Physiotherapy Vs Medicine - Is it worth going back to School

I picked up my phone today to find this message on my WhatsApp

“Good morning, Sir.

I follow you on Twitter but couldn’t message you there. I recently found out that you’re the admin of the NZ/Australian Licensed Physio group. I just want to sincerely thank you for everything you do for us physiotherapists, both in Nigeria and beyond. May the good Lord continue to bless you.

My name is withheld. I graduated last year from withheld with a first-class degree, by God’s grace, and I’m currently one month into my internship at the withheld

I initially applied for Medicine in JAMB but was given Physiotherapy instead. I tried switching in my second year, but it didn’t work out, so I decided to continue with Physiotherapy. I used to think the limitations in this field were unique to Nigeria, but I’ve come to realize they exist everywhere. My main concern is the subpar pay, and I’m unsure what the future holds in the next 5 to 10 years.

I’ll be turning 23 in June, and I’m seriously considering going back to school to study Medicine. Do you think this is a good idea? Is it worth it?

Thank you so much for your time. I hope this isn’t too much of a bother.”

And below is my response. I have shared this for anyone having the same issue

Hey, first off congratulations on graduating as a physiotherapist! That is a big achievement, and I know firsthand how tough it can be. A lot of people do not truly understand the struggle that comes with studying physiotherapy, but you made it through, and that’s worth celebrating.

Now, about your question: should you go back to school to study medicine and surgery? I would like to first say that this choice is something only you can make. Not your parents, not your friends, not even me. Because, at the end of the day, you are the one who will live with that choice. You are the one who will wake up every day and practice the profession you choose, so whatever you decide, make sure it’s something you genuinely want.

I get why you’re thinking about this. A lot of physiotherapists, at some point, wonder if they should switch to medicine and I know this because so many young physios ask me this same question and I always tell them the same thing; “make sure you are doing it for the right reasons”

If your goal is to help people, you don’t need to become a doctor to do that. Physiotherapists change lives every single day. We take patients from being completely dependent to walking again. We restore mobility, relieve pain, and help people regain their independence. No profession in health and care have been able to have the bond and relations physios often have with their patients. The connection we build with our patients is unmatched. If your motivation is simply to make a difference in people’s lives, you’re already in the right place.

But if we’re talking about money, which I think we are, I will be honest with you. Doctors generally earn more. Physiotherapy, despite being a highly skilled profession, is underpaid worldwide. It doesn’t matter if you’re in Nigeria, the UK, or even the US - physios are not paid what they deserve compared to their level of training.

Think about it. In Nigeria, it takes seven years to become a fully qualified physiotherapist (6 years in school and 1 year of compulsory internship). In the US, you’ll spend around seven years as well—four years of undergraduates, then three years in physiotherapy school to get a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). And even after all that, in most countries, physiotherapy salaries don’t compare to what doctors earn. If you check indeed, linkedin or NHS job listings right now, you won’t find a physiotherapy job paying £100,000 per year—you’d struggle to find one even at £70,000. Meanwhile, other healthcare professionals—nurses, pharmacists, optometrist often earn more, and they deserve to.

But, if you’re thinking about switching to medicine purely for financial reasons, ask yourself if it’s worth the time investment. You’re 23 years old now. If you go back to medical school, that’s another 7–8 years before you graduate, plus houseman-ship, NYSC (if you're in Nigeria), and then residency, which could take another 4–6 years depending on your specialization. You could be pushing your late 30s before you start earning the kind of salary you’re aiming for.

Meanwhile, in that same time, a physiotherapist who thinks like an entrepreneur could be years ahead in building financial success. That’s the real difference. If you stick with physiotherapy and only rely on a salary, yes, you might feel limited. But the physiotherapists who break through financially are the ones who think beyond traditional employment. The ones who start private practices, clinics, consulting firms, sports rehab businesses, brand partnerships, or content creation. If you’re willing to put in the work and think beyond just being an employee, physiotherapy can be just as lucrative—if not more—than medicine. Just to add as well, there are many Doctors leaving clinical practice because they don’t feel they earn what they should be, and many are now content creators. An example being Ali Abdaal on youtube.

So, here is the real question: Do you want to depend on a salary, or do you want to create your own financial future?

If you’re truly passionate about medicine, if the thought of being a doctor excites you in a way that physiotherapy never has, then go for it. Don’t let anyone talk you out of it. With your background in physiotherapy, medical school might even be easier for you. But if your only reason is money, I’d think twice. Medicine is demanding, stressful, and takes years of commitment. If financial stability is your goal, there are faster and smarter ways to achieve it than spending another decade in school.

At the end of the day, the choice is yours. But whatever you decide, own it. If you choose medicine, commit to it fully. If you stick with physiotherapy, start thinking beyond a salary—create something, build a brand, invest in yourself, and take charge of your career.

Either way, you’ve already accomplished something great. And no matter which path you take, I wish you nothing but success.