- Joined
- Jul 10, 2007
- Messages
- 5
- Reaction score
- 0
Well... I think I'm a bit unusual, so here is goes:
Undergraduate:
- I graduated with a B.S. in healthcare management in 2006 (and pre-PA/pre-pharm). I'm a 24 yr. old female.
- This major contained a wide variety of courses, including: many health sciences, A+&P I and II, bio I, ex. phys, med ethics, epi/reserach, planning/assess/implement health interventions, business/management/marketing courses.
- My GPA for my core major is 3.6.
- My overall undergrad GPA was 3.1 (It's pulled down by a few poor liberal arts courses, and my science GPA, which I'll explain.)
Science:
- Bio I = B
- Bio II = C+🙁
- Intro to Chem (non-majors) = B
- General Chem I = B
- General Chem II = B-
- Organic Chem I = C🙁
- Microbio = B+
- Physics I = B
- Physics II = B+
- A&P I = A-
- A&P II = A-
- A&P II (repeat) = A
- Biochem = waiting for final grade, assuming B+
- Genetics = in progress
- Organic Chem II = planned for fall (hopefully if I can find a course!)
Current Overall Science GPA = 3.02
Other Pertinent Courses:
- General psych = A
- Dev. psych = A
- Calculus I = B+
Graduate Studies:
- I entered a Physician Assistant Program a year ago and completed about 30 credit hours. My GPA was 3.12.
- The program itself was going through some stuctural weaknesses and a result, many courses were cancelled or cut short. I didn't feel that this was the best learning opportunity for me, so I chose to leave and apply elsewhere.
Pre-Med:
- I've been taking biochem and genetics in preparation for PA programs that require a bit more science for pre-req's than most. I enjoyed biochem very much because it's a science course that truly "ties things together", metabolically.
- I started realizing, that after completing this particular PA program (which is heavy on science itself... neuroanatomy, A+P I and II with cadavers, immunology, genetics, patho), I'd have nearly all courses that med students have, minus histology and embryology.
- Most PA programs don't require physics, calc, or organic as pre-req's (maybe not any?). The majority don't require biochem or genetics.
- Although one can never have too much education, I began to feel that I'd nearly have the science backgroud of a MD or DO, but be practicing as a PA. After years and years on the job, most PA's (esp. in EM or GP) will say that know just about as much clinical/practical medicine as their doc's and are comfortable handling almost all of the same types of patients.
- I'd assume this leads to a bit of "envy", but PA's are grounded by the fact that they didn't go through the heavy and in depth sciences, nor did they do an extensive residency. I'm reaching the point where I know I'll have experienced most of the science of a doc, but lacking the residency. Down the road, 20-30 years from now, that could leave me with a lot of "what-if's".
- I recently realized that if I wanted a career as a medical practitioner, I wanted to be fully educated in the body's physiology and its pathology. I'm someone who learns best from the botton-up... putting all the little details together before seeing the full picture. Of course I know that most doctors do not use the majority of the basic science education in daily practice, but it was the basis of their education and is still in the back of their minds somewhere.
- PA education varies widely, but the good programs and good PA's are very respectable, IMO. However, it does leave one with a lot of "holes" in the picture. They don't get the bares bones of medicine. They only get part of the picture. That's fine for some people and seemed OK for me before I began studying medicine, but I don't think I'd be comfortable with this aspect.
- I've always been a very hard worker, but tend to excel in extremely difficult environments (which I assume med school is), rather than very difficult (PA school). I think I'd enjoy the challenge, length, style, and difference in education.
That sums up my med school decision process.
Getting In:
Positives:
- I'm very good at standardized testing. I've never taken the MCAT, but have taken the PCAT twice (1st time I was 1/2 way through gen. chem. I, 2nd time was after gen. chem II and jet-lagged! ... there's a good amount of organic on the chemistry section.). I don't know my raw scores off-hand. I do know that my compostite percentile ranking was in the high 80's and that my chem scores could be improved dramatically with studying and the one semester of organic that I've taken. I remember my verbal, math, and writting being in the mid-90th's percentile-wise. I studied some for this test from a review book, but not extensively, nor did I take any practice exams.
I know I can score very well on the MCAT with intense studying. It's the kind of exam I excel at. If I start studying soon I could take it in August and/or September.
Academic Negatives:
- low GPA
- I obviously need to take Organic Chemistry II (is this a problem that it's not completed yet?)
- Do you think I should repeat any sciences? (bio?)
Experience:
- I was in a high-school program which was like "mini-med-student" for a year. I wouldn't call in shadowing, per se, because we were students and were graded by preceptors on interaction, appearance, social skills, enthusiasm, knowledge, awareness, etc. We had health courses within a hospital classroom, but most days we were off on our own, in our white labs coats, sthethoscopes, and objectives on rotations (over 30 locations). We rotated through all departments within the hospital, plus many out-patient locations. I was exposed to a wide variety of real-world medical care, so I've already seen more than most med students will ever see (because of the sheer number of rotations and specialties).
I do understand, in general, how the medical field works... the good and the bad. It can be bloody, stressful, and political, but also can be wonderful with those who choose to see the positive light of things.
- I also did a similar "internship" in college where I was mainly in primary care and the ED, but some other departments as well.
