sacrifices. It’s a decision that impacts those around you. This is particularly important for post-bacc candidates who have taken significant time off and have a spouse or children.

Support Network: Consider the availability of emotional and logistical support from friends, family, and mentors throughout your career change journey.

Admissions Assistance: Research whether post-baccalaureate programs offer support and resources for medical school admissions, including advising and letters of recommendation. Some programs have ‘linkages’ with certain medical schools where you can apply late in the cycle and attend a year earlier. Different schools have different linkages and relationships, so be sure to research and choose a program with linkages that appeal to you.

Explore alternative healthcare careers: If you are interested in healthcare but not committed to becoming a physician, research other healthcare professions like nursing, physician assistant, pharmacy, digital health, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, non-profit work, government work, or technology companies. There are many ways to impact patients beyond direct patient care, so do not let ambition or stigma prevent you from exploring what’s best for you.

Medical School Admissions: Understand the competitiveness of medical school admissions and the importance of a strong application, including grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities. Doing a post-bacc does not guarantee admission to medical school - you still need to have a strong application. It is important to talk with mentors and advisors about how likely you will get into medical school after a post-bacc. It’s important to be realistic during all the excitement!

Personal Health: Consider your physical and mental health, as a career change to medicine can be physically and emotionally demanding. It’s important to establish good habits that will set you up well in any career but are particularly crucial in high-demanding jobs.

Stress Management: Develop strategies for managing stress and maintaining your mental health. The pressure of the post-bacc can be immense as it feels like a big risk with big stakes (and it is), so be sure you have habits and a support system to help you through trying times.