Strenghts and Weakness

[zdlamkin8195]

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My background: I perform neurological monitoring for orthospine and neuro surgeons and have done so for about 2 years (since i completed school). I graduated with a degree in Biology from a small university in the south with a 3.5 cGPA and around a 3.2sGPA.. I also was an EMT in college and completed the first half of a respiratory therapy program (GPA =3.5) before in got my current job. I currently earn about $70k on a 4 day work week, but feel like I am made for more and I am tired of my job depending on others (surgeons) to keep me around. I have about $25k in student loans. I have shadowed podiatrists and should have good references, will be taking the MCAT in August, and good personal skills. I also made C's in general chemistry, a D in orgo 1 the first time I took it (retook and got a B), and a B in Biochem, and a C in cell biology (a realistic excuse for it - but it is still an excuse in adcoms eyes I'm sure).

After working for several years and being involved in hundreds of spine/brain surgeries, I have a desire to go back to school. I have explored EVERY possible career path and have decided that podiatry is for me. Since I am 25 and don't have the luxury of time, I just wanted to get some opinions from current attendings/residents/podiatry students on what my strengths/weaknesses are and how to best use my strengths to get accepted. Is this a realistic/worth while career move? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[MaxillofacialMN]

My background: I perform neurological monitoring for orthospine and neuro surgeons and have done so for about 2 years (since i completed school). I graduated with a degree in Biology from a small university in the south with a 3.5 cGPA and around a 3.2sGPA.. I also was an EMT in college and completed the first half of a respiratory therapy program (GPA =3.5) before in got my current job. I currently earn about $70k on a 4 day work week, but feel like I am made for more and I am tired of my job depending on others (surgeons) to keep me around. I have about $25k in student loans. I have shadowed podiatrists and should have good references, will be taking the MCAT in August, and good personal skills. I also made C's in general chemistry, a D in orgo 1 the first time I took it (retook and got a B), and a B in Biochem, and a C in cell biology (a realistic excuse for it - but it is still an excuse in adcoms eyes I'm sure).

After working for several years and being involved in hundreds of spine/brain surgeries, I have a desire to go back to school. I have explored EVERY possible career path and have decided that podiatry is for me. Since I am 25 and don't have the luxury of time, I just wanted to get some opinions from current attendings/residents/podiatry students on what my strengths/weaknesses are and how to best use my strengths to get accepted. Is this a realistic/worth while career move? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

I'm not a/an attending/resident/podiatry student, but I'll give you advice. Do well on the MCAT and you'll be fine. You've been out of school for a while, so if you can do well on the MCAT (read: >25), it will show the adcoms you know what you're doing and your shady school performance is in the past.

If adcoms do care, they probably won't stress the C's (not C-'s right? Because some schools might immediately prescreen you out if a prereq is less than a C...) in gen chem, but might be more interested in the D-->B score. You retook the class, and didn't get an "A"? Or a B+ at least? If this were med/dent school, that'd be a HUGE dealbreaker, because we're talking pod, you can probably weasel your way out of it perhaps, but maybe think of another excuse for that too if it comes up in the interview....

Also, how is your sGPA so high (~B+ avg) when you are sitting on a D, 3 C's, and 2 B's? Did you ace your other classes?!? That will probably help you, I guess...

Comment: You're making 70k four days a week with a bio major...... You sure you want 4 years of school, 3 years of residency, and over 200k in debt when you're making that much??

 

[MaxillofacialMN]

Gosh, sorry, I know it's not all about the money, but this is bothering me.

You've probably thought about this, but in the off chance you hadn't..........

In the seven years it will take you to complete pod school, you'll have earned (70k x 7)= $500k, with 3 day weekends (!!!!) every week.

In those seven years of pod school, you've earned (negative) $200k (probs more though), and 0 day weekends.

So, you'll be *up* 700k, after those seven years. Let's say as a pod you make double your current salary (easy math this way), first portion of salary goes to "compensate" your current job, so you're left with an "extra" 70k. This will take an additional 10 years to make up the 700k you were down. (10+7=17), you're now 42, and you've only just broken even. But actually, you haven't, because you're pod school debt will probably double (extremely conservative estimate!) by this time, so really you'll have another 3-4 years of being a DPM to break even (realistically, it's probably like 8, because loans at 8% SUCK!). Now you're almost 50. When do you want to retire? 65 (I mean you a doctor after all...)? that's only 15 years of "added income." Plus, you're current job will probably yield promotions and raises, and if you're making that much working in healthcare you probably get sweet benefits too... AND you get a 3 day weekend.....

