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QofQuimica

QofQuimica

Seriously, dude, I think you're overreacting....
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Dear Nontrads,

After much consideration, I have sadly concluded that it would be best if I stepped down as Nontrad forum mod due to the enormous time commitment of starting residency. It turns out that my first rotation in July is an ICU month (nothing like starting with the hardest thing first--gulp!), and I don't feel like I will be able to give this forum (and you) the time and attention that it deserves. Because of this, I will be stepping down as of May 31.

In the interim two months, I will be training EdLongshanks to take over the moderation of this forum. Ed has been promoted to assistant mod as of today, and he will subsequently be promoted to full mod in time for the changeover. Our two month modding overlap has been put in place so that the transition can be as seemless and nondisruptive as possible.

I want you all to know how much I have enjoyed working with you over the past several years, and I hope you have found some of my posts or advice helpful. I know that Ed will do his utmost to ensure that this forum remains a supportive and informative place for all of the nontrads.

Sincerely,
-Q
 
You've been very helpful Q all these years.God bless you and good luck.Ed what big shoes you have to fill but I know you're up to the task.
 
not longshanks....he's mean.
 
I lurk a hell of a lot more than I post, but you will definitely be missed, Q. Best of luck!
 
Last edited:
Best wishes, Q! Thanks for everything you've done to make this a lively forum.

I, for one, welcome our new Sooner overlord.
 
QofQuimica said:
Dear Nontrads,

After much consideration, I have sadly concluded that it would be best if I stepped down as Nontrad forum mod due to the enormous time commitment of starting residency. It turns out that my first rotation in July is an ICU month (nothing like starting with the hardest thing first--gulp!), and I don't feel like I will be able to give this forum (and you) the time and attention that it deserves. Because of this, I will be stepping down as of May 31.

In the interim two months, I will be training EdLongshanks to take over the moderation of this forum. Ed has been promoted to assistant mod as of today, and he will subsequently be promoted to full mod in time for the changeover. Our two month modding overlap has been put in place so that the transition can be as seemless and nondisruptive as possible.

I want you all to know how much I have enjoyed working with you over the past several years, and I hope you have found some of my posts or advice helpful. I know that Ed will do his utmost to ensure that this forum remains a supportive and informative place for all of the nontrads.

Sincerely,
-Q
Click to expand...

I appreciate the confidence that the SDN moderators place in me as a valuable voice of reason here.

I see that some might object that I am not quite supportive of those who have little to no chance of actually getting into medical school. But I hope that those of us who have been and are serious about getting in can continue to use this forum as a method to exchange information and accurate advice.

Since we have this opportunity, I would like to hear your opinions on how supportive we need to be. You all know the posts that I'm talking about "I have a 1.78 GPA and I am wondering if I ought to take the MCAT this August or wait until Sept when I know that I can self-study enough to do better"
 
Best of luck to you Q and thanks so much again for the advice. 🙂
 
vc7777 said:
I know Q has been talking about stepping down for quite some time offline. I am sorry she (yes SHE) has finally decided to leave. We will miss you. Take care wherever you go!
Click to expand...

Wait...Q is a she? I joke. We'll miss you Q. I love your posts and polls. Congrats on your success 😍

Yay for Ed!
 
EdLongshanks said:
Since we have this opportunity, I would like to hear your opinions on how supportive we need to be. You all know the posts that I'm talking about "I have a 1.78 GPA and I am wondering if I ought to take the MCAT this August or wait until Sept when I know that I can self-study enough to do better"
Click to expand...

While it's certainly desirable to avoid blowing sunshine up someone's arse, there's no call to go around crushing dreams either. When there are serious doubts about someone's likelyhood of being able to make it, I think a no-nonsense, "just the facts" kind of approach is best. Lay out what would need to happen for them to have a realistic chance of making it, and let them decide if they're prepared to spend years struggling for the hint of a chance at getting into med school.
 
Congrats ed, as for your example I tend to be pragmatic and would rather honesty than the site/forum lose its usefulness.
 
Is it not crueler to actually encourage someone with not a snowball's chance in Hades of taking the MCAT, spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars in applications, when we all know a 1.78 GPA won't get accepted? What do you propose?
 
phltz said:
While it's certainly desirable to avoid blowing sunshine ....
Click to expand...

