Why I Left Medicine... The Day My Life Changed
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 มี.ค. 2020
- Today I'm talking about something I don't discuss often-why I decided to leave medicine.
If you like this video, be sure to subscribe, hit that notification bell, and check out my podcasts (premedpodcasts.com) and my books (medicalschoolhq.net/books)!
So-I stopped practicing medicine when I left active-duty military in July 2015. And a lot of people wonder why I left because it's something I don't talk about often.
The truth is that I loved my time working as a flight surgeon with the US Air Force. I loved working with patients and with the ancillary staff, and I miss so much about it.
But in late 2013, I started getting some strange and intermittent symptoms where my face felt like I had shaved with a dull razor. The symptoms went away after a while, but when they showed up a second time, I mentioned it to my wife Allison, who was a neurology resident at the time. She told me to go get an MRI and get it checked out.
My brain MRI came back normal. I went to see a neurologist, but then the symptoms went away again, and I moved on with my life.
Then the symptoms came back a third time, now spreading to the back of my neck. With this new development, Allison recommended I get my cervical spine checked out, too. And that's when my life changed.
I got a call with the results of my MRI, and the physician-one of my colleagues-said I had a demyelinating lesion in my spinal cord, one big one and potentially some other ones. The next day, I was in at the multiple sclerosis (MS) clinic at Mass General Hospital.
As a rated flyer in the Air Force, I was immediately grounded. I fought it and fought it, but they wouldn't let me fly anymore. That was my first foot out of the door of the military.
I considered applying to residency programs in another specialty, maybe PM&R. But after a lot of discussing it with my wife Allison, I decided not to put myself at more risk of my symptoms getting worse.
I decided to focus on impacting students with the podcast, website, and other resources I had already been working on for a while: Medical School Headquarters.
As an update: My lesions haven't really changed in the past 5 years. I occasionally get some tingling or burning sensations in my face and in my fingertips. I don't believe I have MS now, but I still have these demyelinating lesions in my spinal cord. Really, I'm fine, and it is what it is.
I also share in the video how when I joined the Air National Guard, I became the first person ever in the Air Force to get a waiver to go back up in the air with a diagnosis of MS.
For more of my story, check out this episode of Specialty Stories podcast, where I talk all about my path to aerospace medicine: specialtystories.com/22.
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This is the most underrated TH-cam channel ever. Dr. Gray has changed my entire medical school application journey.. We need to spread the word about this channel and help him grow!
I'm crying so much. I can't stop. I can feel this. My mom who was a physician had MS and had to decide to end her practice. We listen to you all the time Dr. Gray. Thanks for all your help with all our children.
This is so heartbreaking! You have shown yourself to be truly resilient. Thank you for all that you do.
Thanks!
Thank you for sharing your story, you touched my heart.
I have just found your channel! Thank you for sharing your story. As a pre-Med student your videos are amazing and extremely helpful. Thank you again.
You’re such an amazing person! Thank you for everything that you do!
Thanks for sharing! I have really appreciated everything you do for premeds. You made me feel like I could do it as a non traditional applicant. Applying this summer 🤞🏻
Thanks for sharing your story. My dad is battling MS and sharing your story encourages others!
Thanks for sharing something so person Dr. Gray.
You certainly have had a huge impact! I listen to your podcasts and watch your videos. Thank you for your dedication to all of us on the path to medicine. Your passion is evident!
Thank you for sharing this very personal story.
you and what you have created is sooo helpful, thank you
"Time and space" pathology. Classic MS. Humbling story. Thank you for sharing.
Wow, an amazing story. Your insights and experiences will definitely help a lot of students. Keep up the great work. Although I'm no longer a premed, you earned yourself a new subscriber.
Thank you for sharing. 🙏🏽 Truly inspiring
Thank you for sharing your story. You’re an inspiration
Amazing story! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing your story ❤️ You have personally impacted my life in such a tremendous way through your channel and your book. I am a premed applying next cycle, and you are a big part of the reason I have the confidence to pursue my dream of becoming a physician. I wish you and your family all the best.