Just food for thought. 😉

 

[zdlamkin8195]

I definitely have considered everything that you have mentioned...The thing is, that I don't feel satisfied doing what I currently am doing (I feel like I'm made for more), the stress of the job, low job security (I've moved from 3 different cities in a year and a half), I'm pigeon holed in the fact that I can only work in VERY few areas of the country and only in a handful of jobs, and a COMPLETE lack of respect from anyone I work with for the most part (most staff just assume I am one of the sales reps just trying to make a sale - even though I don't sale anything)...I also am from an area that has very few podiatrist and it seems to be a good area to go (its rural Arkansas so most people don't want to come, but being from there, I am ok with it). The one thing this job has taught me is that I want to make money, but I really want to make money doing something that I love. I don't want to just live my life being a warm body in the corner of the room for my entire life...I do appreciate your input though!

 

[prepod37]

Hey would you mind sharing a little bit about how you got that job? I've never really heard of that position and it sounds interesting. I have a degree in Biology as well and I'm curious about that career. Thanks a lot.

 

[ORDPM]

Gosh, sorry, I know it's not all about the money, but this is bothering me.

You've probably thought about this, but in the off chance you hadn't..........

In the seven years it will take you to complete pod school, you'll have earned (70k x 7)= $500k, with 3 day weekends (!!!!) every week.

In those seven years of pod school, you've earned (negative) $200k (probs more though), and 0 day weekends.

So, you'll be *up* 700k, after those seven years. Let's say as a pod you make double your current salary (easy math this way), first portion of salary goes to "compensate" your current job, so you're left with an "extra" 70k. This will take an additional 10 years to make up the 700k you were down. (10+7=17), you're now 42, and you've only just broken even. But actually, you haven't, because you're pod school debt will probably double (extremely conservative estimate!) by this time, so really you'll have another 3-4 years of being a DPM to break even (realistically, it's probably like 8, because loans at 8% SUCK!). Now you're almost 50. When do you want to retire? 65 (I mean you a doctor after all...)? that's only 15 years of "added income." Plus, you're current job will probably yield promotions and raises, and if you're making that much working in healthcare you probably get sweet benefits too... AND you get a 3 day weekend.....

Just food for thought. 😉

HAHA I seriously had nearly this EXACT conversation with my brother-in-law. Cost of attending pod school, cost of lost income, etc. I currently have a job where I make over 100k during just the summer months, between school years. When people hear that they always wonder why I dont keep doing what I'm doing. Simple answer, I'd be happier as a podiatrist. So many people think earning a certain dollar amount will bring them happiness, but you cannot put a price tag on a having a fulfilling career that you will enjoy day in and day out. I cannot wait.

 

[Cozell]

Nobody turns down 100K in 3 months time. NOBODY

Are you a made guy in the mafia?

Took the words right outa my mouth,,

And to Max you have to add in the fact that as a Pod he will see his pay increase as he gains experience/becomes a partner/owner. He could potentially double his starting pod salary by that 10 year mark. If that happens no matter how bad debt is he will place himself at an advantage.

It is easy to point out his opportunity cost because he is working currently at such a salary but each one of us faces the EXACT opportunity cost. If we all became petroleoum engineers we could make 90k our first year out of undergrad. So minus the fact he is 25 and how ever many years out of college we are all in the same position ironically. So I guess it should not be a factor in your decision though that is some enlightening information Max LOL makes me question my own reasoning for a minute.

 

[MaxillofacialMN]

Took the words right outa my mouth,,

And to Max you have to add in the fact that as a Pod he will see his pay increase as he gains experience/becomes a partner/owner. He could potentially double his starting pod salary by that 10 year mark. If that happens no matter how bad debt is he will place himself at an advantage.

It is easy to point out his opportunity cost because he is working currently at such a salary but each one of us faces the EXACT opportunity cost. If we all became petroleoum engineers we could make 90k our first year out of undergrad. So minus the fact he is 25 and how ever many years out of college we are all in the same position ironically. So I guess it should not be a factor in your decision though that is some enlightening information Max LOL makes me question my own reasoning for a minute.

Haha I know! My bro is an electrical engineer for an oil company, and he makes really good money for only having a Bachelors. After thinking about how many more years of training and debt I'll have, it sometimes makes me jealous. But on the real, being an engineer would be awful - for me.

 

[frankcfromny]

A close family friend got his masters degree in health administration. So, 2 years he spent in a master's program. At 24/25 he was 60k in debt, he graduated and worked at Sloan-Kettering for like 10 or so years. He started at 70k and by the time he left he was flirting with six figures. Now he's making "upwards of 100k" (didn't offer the exact amt.) back home. That's why he left Sloan...to be back where he grew up.

So, long story short...I have a business background (business minor) and had an eBay business. So its obviously something I like and don't mind doing. A lot of my fellow science majors absolutely hate anything and everything to do with business. He found this out at the end of the school year and has been hardcore trying to get me exposed to the field hoping that I'll change my mind.

He is very very adamant about telling me to follow my heart, but he claims that in the long run I'll make less than a podiatrist but not by much and my quality of life will be significantly better early on- of which you can't put a price on.

