MY PLAN: Doctor
My Plan A:
Consider:
❏ What do you enjoy?
❏ What sort of lifestyle do you
want?
❏ What are you good at?
Career Info that I have
discovered…
Consider:
❏ Upsides/downsides of job
❏ Job duties/ responsibilities
❏ Salary range
❏ Future outlook
❏ Lifestyle factors
❏ Advancement opportunities
Name: Arjun Dhaliwal
My plan A is to become a doctor. I am currently thinking neurologist,
however, many medical school professors say not to pick your
specialty this early. The lifestyle I desire has always aligned with this
plan, which may have likely been influenced by the career itself and
what comes with it. I look forward to the career, even the factors that
people dread. The long night shifts, the pressure situations, those
are some things that some fear but I highly look forward to.
I am good at academics, and I highly enjoy mathematics and
sciences. My traits and characteristics are some that highly align with
what a doctor needs, the motivation and drive to success,
competitiveness, being able to work well as a team or independently,
my perseverance and persistence to obtain the best possible
outcome, and much more.
Growing up, the career of practitioner seems to come with many
upsides. As the career goes closer, more downsides present
themself than expected. Downsides include long, expensive
schooling, extremely long and unpredictable shifts, potential burn
out, emotional experiences when something goes wrong, extreme
pressure, and much more.
The duties of the doctor are very interpretable, it is all about health
and collaboration. Assessing and treating the patient is the priority,
going through extensive analysis to give the best to the patient. It is
also collaborating with those working along you, the patient, and the
patient’s family. You must be able to work well under stress with
colleagues, and to take lead during high pressure situations. You
also must stay sharp and educated all throughout your career, as
one slip up is the literal difference between life and death.
Salary of an average doctor in Canada is $281,000. The average
salary of a neurologist in Canada is $311,000.
After medical school, I will enter my residency program. Years of
residency depends on the program I specialize in. My salary during
residency will likely range from $54,848.73 to $77,184.09.
The future outlook of doctors around Canada looks extremely
promising. Doctors are always needed, and according to the
Government of Canada, there is an expected shortage from 2019-
2028. This is likely due to many current doctors nearing retirement,
and replacement is due soon.
The profession of a doctor is somewhat cruel when it comes to
personal life, there is not much home and family time as desired,
especially if working in the hospital. When there is home time, it is
usually only used to sleep.
Doctors can advance further by further enhancing their services after
specializing. They can sub-specialize into other areas of medicine
that has some focus on their primary specialty. For example, after
specializing into plastic surgery, which is a very broad specialty, one
 can further their services by sub-specializing in craniofacial surgery,
reconstructive surgery, and pediatric plastic surgery.

Three employability skills I 1. Perseverance and tenacity, more than willing to work for the best
possess that will support my possible outcome no matter how long it takes.
plan:

Consider:
❏ Soft and hard Skills required 2. Very cooperative, works great with a team and listens to all
for position members
❏ Personal attributes

3. Willing to learn and adapt whenever necessary, very dynamic

person, will be needed for the ever changing medical field.

Education needed to pursue my

plan:
A Medical Degree (M.D.)
Consider: For Canadian universities, a Bachelors Degree is also needed.
❏ Courses/training/ certificates
needed Must write MCAT in Canada/Canadian universities to pursue
❏ Post-secondary medicine school
requirements

MY BACKUP PLAN: Pharmacist Name: Arjun Dhaliwal

My Plan B: I have always had a natural affinity with chemistry. It is something I
Consider: love to do, and something that highly interests me. The career of
❏ What do you enjoy? pharmacist would provide me with a much more lenient, calm
❏ What sort of lifestyle do you lifestyle, as well as allowing me to conduct my own research.
want?
❏ What are you good at? Being a pharmacist will allow for a 9 to 5, harmonious lifestyle. It
could allow me to focus on other projects on the side, and I could
open up my own pharmacy/market. There is great potential for
absolute control of my life.