Thank you for sharing your story and providing so much knowledge to thousands. We at Motivate MD appreciate you!
You are awesome Dr.Gray! thank you for helping Premeds.
My best friend has MS and stress definitely causes her symptoms to get worse. I am sorry that that ended your medical career. However, I am so glad that you are here to guide us. All your advice and tips are truly appreciated and have helped me tremendously through this process.
Your story is truly inspirational . Thank you for sharing. I wish you the best.
Thanks for being open and honest. Much appreciated ! I hope the best for you going forward
You’re impacting thousands of people, Dr. Gray. Keep doing your calling, we all appreciate it! May God Bless You
WoW ! That’s my first video of you that I’m watching , and it’s a very heart touching. You have gone through a lot , and I respect you for all that you did and that you are doing to help the future doctors.
I’ll check your other videos out , keep going the good work !
Great story! Such a tough reality, but you're pushing through. Improvise, adapt and overcome. Now you're helping so many people like us who are trying to go to Med School. Best of luck!!
This is a damn good story and delivery. I appreciate what you do.
Thank you for sharing your story! As a first generation college student I find your videos incredibly helpful in my pre-med journey. I have learned a lot from watching your videos and have saved my self from making some mistakes. Your honesty and advice is what motivates me and gets me excited about medicine more. You are definitely making a huge impact! I don't know about others, but you have impacted my life in a good way:)
Thank you for dedicating yourself to other aspiring doctors. The impact that your blog has had on my premedical journey has been priceless and I’m sure others feel the same. It takes a lot to give up something you love doing and using your knowledge to give back to the community in such a unique way! Thank you so much!
This is an encouraging story. I'm sad to hear about your struggles with your diagnosis. But I am thankful for your decision to helping us each our goals. Thank you!
We love you and appreciate you so much Dr. Gray ❤️
Keep going Dr. Gray. You are a great inspiation for all of us!
He's such a good story teller, I watched every second of this video
Dr. Gray it was so moving to hear your story. I still remember when I met you for the first time at the UCF Med school symposium in 2017 and I got the Premed "periodic table" shirt. I remember being so amazed to put a face to the podcasts. I wear that shirt all the time and it sparks joy every time. Thank you for being so vulnerable and for all the amazing advice that you share.
Thank you for sharing your story 🙏🏾
Thanks for sharing your story. God bless you in all your endeavors.
Thank You, Dr. Gray for sharing your story. I recently came across your videos and I've been so inspired. Thank you for all that you do and for positively impacting millions of lives including me.
Dr.Gray, I just wanted to say thank you for what you do. I understand what it means to have to give up what you love to help others get what they love.
I love you as a brother, man. Stay healthy, stay safe, and thank you so much for helping all of us improve ourselves. You made the right decision.
Dr. Gray, I can't emphasize how inspired I am with your story and I think we all can see the pain in your eyes when you talked about not being able to do what you loved to do. However, it takes a really strong person to shift a story like yours, that could have a different path, into something inspirational and helpful. You have helped me SO much and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and hope that your condition doesn't get worse and maybe one of us can come up with an actual treatment for MS. You are amazing, wonderful and incredibly strong.
Loved this Dr. Gray -- I changed careers at 34 and currently working on my premed degree. Your videos are keeping me excited and informed. Can't wait to take your advice and put it all into practice!
Wow, this was a very touching story to hear. I respect you so much for how you've turned this tough situation into a positive one. You inspire me and I appreciate all that you do, keep making waves!
Dr. Gray you have such an inspiring story- I'm really sorry for what you've had to go through! It's super awesome that you are a flight surgeon whether or not you still practice :) Thanks for all your videos and advice- I'd also like to apologize on behalf of the small-minded people who said you hated being a doctor this is just proof that you have no idea what someone has been through. If you don't have anything nice to say ...
