I am a 35 year old single mother of 3, a 6yr old and 3yr old twins. I have no family in the state where I live, and I got divorced last year, but ex is remarried already (waited long, considering he left in 2007.

Anyhow, my dilemma is this: I have this nagging desire to go to Medical school but I have no idea where to turn. I am a professor at a local college and teach Interior Design. I have 2 bachelors degrees ('96 in Graphic Design/Studio Art & '03 in Interior Design). You can see just by my schooling, I have little science/medical backgroud. Other than a strong interest in anything science based, medical, etc. I did take Chem is HS along with Advanced Placement Bio, I took an Enviornmental Biology class in college and was a tutor as well as I believe, a genetics class. I have a penchant for absorbing strange medical data, that all of my friend think is funny, and at one time I had wanted to be a medical Illustrator. (but only 2 schools at the time offered those programs and they were too far from home)

Within my Interior Design education, I have been fascinated with the link between our built enviornment and our health. As well as, all of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements that go into a space, and i would love to do something with disabled people, Prosthetics, or somehow combine them, I dont know. My children have also had terrible skin issues since they were born, in and out of the doctors office and I am enthralled by the Pediatricians!! and Pediatric Allergists, and ENT's and Pediatric Neurologists that I have dealt with...they are WONDERFUL!

I get a discount being a professor at my college and have looked into taking some of the pre-reqs. My question- AM I CRAZY FOR EVEN CONSIDERING THIS???? I just know that what I have had to deal with over the last two years has NOT broken me (gotten close and held me down for a bit) but I DONT KNOW IF I AM JUST CRAZY OR NOT :)PLEEEEASE HELP any advice is welcome!!!

Have you thought about PA school? Much shorter route that may get you where you want to be. Certainly PM&R and Peds are open to PA's. If you are really most interested in the prosthetics side of things you could go straight into orthotics. Or physical or occupational therapy if you want to work with people and how they interact with their environment... These are much quicker options that may get you into a new career fastest.
Of course if you are set on being an independently practicing MD there is no reason why you shouldn't go for it - just know it will be extremely difficult especially with 3 kids depending on you.

Hello 3Kiddoes
It seems to me that some MomMDs in this website think that they should advice people on going PA or MA, and NP schools (Yes, they know better than people like me) but at some point their roles in this website should be more supportive on(how did they make it that far? tips, advices. . . )We ALL have kids and we are married or single or divorced and we all know that there are sacrifices for going into this field, but we all love medicine anyway and Yes, we can DO IT.
Now, I think that the only person that can answer your question is yourself: You know what you want!. It doesn't matter if you haven't taken any science clasess yet, take them now to see where you are at.
I think you have an excellent background of studies in another field. Some Medical schools don't like the traditional students who earned bachelors in sciences courses.
Now, I think that all of us at some point need support in order to make it through medical school: So you need to be realistic about living with another adult that can help you out and consider after school programs, daycare, and living close by a family member.
If this is what you really want! Look out for solutions and ways to improve your life conditions so that this dream can be more reachable.
GOOD LUCK

Personally, I appreciate the warnings. I think it is wise for those who are unhappy, having issues, or approaching burnout to advise others of the situation.

Even though I'm still planning to go to medical school, I have at least seriously considered the other options and discussed time arrangements with my husband in the event that we have children someday... I doubt I would have done that without this site. I just wouldn't have known what I was getting into and how hard it would be.

In addition, with some time here you'll see many different personalities, reasons behind career choices, and approaches to family, school, and job responsibilities. You'll likely find someone like you, but farther along in the process. Who this is is totally up to you, but I'm sure those who were unsure of their path and chose something that was a better fit are thankful for the words of warning.

I'm not trying to be too contrary, just saying thank you to everyone who shares their experiences - even when they're negative!

AspiringtobeDoc-
This is only my 3rd post ever to this site, and it is certainly not my mission to discourage people from pursuing an MD. I apologize if I offended you. I have no doubt 3Kiddoes or anyone in her situation CAN do it, it's a question of whether it's worth it in the short or long run which as you say is a very personal decision.

espera-
I am really sorry if by any means you though I was referring to you because I wasn't and I respect your opinion.
I appreciate the mommds that come to this website and express their personal experiences and troubles. Please do not take me wrong. Sorry.

I agree with espera...just check out all your options before committing to one path to having a career in medicine. There are lots of career and job opportunities out there that would let you do what you wanted to do!

I would ( and you dont have to do this! )make a list of reasons why you want to go for your MD, and then make a list of what you want out of life over the next few years (what is important to you and makes you happy...even the little things), and then make a list of what you would love in a career and just look over all these things and then check out ALL the different jobs in medicine that would let you accomplish all of those things that you want from both career and life.

I used to ask myself....if I won the lottery and didn't HAVE to work....would I still CHOOSE to go thru school/residency and then work (with this career). I know it's silly, but it's always worked with me!

I also appreciate all the stories shared by mom MDs on this board...it really helps in making decisions and gives insight into what the future MAY be like. I think you all are wonderful!

I was thinking about this some more and thought that I should tell you that a 34 year old woman was a part of my medical school class and she was formerly a history major who then went into the airforce. She had a change of career plans after she lost her husband and decided to take the pre-requisites for medical school and she got in! She loves medical school and will be a great doctor! Although she doesn't have any children, I just wanted you to know that other people have done it and you can do it too if that is your passion!

Also, have you watched "Doctor Diaries" by Nova and PBS? That would give you a little insight into medical school/career as a doc. It's really a good documentary! okay that is my last comment! haha

HI!!!
I think you should do it!!
Im a single mommy of twins too!
they will be 4 in feb..
Im only 21, and ive been in college for a year now. Ive always wanted to be a psych but I just thought with my kids it would be immpossible but its not.. yes Ill be in debt but Ill be making enough money to pay the loans back and ill be doing what I love!