Architecture Vs Medicine, Which One Should I Study?

Are you thinking about studying either Architecture or Medicine?

Both careers paths are popular, and they are completely different.

To help you make a decision have put together this article for you.

So, Architecture or Medicine, which one should I study?

In short, it is believed that being a doctor is better to being an architect since it is more respected, provides stable employment and a diverse range of career choices, and pays much more and greater earning potential.

Doctors have significantly more job opportunities than Architects, making it much more difficult to obtain an Architect role or promotion. It is more difficult to become a Doctor. 

The answer to this question lies in a person’s interests in any of the two fields.

Both fields can offer a rewarding career; however, that depends on how well you can adapt to the domain you choose.

Perhaps the best way to identify and find your interests is by knowing the differences between the two fields, giving you a deeper insight.

You can then make the right decisions by keeping job prospects, salaries, and, most importantly, your interests in mind

So let’s talk about studying medicine and becoming a Doctor.

If you enjoy dealing with people and assisting in the diagnosis and treatment of people’s health and well-being, you should consider studying medicine.

Because the study load is heavy and intense, you must be willing to put your family and social life on hold for several years.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though.

The good news is that Medicine offers a wide range of interesting and well-paying career paths and specialities.

To name a few, Family and General Practitioner, Emergency Doctor, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Paediatrician, and Palliative Medicine.

So now let’s talk about architecture!

To be successful in architecture, you must have a keen eye for detail, as well as confidence and resilience.

When you have to present your ideas to a client or customer only to be rejected, you must maintain your composure and confidence.

Due to the high level of competition from other graduates, many college graduates find it difficult to land their first Architect job.

Unfortunately, there is a lack of demand for Architects.

Having said that, the number of job openings vary because the demand for Architects varies greatly from city to city.

Successful architects are good communicators and influencers.

They spend the majority of their day talking to clients, project managers, and builders.

This includes dealing with and managing conflict.

Architects play an important role in construction projects, usually from the beginning to the end.

So now we have answered the main question let’s further explore

Architecture Harder to Study than Medicine?

Medicine is a much more difficult subject to study than architecture. Medical school is difficult because it requires students to learn a large amount of complex information over a long period of time (14 years), with theoretical and practical exams designed to eliminate all but the best students.

Because Medicine is harder to study than Architecture, it does not mean Architecture is a walk in the park.

Architecture is hard, the level of study is gruelling having to submit many projects in a short amount of time.

But overall, studying Medicine is hard than Architecture. It’s more complex, more demanding over a long period of time.

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What Architects Do Everyday? (Explained)

Architects spend a significant amount of time in offices, where they develop plans, meet with clients, and consult with engineers and other architects.

They also visit construction sites to prepare preliminary drawings and monitor project progress to ensure that the client’s objectives are met.

Architects plan and design houses, factories, office buildings, and other structures.

Duties

Architects typically do the following:

  • Meet with clients to determine objectives and requirements for structures
  • Give preliminary estimates on cost and construction time
  • Prepare structure specifications
  • Direct workers who prepare drawings and documents
  • Prepare scaled drawings, either with computer software or by hand
  • Prepare contract documents for building contractors
  • Manage construction contracts
  • Visit worksites to ensure that construction adheres to architectural plans
  • Seek new work by marketing and giving presentations

What Doctors Do Everyday? (Explained)

Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses, as well as provide health care. Patients are examined, medical histories are taken, medications are prescribed, and diagnostic tests are ordered, performed, and interpreted by physicians.

They frequently advise patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive care. Surgeons perform operations on patients to treat injuries like broken bones, diseases like cancerous tumours, and deformities like cleft palates.

There are two types of physicians, with similar degrees: M.D. (Medical Doctor) and D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Both use the same methods of treatment, including drugs and surgery, but D.O.s place additional emphasis on the body’s musculoskeletal system, preventive medicine, and holistic (whole-person) patient care. D.O.s are most likely to be primary care physicians, although they work in all specialties.

Duties

Physicians and surgeons typically do the following:

  • Take a patient’s medical history and perform a physical exam
  • Document and update charts and patient information to show findings and treatments
  • Order tests and consultations for other physicians or healthcare staff to perform
  • Review test results to identify abnormal findings
  • Recommend, design, and implement a treatment plan
  • Address concerns or answer questions that patients have about their health and well-being
  • Help patients take care of their health by discussing topics such as proper nutrition and hygiene

Do Architects earn more than Doctors? (Explained)

Doctors earn more than Architects. Doctors medium wage is $208,000 per annum compared to an Architects minimum wage of around $82,320 per annum

According to Labor Bureau and Statistics wages for physicians and surgeons are among the highest of all occupations, with a median wage equal to or greater than $208,000 per year.

Median wages showing the differences in pay between types of physicians and surgeons are not available, but mean (average) annual wages for physicians and surgeons in May 2020 were as follows:

Anesthesiologists $271,440
Surgeons $251,650
Obstetricians and gynecologists $239,120
Physicians and surgeons, all other $218,850
Psychiatrists $217,100
Family and general practitioners $214,370
Internists, general $210,960
Pediatricians, general $184,570

Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/mobile/physicians-and-surgeons.htm thanks

For Architects, the median annual wage for architects was $82,320 in May 2020…

In May 2020, the median annual wages for architects in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Government $97,960
Architectural, engineering, and related services $81,320
Construction $79,840

Employment in architecture is projected to grow 1 per cent from 2019 to 2029

Wages will vary depending on location, size of the organization, public or private, and finally the industry.

Final Thoughts

Doctors have a lot more work prospects than Architects, therefore getting a job or advancement as an Architect is much more challenging.

Becoming a doctor is more respected, gives stable employment and a diverse range of professional options, and pays significantly more than being an architect.

Deciding on what to study is an important one.

Speak with trusted friends and family, even consult with a career consultant for advice.

Consider your strengths and weakness, likes and dislikes before deciding on the career path to study.

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References

  • Physicians and Surgeons: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/architects.htm