Becoming a pharmacist and completing the required practicum may

present challenges that would highlight my characteristics. Getting
through those training and learning stages will require grit and
perseverance. It will also require passion and a will to continue
learning. Learning about the drug market and knowing exactly what
each pharmaceutical drug contains and their side effects. Passion of
chemistry needs to exist, and I definitely do exhibit this.
Career Info that I have
discovered…
Consider:
❏ Upsides/downsides of job
❏ Job duties/responsibilities
❏ Salary range
❏ Future outlook
❏ Lifestyle factors
❏ Advancement opportunities
Pharmacists are high, and likely always, in demand. It is a very
flexible career that allows you to work exactly how you desire. Self-
employment is possible, working at a hospital is possible, working
for retail is possible. The outlook looks very positive as well, as rate
of employment of pharmacists is expected to continue increasing
until 2026.
Working as a pharmacist in a hospital environment may not provide
the absolute flexibility that many desire or imagine with such a
career, as a hospital requires to be open at all times. Customer
service skills will be required, and patience with these people as
well, which one may find to be tested while working.

The average salary range for pharmacists in Canada is around $80k

to $124k.

After the first couple of years, the pharmacist has the potential to
take absolute control of their life. They will likely be the point of
further advancement in their career, becoming a supervisor, or a
manager even. Other pharmacists would even begin thinking of
expanding and starting up their own business. Establishment comes
somewhat quick in this career, and many will live very happy lives
as a pharmacist.

The main advancement opportunities is working up the ladder of the

career, becoming a supervisor and eventual manager. Some may
take lead as a Primary Care Clinical Pharmacist. Some may want to
become professors. Many will decide to open their own pharmacy,
and would also be my plan if I was to pursue this career.

Three employability skills I 1. Willing to learn and adapt whenever necessary, very dynamic
possess that will support my person, needed in a field like pharmacy, where new
plan: pharmaceuticals are being created all the time.

Consider:
❏ Soft and hard skills required
for position 2. Leadership skills, will be needed especially when I am
❏ Personal attributes managing/own my very own pharmacy.

3. Great communication skills, both with my own team and for

customers.

Education needed to pursue my

plan: Undergraduate experience of 2 years minimum (60 credits min.)

Consider: Doctor of Pharmacy Degree

❏ Courses/training/certificates
needed
❏ Post-secondary
requirements
 Post-Secondary Option
Plan A - Schools/Training
Name of First Choice School Second Choice School
School: UBC University of Toronto

Name of Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry) Bachelor of Science – Studies in Life

Degree or type Sciences
of training you Medical School (M.D.)
will receive Medical School (M.D.)
Example:
Bachelor of
Science

Length of the 8 Years (4 years undergraduate, 4 8 Years (4 years undergraduate, 4

program years medical school) years medical school))
Example: 4
years

Price of Tuition $5,506.80 $7,700.00

for the first year

Approx. Cost of $1,540.00 $1000.00

books/supplies
for the first year

Cost to live in $15,334.00 (including technology, $16,677.33

Residence meal plan, personal etc.)

Application Fee $126.50 $180.00

to apply to
program

Application January 15, 2021 January 15, 2021

deadline
Example:
February, 13th,
2020

Academic English Studies 12 English 12

Requirements Pre-Calculus 12 (minimum 67%) Calculus 12
for program Anatomy and Physiology 12, or Pre-Calculus 12
(pre-requisites) Chemistry 12, or Physics 12 Biology 12
Chemistry 12
English 11 Physics 12 is recommended but not
Language 11 needed
Chemistry 11
Physics 11
Pre-Calculus 11 or Foundations of
Mathematics 12

Other possible Forensic Sciences Forensic Sciences

occupations Research in Lab Environment Research in Lab Environment
with this type of Teacher Teacher
degree Journalism for scientific writing Journalism for scientific writing

Post-Secondary Option
Plan B - Schools/Training
Name of First Choice School Second Choice School
School: UBC University of Waterloo

Name of Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Bachelor of Science (Biomedical

Degree or type (2 years minimum) Sciences)
of training you
will receive Doctor of Pharmacy Degree Doctor of Pharmacy Degree
Example:
Bachelor of
Science

Length of the 6 years minimum (2 years Bachelors 6 years minimum (2 years Bachelors
program minimum, 4 years Doctor of minimum, 4 years Doctor of
Example: 4 Pharmacy) Pharmacy)
years