Thanks, Mona! No need to apologize for them. No one ever has the full context. I feel bad that they need to try to hurt others. 🤷♂️
I had an Ependymoma at C3/4 and I’m worried I wouldn’t be able to handle a grueling residency schedule as well. Really interesting to hear your perspective as a physician and MS patient. Thanks for sharing
I was an avid listener to your podcast back in 2012 up until I got into med school. It got me through a very long non-traditional route to medicine. 1,000 years later Im now an M4 :D I didnt know you had a YT channel, this video randomly popped up and I was like hey! thats Dr. Gray . I remember it in an old podcast where your wife talked about going thru medical training with crohns and having a new baby, you mentioned in passing about your MS diagnosis. I am glad to see you are doing well and that Med School HQs is still going strong!
I choked up watching this. Your passion is palpable. God Bless You. Thanks 🙏🏾 for being an inspiration to millions and touching our lives for the better. Doctors think I have pseudotumor cerebri so your story really hit close to home for me. Wishing you all the best and praying for your continued success.
I wish there was a button better than “like” for this video. Man, thank you for sharing your story and doing what you do. Thank you for your service to our country. And thank you for being a voice of encouragement for me and many others to continue pursuing medicine. Just really grateful.
Thank you for sharing! You have certainly made a difference
Thanks for sharing your story Dr. Gray. Your videos have been so helpful to me. I just submitted my application for verification last week, and I submitted my AACOMAS application as well. You literally changed the way I approached my works and activities section. Your website on secondary essays has proven so helpful as well. I just submitted the updated NYU LISOM secondary application questions from this year.
Your story is sincere and heartfelt. Thank you for sharing it. Please know that your TH-cam channel has been the best site for help with med school applications. I truly wish you the very best. Thank you for doing what you do!
It’s inspiring how you were able to still become successful. Thanks for sharing your story!
You did the right choice! Made sure you are safe, you are healthy and still touch so many lives everyday!
Great doctor and great resource.🎯
Lots of health to you Doctor Gray🙏
Thank you so much for sharing your story! You may not be practicing in the traditional way, but all us pre-med students are your patients who you're treating through your knowledge and experience. Treating in a way that gets us closer to our goal and even if we use 1% of what you say to get us into taking care of patients, that means that you had a part in someone's care!
Thank you so much for all that you do!!!🙏👏
Wow. Not gonna lie, I teared up a bit. What I admire most about your story is turning your difficult trials into triumph. Your story is very inspiring and encouraging. I thank you for deciding to continue medicine by helping premed students like myself with a wealth of expertise and skill in navigating this process. Thank you Dr. Gray. I wish you and your family much prosperity and wellness. ❤️
I was medically retired from the Marine Corps 3 years ago due to a brain lesion causing hydrocephalus. I've since made the decision to become a physician, and your videos have definitely helped me prepare my application! I know exactly how you feel, as I was also kept from doing my job. It took me over a year of not being able to do my job just sitting in limbo waiting for someone to tell me whether or not what I thought was going to be my career was over. Keep helping people doc.
What a story! You're absolutely right, medicine is an amazing field. I start my child neurology residency in 2 months and couldn't agree more with the fact that we should be in a collaborative environment rather than a competitive one. Thank you for sharing your journey and for everything you are doing for the next generation of physicians.
Hi Dr Gray, thank you for sharing a piece of your life with us. I actually never wondered why you were not practicing anymore. I am a non traditional student and I have been through a lot in life and because of that I am much less critical and more aware that we all have a story to tell, whether or not we know what the next persons story is. So always be kind, and trust the process.
Thank you for your service sir 😩🙏💜
Dr. Gray, I would love to hear your input on my premed journey after watching this video. I have had MS since my preteen years, but wasnt diagnosed until my sophomore year in undergrad. I am currently working on submitting my med school apps.
I have been watching your videos religiously the past 3 days trying to learn more about what to do and what not to do, then I come across this video. It breaks my heart you decided to stop because of your MS, but everyone is different of course. My MS is what inspires me to keep going. I would love to hear from you.
I will be getting a hematopoietic stem cell transplant in about 2 weeks to put a halt to my progression.
Thanks for sharing your story. Truly inspirational that you make it a point to still help premeds after everything. 🙌
Thanks for your candor Dr Gray.