 

[Cozell]

Haha I know! My bro is an electrical engineer for an oil company, and he makes really good money for only having a Bachelors. After thinking about how many more years of training and debt I'll have, it sometimes makes me jealous. But on the real, being an engineer would be awful - for me.

Yea even the computer science majors get that early pay check lol I get that same feeling as you. But like you said I just would not be happy as a engineer or computer scientist honestly, the idea of sitting in a chair all day starring at a file or computer just hurts my sanity. So pharmacy is out too I'd rather be a Detective and make 60k than a engineer and make 80k.

But being a doctor and helping people everday beats all that so in the end it'll straighten me out on Moula and job satisfaction👍 Winning😎.

 

[ORDPM]

Nobody turns down 100K in 3 months time. NOBODY

Are you a made guy in the mafia?

I know man, many people who had this job before me and turned it down after a few years to pursue a career that interets them. Its a commission based job, and I'm very good at what I do, but I hate it. I get to see my wife for usually 30 mins a day on weekdays and I work until about 6:00 on saturdays. It is more demanding than ANY semester of school I've been through and more mentally draining. I hate the job but have kept at it for 4 summers to pay for my undergrad education, my wedding, a car, and have enough in the bank to avoid loans for podiatry school. It's been a great means to an end.

 

[MaxillofacialMN]

What's your job? I'll quit podiatry school with with less than two years left to go and take your job...I'd do it in a heart beat.

Unless this is a summer-specific job, you could make hella money over a year... And you probably wouldn't need to work on Saturdays.

 

[dyk343]

You work 3 months out of the year and make more money than most Americans do in 12 months time but its too "hard and mentally draining and I have to work till 6:00 on Saturdays"

 

[dyk343]

I've been reading these boards since 2008. This is truly the only time I've had to take off my glasses and rub my eyes. I just couldn't believe what ORDPM wrote.

Ever been to a 2nd or 3rd world country ORDPM? Those people work hard (for nothing).

 

[dtrack22]

👍

You weren't the only one. I'm surprised others aren't flipping out about this like I am. Insanity.

I just flat out don't believe him...

 

[purplescubagear]

I've been reading these boards since 2008. This is truly the only time I've had to take off my glasses and rub my eyes. I just couldn't believe what ORDPM wrote.

Ever been to a 2nd or 3rd world country ORDPM? Those people work hard (for nothing).

Haha yeah I have, I spent time in Central America doing vilunteer humanitarian work and loved it.

 

[Cozell]

What are you a vacation realestate agent ORD, I can kind of relate to your position since I am a waiter and make like 150-200$ a night (5hour shift) but I just hate dealing with caddy girls allday. However 6 figures is a bit much to gripe about I mean lets be honest bro.

 

[purplescubagear]

Even if it was a 3 month job I'd still quit podiatry school in a heartbeat and take it...work 3 months and make 6 figures??? No brainer.

Also, if ORDPM gets this bent out of shape about work and putting in long hours then he should think twice about pursuing a career in healthcare. Especially with all the politics podiatry faces, etc on top of the long hours. I wouldn't leave a lifestyle like that for this.

Why would I think twice about pursuing a career I really want and will enjoy? I fully understand podiatry school will require long hours, but it has an end result I desire. Also, I'm curious what you know abou my lifestyle. I have learned a few things from this job, one is how to work dang hard and be dang successful (thousands of college kids have the same commission job I do and can't make more than $20,000 in a summer) I have also learned that enjoying life is more important than a big dollar sign. I dont enjoy my job and that is the majorty of my life, its a no brainer to do something I'll enjoy until I retire. I'll make enough as a podiatrist to support my family and live a comfortable life. Luckily I was good enough at my current job to have the burden of loans lifted while I pursue one of my dreams.

 

[MaxillofacialMN]

Purplecubagear = ORDPM???

Why do you have two accounts??

 

[Cozell]

Purplecubagear = ORDPM???

Why do you have two accounts??

Excellent Deduction my good man.

What is this Debachory.

 

[purplescubagear]

By the way, I'm done with this job in a month, those of you that want the lifestyle, and will do it in a heartbeat send me a personal message and I'll set you up doing what I do. I'm serious. There are openings if you can start sooner.

 

[zdlamkin8195]

Hey would you mind sharing a little bit about how you got that job? I've never really heard of that position and it sounds interesting. I have a degree in Biology as well and I'm curious about that career. Thanks a lot.

Look up "Intra-Operative Neurophysiological Monitoring." you just have to find a company willing to hire a new grad with no experience. The job is GREAT for the hours and the fact that you can do it with a B.S. in biology, but getting board certified (CNIM) is HARD. Studying to get those 4 letters behind my name was the single most thing that made me feel like I was ready to take on Pod school!

With that being said, can anyone give any input on what I should focus on for being accepted? I'm tryinmy get objective views my true strengths/weakness for my upcoming application. Thanks guys!