Can sunshine be blown? If it could be blown, wouldn't getting sunshine into that particular place be a pleasant experience.

If we are, on the other hand, shining instead of blowing sunshine, would the metaphor remain unharmed if you were shining sunshine in unusual places..
 
ShyRem said:
Is it not crueler to actually encourage someone with not a snowball's chance in Hades of taking the MCAT, spending hundreds if not thousands of dollars in applications, when we all know a 1.78 GPA won't get accepted? What do you propose?
Click to expand...

So should we all act like surgeon wannabe's and cruelly cut down the hopes of the hopeless and refuse to bleed for the patient?
 
EdLongshanks said:
So should we all act like surgeon wannabe's and cruelly cut down the hopes of the hopeless and refuse to bleed for the patient?
Click to expand...

Another issue that we might consider, occasionally, are the mothers who constantly post about their job being "the hardest job in the world." Come on, let's face it, lots of mothers work very long hours, either as med students or residents, without harm. Let's face it, sometimes the little tykes could do with a little bit of benign neglect.
 
toff4l said:
not longshanks....he's mean.
Click to expand...

I have to say that I agree!

EdLongshanks said:
I would like to hear your opinions on how supportive we need to be. You all know the posts that I'm talking about "I have a 1.78 GPA and I am wondering if I ought to take the MCAT this August or wait until Sept when I know that I can self-study enough to do better"
Click to expand...

How do you handle a "hopeless" medical case?

You have a patient who weighs 400 pounds, has type 2 diabetes, smokes, drinks, eats junk food, and they tell you they want to get healthy enough to run a marathon. In your mind there's no real chance that they're going to achieve this goal, but it's not your job to tell them that. You tell them that first they need to stop smoking, stop drinking, and improve their diet. Start walking 20 minutes a day, three days a week. Then build up to 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Join a gym and start using the elliptical machine one hour a day, six days a week. Increase the resistance setting once or twice a month.

It might take two years to drop the first 100 pounds, and it might take three or four years before the patient has lost enough weight that they can comfortably jog without hurting their knees. Your patient may never be running marathons, but if they can slim down to 250 or 200 they will be a lot healthier. And who knows, maybe one time out of a hundred that person will really surprise you!
​

It's the same with the "hopeless" cases who come here asking for advice.

All we can do is tell them the honest steps to getting into medical school, no matter where they're starting from. If someone comes with a GPA of 0.5 and wants to do surgery, I'd tell them the honest steps they need to take. Even if that means saying "I think you'll have to spend four or five years as an undergraduate improving your GPA before you're ready to apply to school... you have a 20 year road ahead of you before you will be an independent neurosurgeon," that's what I'll say.​
 
People! How is any of this about Q leaving? Ed is going to be a mod. Ok, all that means is its up to him if your post is inappropriate, and for him to help keep things on track. He still gets to disagree with you, and you with him... Good grief, we all have our own opinions, personally, I think he'll be fine as a Mod... For the record, longshanks and edlongshanks aren't the same...
 
hopefuldoc97239 said:
I have to say that I agree!



How do you handle a "hopeless" medical case?
You have a patient who weighs 400 pounds, has type 2 diabetes, smokes, drinks, eats junk food, and they tell you they want to get healthy enough to run a marathon. In your mind there's no real chance that they're going to achieve this goal, but it's not your job to tell them that. You tell them that first they need to stop smoking, stop drinking, and improve their diet. Start walking 20 minutes a day, three days a week. Then build up to 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Join a gym and start using the elliptical machine one hour a day, six days a week. Increase the resistance setting once or twice a month.

It might take two years to drop the first 100 pounds, and it might take three or four years before the patient has lost enough weight that they can comfortably jog without hurting their knees. Your patient may never be running marathons, but if they can slim down to 250 or 200 they will be a lot healthier. And who knows, maybe one time out of a hundred that person will really surprise you!
​
It's the same with the "hopeless" cases who come here asking for advice.
All we can do is tell them the honest steps to getting into medical school, no matter where they're starting from. If someone comes with a GPA of 0.5 and wants to do surgery, I'd tell them the honest steps they need to take. Even if that means saying "I think you'll have to spend four or five years as an undergraduate improving your GPA before you're ready to apply to school... you have a 20 year road ahead of you before you will be an independent neurosurgeon," that's what I'll say.​
Click to expand...

