JamesNoBrakes

Sounds like a good idea. I'm considering starting a 3rd degree this summer in Engineering. On the bright side, you'll have all of your training, certificates and ratings to buy a Bonanza. :P

usmc-sgt

My AME is an airways 330 Captain. At some point early on in his airways career he put himself through med school. He owns his own AME practice in addition to his career at airways. I have no idea about the particulars of how he did it (furlough, leave, reserve etc). He is on leave now from airways.

GoPats

That's funny, so is mine.

He put himself through med school by basically bidding every weekend and holiday trip he could. I still find it amazing that he was able to pull that off. More power to 'im.

HotMamaPilot

I'm proud of you! Go for it!

usmc-sgt

Judging by your screen name we have the same AME. Talk about genius (or insanity)! Bid reserve or whatever you need to do and put yourself through med school while employed by a 121 carrier. In addition to being an AME he is an ER doc. Between the two jobs I wouldnt be surprised if he is at or near a half million per year.

fullflank

Keep in mind back in the day, it was easy to get that kind of time off at airways. In fact theres a few pilots there who went through med school while working. They bid rsv, and passed on every trip. Those days are long gone of course.

satpak77

and between the two jobs I wonder if he has anytime to spend his half million !

GoPats

He has college age kids. Lots of opportunities to spend some money.

Hawker Driver

Met several RR freight drivers. Both were getting out of the field. Too much time away from their families.

wordfromthewise

It's been a long time since 'ive posted on here. But as a former pilot and current optometry student I can tell you that healthcare has its problems just as flying. Do your research before making the jump to healthcare. I've seen stats where 50-60% of MD's regret their decisions to become doctors and don't recommend their children to pursue the career. Long hours (60-80 hrs a week more common than not), pay in the 100-200k range, and dealing with sick people all while having to be on call and or work crazy shifts make it not so appealing. Optometry is nice because like dentistry or podiatry you are your own boss, work 9-5 with weekends off, get to be home every night, generally don't deal with sick people who are dying, optometry is a clean profession (no blood or guts), you make 130-175k on average if you own your own practice, and you bypass med school (optometry school is 4 yrs requiring a bachelors degree and no residencies required!) Of course this is very appealing and competition to get into optometry school is stiff. anyways...just food for thought. If you love flying then do it, nothing worse than doing something you hate. You only live once and it's important to enjoy life. I don't miss flying, it wasn't for me, thus the change in careers came easy.