Doctor’s Journey – From Nursing to Medicine

Today I sit down with Lauren, a second-year medical student at the University of Notre Dame in Sydney. Lauren has taken an inspiring and unique path into medicine, transitioning from a career in nursing to becoming a future doctor. Her story dives into the decision to make such a big leap, the challenges along the way, and how her nursing background continues to shape her journey in med school.

Why the Switch? From Nurse to Future Doctor

Lauren’s path to medicine wasn’t something she planned from the start. Growing up, she always thought she’d be a nurse—it was “ingrained” in her mind. She began her nursing degree in the U.S., where she had a chance to see how healthcare systems worked differently compared to Australia.

But it wasn’t until she was on placement during her first year of nursing that she started questioning whether nursing was the right fit. “I looked around at the team, how everyone worked together, and thought, ‘Maybe I should have explored this more,’” she says. Lauren realised she was drawn to the role of a doctor—the way they approach patient care, lead teams, and make decisions. By the end of her first year of nursing, she knew she wanted to pursue medicine.

The Med School Journey: From GAMSAT Prep to Starting Fresh

Deciding to pursue medicine is one thing—getting in is another. Lauren started studying for the GAMSAT while juggling her nursing degree and maintaining a high GPA. If you’ve ever done the GAMSAT, you’ll know it’s no walk in the park, and Lauren isn’t shy about calling it out. “If I could redesign the entry process for medicine, I’d get rid of the GAMSAT entirely,” she laughs.

Despite the grueling study and expensive exam fees, Lauren’s persistence paid off. She gained entry to Notre Dame’s medical program and is now in her second year. She says the transition from nursing to medicine has been both exciting and eye-opening: “It’s the first time I’ve done something and thought, ‘This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.’”

How Nursing Shapes Her Med School Experience

Lauren’s nursing background has given her a huge advantage in med school, particularly when it comes to patient interaction. “I don’t feel awkward talking to patients or having difficult conversations,” she says, crediting her time in nursing for building those skills.

However, she also notes how different the two roles are. Nursing is highly protocol-driven and focused on carrying out plans, while medicine dives deep into the “why” behind decisions, with a heavy focus on pathology and physiology. Lauren loves learning the science behind disease, something she didn’t get to explore as much in nursing.

One of the biggest differences she’s noticed is the level of trust and autonomy given to medical students versus nursing students. “As a nurse, you’d have to prove yourself 50 times before being allowed to do something. As a med student, they’re like, ‘Have you seen this before? Okay, go do it.’”

Challenges and Doubts Along the Way

The transition from nursing to medicine hasn’t been without its challenges. Lauren admits she faced skepticism from others, especially on social media. Sharing her journey online, even before getting into med school, meant opening herself up to criticism. “I had people saying, ‘I hope you fail’ or, ‘You’ll never be a good doctor.’ It was tough to hear,” she says. But instead of letting it deter her, Lauren used the negativity as fuel. She screenshot the worst comments and saved them as motivation: “One day, I’ll look back and know I proved them wrong.”

Lauren also had to make tough decisions about balancing work and study. She worked as a nurse while starting med school but eventually stepped away to protect her mental health and focus on her studies. “Coming from a stressful, understaffed job straight into med was too much,” she explains.

Advice for Others Thinking About Medicine

For anyone in nursing or another healthcare profession considering a switch to medicine, Lauren’s advice is simple: know your “why. “You need to have a reason for doing this,” she says. “It can’t be about money or status—you need a deeper drive to get you through the hard days.” She also emphasises that it’s okay to change paths, even if you’ve already invested time and money into a career. “We’re all going to be 30 one day. Wouldn’t you rather be 30 doing something you love than stuck in a job you don’t enjoy?”

Lauren’s journey is proof that it’s never too late to follow your passion. Whether you’re a nurse, physio, or pharmacist, transitioning to medicine is possible with the right mindset and determination.

From navigating the challenges of nursing during the pandemic to tackling the hurdles of med school, she’s an incredible example of how diverse paths can lead to medicine. If you’re considering a similar move, take a page from Lauren’s book: identify your “why,” stay determined, and don’t be afraid to bet on yourself.

Listen to the full conversation

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