You are one of the very few physicians I've heard that says they love medicine. Many of the physicians I've met or read about online feel burnt out, stressed, etc., and while all of that makes sense and is indicative of the need for change in the way healthcare is managed, it's inspiring to see your passion for medicine and how much you fought to continue practicing. You turned a challenge into an opportunity, and have helped thousands of students with your knowledge and advice. Thank you, Dr. Grey! I'm glad you chose to take care of your health :)
Transcending. Thank you for sharing your story and helping future doctors 💜
Thanks
Thank you for your vulnerability, Dr. Gray. It’s through your vulnerability that you will only continue to shine your leadership and earn more respect.
I’m a part of a nonprofit called MS Run the US. Every year, runners joining the nonprofit run across America starting in LA and ending in NYC. Each relay runner runs a marathon every day for a week and also fundraises $10,000. If there’s anything I/we can do to help, let me know. I’d be happy to reach out.
I’m a non traditional student and first generation college student, applying to med school this year. I’ve been reading your books, listening to your podcasts, and have been a part of your Facebook group. I want to say THANK YOU because I know that I would not have been able to navigate this complicated road without your help.
Keep on rockin’!!
Valerie
love you doc. stay strong
Hi Dr. Gray!! you are a certified bad ass doctor. Thank you for sharing your story!! you definitely inspired me 😭🙏 current OMS1 here hope to be impactful like you one day.
Please be impactful and help all those coming after!! And thanks for the certification of badassness!
Thank you for everything you do for us Dr. Gray!!!!!!!
you're welcome. and thank you! :)
Dr. Gray, you have been incredibly helpful over the years and I am so happy that you do what you do! I have listened to your podcasts for many hours and I am glad I got to hear your story! I really appreciate everything you do for us premeds!
Thanks, Jordan! :)
you are an awesome person, thank you for your service, thank you for guiding us and stay strong.
Are you a premed student now??
Very inspiring Dr. Gray.
Wow. I just want to give you a hug! lol. I thought I had IBD for two years until recently my gastro settled on IBS. It's been a struggle. Thanks for being so inspiring.
Thanks and Good luck!
Thanks you for being so open and honest with us Dr. Gray. Your sincerity goes a long way with us premeds.
Thanks
I really appreciate your story. Thank you for all that you do to help us pre-meds make it to medical school. I was having so many doubts about my pre-medical path, due to some roadblocks, but your tenacity to continue to push forward because of your love for medicine has reminded me why I cannot let life stop me from doing what I've always wanted to do. Thank you, Doc! I Pray everything continues to work in your favor!
Are you premed now??
Thank you for sharing your personal life, Dr.Gray! and for your dedication to pre-med students. I have personally felt your impact via school talk, podcasts, youtube videos, and a shadowing connection. Keep inspiring.
Also, that's a cool shirt! where can we order it?
Thanks! premedshirts.com :)
Thank you, this was very brave and incredibly human. As a non-trad premed at 43, you are very inspiring!
Are you already a Pre Med student?
I was diagnosed with MS three years ago. While I was/am not a doctor, I had a career that I loved. After being diagnosed, I realized that I had very mild symptoms many years prior. It was the stress of my work that exacerbated my symptoms. Those symptoms were enough that I couldnt do my job. I was immediately put on med and a round of solumedrol. While my MS is very mild, its enough that I can not be on my feet like I was. It is important to me to have a job that is less stressful, so that I can keep the functions that I have. I am so sorry that you had to go thru this, but totally understand what you went thru.
I wanted to hug you 😭😭😭
Thank you so much Dr.Gray. You are truly an inspiration💕
Hug him 💃💃💃
Wow thanks for sharing that with us!!!!
thanks :) You're welcome
You are a hero to me man. I start watching your videos a little too late, but luckily I still got admitted this year. However, I still watch your videos. I think your videos, I think you are very good at YouTubing. I would appreciate it if you expand your brand beyond just pre-med, perhaps for people who get in as well. Thank you.
Hey Vsauce, Ryan here. Great intro! Thanks for sharing your story Dr. Gray
Thank you for sharing! You are such an inspiration
thank you!