Isn't calling someone "mean" little different from being mean yourself?

And while it is true that a 1.7 GPA applicant could, theoretically, redo all of his classes and apply DO, let's face it, they aren't going to do that. Wouldn't it be nicer to just tell them, "Yes, you can, but we doubt that you will."

It's kind of like when I took my children's bandages off. "Ok, on three. One, riiiiiip." That was always fun.
 
I agree. "Are you willing to pay the price?" is a question that can only be appropriately answered by one's self. Those that overcome incredible odds often cite the most subtle catalyst for their inspiring courage.

hopefuldoc97239 said:
I have to say that I agree!



How do you handle a "hopeless" medical case?

You have a patient who weighs 400 pounds, has type 2 diabetes, smokes, drinks, eats junk food, and they tell you they want to get healthy enough to run a marathon. In your mind there's no real chance that they're going to achieve this goal, but it's not your job to tell them that. You tell them that first they need to stop smoking, stop drinking, and improve their diet. Start walking 20 minutes a day, three days a week. Then build up to 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Join a gym and start using the elliptical machine one hour a day, six days a week. Increase the resistance setting once or twice a month.

It might take two years to drop the first 100 pounds, and it might take three or four years before the patient has lost enough weight that they can comfortably jog without hurting their knees. Your patient may never be running marathons, but if they can slim down to 250 or 200 they will be a lot healthier. And who knows, maybe one time out of a hundred that person will really surprise you!
​

It's the same with the "hopeless" cases who come here asking for advice.

All we can do is tell them the honest steps to getting into medical school, no matter where they're starting from. If someone comes with a GPA of 0.5 and wants to do surgery, I'd tell them the honest steps they need to take. Even if that means saying "I think you'll have to spend four or five years as an undergraduate improving your GPA before you're ready to apply to school... you have a 20 year road ahead of you before you will be an independent neurosurgeon," that's what I'll say.​
Click to expand...
 
SBB2016 said:
People! How is any of this about Q leaving? Ed is going to be a mod. Ok, all that means is its up to him if your post is inappropriate, and for him to help keep things on track. He still gets to disagree with you, and you with him... Good grief, we all have our own opinions, personally, I think he'll be fine as a Mod... For the record, longshanks and edlongshanks aren't the same...
Click to expand...

No, we're the same. That's me. See the little icon under my name.
 
Well if your intentions are good then so be it. But I do remember you giving sarcastic, condescending responses to several otherwise legitimate questions from myself and other members.

Also, as a "Sunday school teacher", not cool for you to send me a warning because I pointed out that you are "mean."

I'm not intimidated by you and I'll call you out again if need be.


EdLongshanks said:
I appreciate the confidence that the SDN moderators place in me as a valuable voice of reason here.

I see that some might object that I am not quite supportive of those who have little to no chance of actually getting into medical school. But I hope that those of us who have been and are serious about getting in can continue to use this forum as a method to exchange information and accurate advice.

Since we have this opportunity, I would like to hear your opinions on how supportive we need to be. You all know the posts that I'm talking about "I have a 1.78 GPA and I am wondering if I ought to take the MCAT this August or wait until Sept when I know that I can self-study enough to do better"
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
In the short time I've been a member here, I've seen no one contribute more solid, straightforward and helpful advice. You've been a great resource, best of luck to you, and may all the positive karma be returned to you from the help you've provided others.

Cheers mate!
 
toff4l said:
Well if your intentions are good than so be it. But I do remember you giving sarcastic, condescending responses to several otherwise legitimate questions from myself and other members.

Also, as a "Sunday school teacher", not cool for you to send me a warning because I pointed out that you are "mean."

I'm not intimidated by you and I'll call you out again if need be.
Click to expand...

Well there are several parts of the Bible to teach in Sunday School. There's always Moses stamping the golden calf into powder, putting it into the water and making the people drink it.
 
The end of an era. We appreciate you--the indomitable, unstoppable Q.

Ed. Keep stirring up the ****. That ref is f'n blind. Let'em have it. Send the Godless to meet their premed maker.