Price of Tuition $5,507.00 $7,700.00

for the first year

Approx. Cost of $1,600.00 $2,290.00

books/supplies
for the first year

Cost to live in $15,334.00 $12,676.00

Residence

Application Fee $126.50 $125.00

to apply to
program

Application January 15, 2021 February 1, 2021

deadline
Example:
February, 13th,
2020

Academic English Studies 12 English 12

Requirements Pre-Calculus 12 (minimum 67%) Pre-Calculus 12
for program Anatomy and Physiology 12, or Calculus 12 or AP Calculus
(pre-requisites) Chemistry 12, or Physics 12
2 of the following:
English 11 Anatomy and Physiology 12,
Language 11 Chemistry 12, Foundations of Math 12
Chemistry 11 or Statistics 12, Geology 12, or
Physics 11 Physics 12
Pre-Calculus 11 or Foundations of
Mathematics 12

Other possible Primary Care Clinical Pharmacist Health Care Orientated Careers
occupations Professor of Teaching/Assistant - Doctors
with this type of Professor of Teaching - Dentists
degree - Chiropractors
- Veterinarians

Travel Option
Itinerary and Budget

In Word, create a table and ensure you have included ALL of the following
information for your travel itinerary.

Where:
● List where you plan to travel (be specific and list exactly which countries and cities)
When:
● What time of year/season
● For how long (in each location)
How:
● Modes of transportation (research the cost and timing
Accomodations
● List where you will be staying for each location and how many nights. Include a link
● Indicate the cost per night
Budgeting Costs:
● Anticipate food costs
● Costs for activities etc
● Phone plan (extra charges?)
● Travel insurance
● What will you need to buy before you go?
● What will you buy while you are travelling?
Where: I will travel to Canada for two weeks
3 days in B.C. (1 day in Tofino, 2 days in Whistler)
3 days in Alberta (2 days in Banff, 1 day in Edmonton)
4 days in Ontario (3 days in Toronto, 1 day in Ottawa)
3 days in Quebec (2 days in Montreal and 1 day in Quebec
City)
2 days in Newfoundland and Labrador (2 days in St. John)

When: Tofino - May 10th

Whistler - May 11 - May 13th
Banff - May 14th - May 16th
Edmonton - May 17th
Toronto - May 18th
Ottawa - May 19th
Montreal - May 20th - May 21st
Quebec City - May 22nd
Newfoundland & Labrador - May 23rd and 24th

How: Rental Car in BC - $30/day x 3 days = $90 + GST (if not

rental, calculate mileage and gas)
Train to Alberta = $200/one way ticket
Flight from Edmonton to Toronto = $800.00 one way ticket
Rental Car from Toronto to the east coast = $40/day x 6 days
= 240 + GST (if not rental, calculate mileage and gas)
Flight from St. John to Vancouver = $1400 one way ticket

Accomodations: Tofino - Wyckenwish Inn $400/night. 5 Star Hotel. Link:

Include price, links and www.wyckenwishinn.ca
reviews for EACH of your ETC….
accommodations.

Budget: (food/activities etc).

Be specific for each location
and include links for special
activities (ie: museums,
sporting events, concerts
etc).
 Work-Life Option
Living Costs and Savings Goal

Income Monthly: Yearly:

Hourly Wage/salary

Parents

Total Income

Expenses:

Rent
● List where you plan to live (either a
link or a detailed description)

Medical Insurance

Utilities

Food/Grocery

Car Insurance

Gas for Car

Car Repairs

Compass cost

Cell Phone/Internet

Clothing

Entertainment / Going out

Personal sundries

Recreation / Gym membership

Other
-parking fees
-gifts
-house supplies
-specialist fees
-eye care/prescriptions
-hair cuts
-move in costs (furniture, truck rental)

Savings
-try and save 10%

Total Expenses
Total Income MINUS Total Expenses

Write a reflection on whether your job will support your lifestyle.

● What sacrifices will you have to make?
● How will your priorities change?
● How much money do you plan to save per year? What will you use your savings
for in five years? Ten years? What are your savings goals?