Words can’t describe how grateful I am (and I’m sure we all are) of you and your resources, Dr. Gray. It has helped me navigate and demystify this process more than you can imagine. Your strength and selflessness is beyond moving. We are so lucky to have you at our side. Please keep fighting this good fight of making this world a better place for every one. Much love ❤️
thank you!
The day I found Dr. Gray is the i was 💯 sure someday I am gonna be a physician. Learned so much from the podcasts. Inspirational story
Are you a premed student?
Thanks for sharing!!
Amazing story, thanks for everything that you do for the premed students
thank you :)
Damnn, you are sure a bad ass sir. Salute to you and still a doc at heart.
OMG Dr. Gray this is so shocking. I always wondered why you weren't practicing anymore. Thank you for sharing this. I actually avoided clicking this at first because I was afraid it was going to be a horror story about being a doctor but I'm glad I had a chance to hear that it was really quite the opposite.
You are such a hero!! And thank you for what you do...this story is heartbreaking. I am applying this year and your informations are very helpful with my application. Thank you for that
What state are you? in good luck!
Chantell B in Massachusetts. Thank you😍
That's rough, sorry to hear that, what a world
Somehow is my favorite youtuber already. And that doesn't just happen.
Thank you for sharing - I have self dx autism and I’m in the process of getting officially diagnosed (still open to differential but just feel it in my soul after tons of research on late dx women on the spectrum)
1) how dare people make assumptions like this that you are only doing this because it is easier and more profitable - Shame on them. You shouldn’t have had to do this to prove yourself.
2) thank you for taking a terrible and trying situation into something productive and meaningful.
Damn just cried for the first time in a LONG time. My aunt was a nurse and got diagnosed with MS and was absolutely crushed. She still talks about how much she misses it.
A book titled “Metaphysical Anatomy” has helped some of my friends figure out why their symptoms are manifesting in their body. I love that book!
OMG I CRIED AT THE END...you deserved the waiver
Inspiring!
Great to hear about your story and glad you figured things out. I'm wondering about the objective evidence about stress causing lesions?
I'd have to ask my neuro wife. I'm pretty sure there is good data about stress and autoimmunity, and stress and flares, but would have to dig around the data.
What an inspiring story! I’m so sorry about the pain you have to go through.. I was in the Air Force for 4 years to go to medical school. I’m on my last year in college finishing my biochem major with minor in microbiology. I’m really scared to apply to medical schools next year. Would you have any recommendation specifically for my situation? I watched a lot of your videos but I haven’t seen a case like mine. I came to U. S. when I was in high school and studied hard ever since. Due to finance difficulties I had to switch school 5 times... Even though I pushed through school until now I still doubt myself if I can follow through the medical path. Hope you are staying safe, healthy, happy! Thank you for your advice! Aim high!
Thank you for being so open. Physicians are people, we get sick too. Relating to your new capacity as a mentor, particularly for residents or newly minted attendings -- may I ask did you have a disability insurance? Were you able to claim it? If you did not get it and/or you were not able to claim it, any regrets or anything you would have done differently?
Hello Dr. Gray, I enjoy your videos! I am a retired Air Force Flight Medicine Technician. Did you ever consider practicing as a general practitioner after you left the military? I know many excellent general practitioners, and many states still allow physicians to practice with just an intern year. Keep up the good work!
Im currently in undergrad and have MS myself. I’ve been in a pre-med program for two years but am really struggling to make the decision on whether I should continue or give up pursuing medicine all together. It’s been painful knowing you may never get the chance to follow your dreams, especially only being 20. Hopefully I’ll be able to find the light at the end of the tunnel much like you have Dr. Dray ❣️
Hi! I'm a fellow undergrad with MS. I was diagnosed at 19 and I just got into medical school! It's definitely more difficult but not impossible. You got this!
Sonile Peck thanks for the encouragement! I’m still on the fence about it but trying to be positive. I would love to have a mentor and learn more about your story/experience!
I have same dream snd goals. I have BS in civil but i love medical school and i am working on it. Do not stop unless it is effect your life and family because they are more necessary
Hello dear! I am in the same boat as you!! Hope things work out for you