I'm with SB. We're free to completely disagree. I'm hoping to get completely censored to be completely honest. Doctors are professional a-holes! = Jesus is my savior.

Thanks Ed. Goodluck. Remember when comes to un-godfearing liberals it's best just come straight with it. And tell them what god thinks about what their uteruses are really for.
 
Hello Q,

It's so funny that you would even ask if your posts of advice has been helpful. I guess you are getting your answer by seeing how many people are wishing you luck in your future endeavors and thanking you, and it hasn't even been 24 hours you've made your announcement. I myself am thankful for your time and can't wait to hear from you again once you slay the beast. Good luck and may the wind be towards your mast whichever way it is pointed. Thanks
 
Q,

good luck on all your future endeavors and I truly appreciate all your contributions to this forum.

On a side note- I must say some of the things being said as a NEW moderator is pretty peculiar. As a mother I'm pretty offended!
 
Q, from the MCAT forum to here, you have been truly wonderful. All the best with residency and do pop back in once in a while to give us updates.
 
Ed is very helpful, and contributes some great advice on these forums. I think that counts a lot more than his personality, sense of sarcasm or even "meanness", which are all subjective.
 
EdLongshanks said:
Another issue that we might consider, occasionally, are the mothers who constantly post about their job being "the hardest job in the world." Come on, let's face it, lots of mothers work very long hours, either as med students or residents, without harm. Let's face it, sometimes the little tykes could do with a little bit of benign neglect.
Click to expand...

There is no need to go there man.
 
EdLongshanks said:
No, we're the same. That's me. See the little icon under my name.
Click to expand...

There is a separate user named "Longshanks," but he hangs out in pre-allo. "Longshanks" as used in the non-trad forum, of course, refers to you. 🙂
 
Thank you Q for answering all my questions in the past!!!! Good luck! 🙂
 
Thanks a bunch for everything Q! Best of luck to you in all your future endeavors.

As for Ed, I have to admit that I occasionally find your tone to be a bit condescending and I consider you the board "know-it-all". I worry that as moderator you'll fully embrace that role, something that would probably make me puke. I hope that you'll take your new job seriously and at least try to soften your occasionally abrasive commentary.
 
EdLongshanks said:
Isn't calling someone "mean" little different from being mean yourself?

And while it is true that a 1.7 GPA applicant could, theoretically, redo all of his classes and apply DO, let's face it, they aren't going to do that. Wouldn't it be nicer to just tell them, "Yes, you can, but we doubt that you will."

It's kind of like when I took my children's bandages off. "Ok, on three. One, riiiiiip." That was always fun.
Click to expand...
😱
 
I discovered this forum in 2008 and with it's help (and helpful people like Q) I learned how to get into medical school. Thanks for all of your help Q, and best of luck in your residency!

PS: Please tell us that it's an April Fools joke about Ed becoming a mod.

Just kidding, Ed. Please don't ban me!
 
vc7777 said:
😱
Click to expand...

I've always been a fan of DrMidlife's and njbmd's responses from the little time I've trolled this internet forum. They always managed to give realistic, no-sunshine-up-my-ass-here responses in a tasteful manner.
 
EdLongshanks said:
Since we have this opportunity, I would like to hear your opinions on how supportive we need to be. You all know the posts that I'm talking about "I have a 1.78 GPA and I am wondering if I ought to take the MCAT this August or wait until Sept when I know that I can self-study enough to do better"
Click to expand...

I think the best approach is being straight forward and honest with people. I used to be a cop and people would inquire all the time about 'what it takes'. If they were really heavy and out of shape, I would be straight forward about information reference the physical agility test and the real life demands of being 'on the street'. If they were concerned about their past cocaine use, I would be straight forward about the requirements for passing the background. If they only had a 1.78 gpa..... Well ok, that is good enough to become a cop.

I guess what I'm saying is there are people out there that have a 1.78 gpa and COULD get into medical school. Why not tell them what it will take and let them decide what they want/will do. Not many people gave me a chance of actually making it and I really appreciated the open and honest opinions more than the 'just be a cop, you make good money and you don't stand a chance of getting into medschool anyways."
 
toff4l said:
Well if your intentions are good then so be it. But I do remember you giving sarcastic, condescending responses to several otherwise legitimate questions from myself and other members.

