PT to MD to Ortho

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Hi,

I am a non-traditionnal physical therapy student from Toronto (Canada). I have a great interest in global health and surgery. It has occured to me that since I will be completing a M.Sc. PT degree, orthopaedic surgery would be an ideal career choice, not only because of the knowledge I have acquired but also because of the unique spectrum of possibilites it offers in terms of global health careers, notably in emergency trauma situations.

I know it is a highly competitive residency and I am not even accepted at a medical school at this point. Perhaps, I would like to know what could make me an ideal candidate. At this point I have ;

• 3 summers of research : emergency, neuro, plastic surgery
• 1000+ volunteering hours in 5 departments
• 500+ volunteering hours with Doctors Without Borders - Toronto office
• Launched a medical education project in ortho with 3 of my professors
• Member of various ortho/trauma/PT associations
• Various student positions

My dream would be to get in a Canadian medical school and complete my training in the US. But, I have no publications yet and . I have thought about doing research in the States but I have no idea if a program director or a lab would accept me. I don't mind spending my summer (4 months) in a america city doing research.

My questions ;

• Does my PT background help me as much as I think or am I over estimating its value?
• Should I contact US researchers to work with?
• Any other opinion/critic/advice would be appreciated

Thanks to all!

It sounds like you have a lot of intangibles like work in the healthcare field, research, leadership etc. Now it depends on your grades and MCAT scores. Take the test, apply, and cross your fingers.

I know I'm just a premed but I have shadowed an ortho spine doc who was once a physical therapist. I know anecdotal evidence is never enough, but getting into medical didn't seem to be a problem in his case. Good luck!