Also, as a "Sunday school teacher", not cool for you to send me a warning because I pointed out that you are "mean."

I'm not intimidated by you and I'll call you out again if need be.
Click to expand...

You seriously need to grow a little more spine than you are showing around here. You've been a posting member for less than a month and you have spent the last week bitching about all the people who are mean. Act like an adult who can deal with other people not treating you like a toddler at the dentist's office.

Ed, congrats. You know what side of the soft/tough love fence on which I fall, and I'm glad you are usually there as well.

Q - you're awesome and will be missed. Best of luck and stop back by.
 
n3xa said:
I've always been a fan of DrMidlife's and njbmd's responses from the little time I've trolled this internet forum. They always managed to give realistic, no-sunshine-up-my-ass-here responses in a tasteful manner.
Click to expand...

Do we really need that much taste and refinement, though? After all we are going to be doctors, digging through places where there is no sunshine and dealing with things that no sane person would taste. Can't we, at least with each other, be plain and factual.

Here some suggested phrases that I will never ban anyone for writing.

"No, you don't have a chance."

"Yes, having a baby during med school is a bad idea."

"Yes, you probably will get divorced during residency."

"No, if you can't pass physics, you won't do well on the MCAT."

"Yes, if you go to the Caribbean you will fail and ruin your life."
 
Shall we practice one more:

"No, you can't get into medical school with online pre-reqs and the University of Phoenix graduates don't become physicians."
 
I remember someone saying, "you never mention divorce to a married couple." Would we be "factual" to tell you that your marriage will not make it through residency?

I am sure the Caribbean grads now practicing in the US would argue that their lives are not ruined.

Having a baby in med school may be difficult, but you have absolutely no right to tell someone that having a family is a "bad idea"

I wonder how many people would say being 48 in medical school is a bad idea. Does that mean it's true? You tell me.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being plain and factual, but being rude and arrogant doesn't accomplish anything.




EdLongshanks said:
Do we really need that much taste and refinement, though? After all we are going to be doctors, digging through places where there is no sunshine and dealing with things that no sane person would taste. Can't we, at least with each other, be plain and factual.

Here some suggested phrases that I will never ban anyone for writing.

"No, you don't have a chance."

"Yes, having a baby during med school is a bad idea."

"Yes, you probably will get divorced during residency."

"No, if you can't pass physics, you won't do well on the MCAT."

"Yes, if you go to the Caribbean you will fail and ruin your life."
Click to expand...
 
ejw5075 said:
I remember someone saying, "you never mention divorce to a married couple." Would we be "factual" to tell you that your marriage will not make it through residency?

I am sure the Caribbean grads now practicing in the US would argue that their lives are not ruined.

Having a baby in med school may be difficult, but you have absolutely no right to tell someone that having a family is a "bad idea"

I wonder how many people would say being 48 in medical school is a bad idea. Does that mean it's true? You tell me.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being plain and factual, but being rude and arrogant doesn't accomplish anything.
Click to expand...

What a memory you have! I'll need a memory like that in a few months.

The difference is, you see, I never asked any of these questions. I don't worry about divorce, and although I am unlikely to get pregnant, I would never ask strangers about its timing.

I notice you didn't challenge the online school answers. At least we can agree on one FAQ answer.
 
EdLongshanks said:
Do we really need that much taste and refinement, though? After all we are going to be doctors, digging through places where there is no sunshine and dealing with things that no sane person would taste. Can't we, at least with each other, be plain and factual.

Here some suggested phrases that I will never ban anyone for writing.

"No, you don't have a chance."

"Yes, having a baby during med school is a bad idea."

"Yes, you probably will get divorced during residency."

"No, if you can't pass physics, you won't do well on the MCAT."

"Yes, if you go to the Caribbean you will fail and ruin your life."
Click to expand...

:laugh:
This is just becoming laughable!

You apparently are going for Mod of the Year.
 
Ed,

I kept my "serious reservations" to myself and have only expressed my concerned with the "direction" you want to take this forum in our PM messages.

However, I don't think it is right to threaten me, let alone other people, with banning for not "toeing the line". 😡

Now. I've said it publicly: I am calling your bluff. Go ahead and ban me if you want. 😎
 
Someone is definitely on a POWER TRIP!

WINNING!!!
 
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