- I've worked as a pharm tech and as a personal aide and "instructor in life/health/socials skills" to a physically and mentally disabled woman.
- I've worked at a fitness center for years. I've been a certified lifeguard for about 8 years. (No, I don't count this as patient experience! It does, however, point out the fact that I've been renewing and practicing CPR, AED, and lifesaving for 1/3 my life.)
- I was a varsity athlete in college, training twice a day, so I believe this shows the ability to manage a large load under stress and fatigue.
- PA school: I did learn a lot of practical and clinical medicine. I can do a full physical exam and have practiced a few other procedures. It was intense (very!). It gave me a taste of medical education. It forced me to question what kind of education I wanted in order to practice.
- I've been to several individual and group interviews and feel that I interview well compared to others (although I certainly will look to improve my skills because med school is more competitive than PA school). It won't feel completely foreign to me if I get invited for one this year.
Preparing:
- I've purchased several books detailing the specifics of all the med schools, so I'm not just basing my decision off of the internet and hearsay. These are yet to arrive. This will help me get an idea of which schools to apply to and to research further.
- I plan to meet with my pre-med advisor.
- I'm going to take either an EMT or CNA course in order to get more hands-on experience.
Soo... the big question of course... do you think I can get accepted?!
I'm very open about school location and DO vs. MD.
Undergraduate:
- I graduated with a B.S. in healthcare management in 2006 (and pre-PA/pre-pharm). I'm a 24 yr. old female.
- This major contained a wide variety of courses, including: many health sciences, A+&P I and II, bio I, ex. phys, med ethics, epi/reserach, planning/assess/implement health interventions, business/management/marketing courses.
- My GPA for my core major is 3.6.
- My overall undergrad GPA was 3.1 (It's pulled down by a few poor liberal arts courses, and my science GPA, which I'll explain.)
Science:
- Bio I = B
- Bio II = C+🙁
- Intro to Chem (non-majors) = B
- General Chem I = B
- General Chem II = B-
- Organic Chem I = C🙁
- Microbio = B+
- Physics I = B
- Physics II = B+
- A&P I = A-
- A&P II = A-
- A&P II (repeat) = A
- Biochem = waiting for final grade, assuming B+
- Genetics = in progress
- Organic Chem II = planned for fall (hopefully if I can find a course!)
Current Overall Science GPA = 3.02
Other Pertinent Courses:
- General psych = A
- Dev. psych = A
- Calculus I = B+
Graduate Studies:
- I entered a Physician Assistant Program a year ago and completed about 30 credit hours. My GPA was 3.12.
- The program itself was going through some stuctural weaknesses and a result, many courses were cancelled or cut short. I didn't feel that this was the best learning opportunity for me, so I chose to leave and apply elsewhere.
Pre-Med:
- I've been taking biochem and genetics in preparation for PA programs that require a bit more science for pre-req's than most. I enjoyed biochem very much because it's a science course that truly "ties things together", metabolically.
- I started realizing, that after completing this particular PA program (which is heavy on science itself... neuroanatomy, A+P I and II with cadavers, immunology, genetics, patho), I'd have nearly all courses that med students have, minus histology and embryology.
- Most PA programs don't require physics, calc, or organic as pre-req's (maybe not any?). The majority don't require biochem or genetics.
- Although one can never have too much education, I began to feel that I'd nearly have the science backgroud of a MD or DO, but be practicing as a PA. After years and years on the job, most PA's (esp. in EM or GP) will say that know just about as much clinical/practical medicine as their doc's and are comfortable handling almost all of the same types of patients.
- I'd assume this leads to a bit of "envy", but PA's are grounded by the fact that they didn't go through the heavy and in depth sciences, nor did they do an extensive residency. I'm reaching the point where I know I'll have experienced most of the science of a doc, but lacking the residency. Down the road, 20-30 years from now, that could leave me with a lot of "what-if's".
- I recently realized that if I wanted a career as a medical practitioner, I wanted to be fully educated in the body's physiology and its pathology. I'm someone who learns best from the botton-up... putting all the little details together before seeing the full picture. Of course I know that most doctors do not use the majority of the basic science education in daily practice, but it was the basis of their education and is still in the back of their minds somewhere.
- PA education varies widely, but the good programs and good PA's are very respectable, IMO. However, it does leave one with a lot of "holes" in the picture. They don't get the bares bones of medicine. They only get part of the picture. That's fine for some people and seemed OK for me before I began studying medicine, but I don't think I'd be comfortable with this aspect.
- I've always been a very hard worker, but tend to excel in extremely difficult environments (which I assume med school is), rather than very difficult (PA school). I think I'd enjoy the challenge, length, style, and difference in education.
That sums up my med school decision process.
Getting In:
Positives:
- I'm very good at standardized testing. I've never taken the MCAT, but have taken the PCAT twice (1st time I was 1/2 way through gen. chem. I, 2nd time was after gen. chem II and jet-lagged! ... there's a good amount of organic on the chemistry section.). I don't know my raw scores off-hand. I do know that my compostite percentile ranking was in the high 80's and that my chem scores could be improved dramatically with studying and the one semester of organic that I've taken. I remember my verbal, math, and writting being in the mid-90th's percentile-wise. I studied some for this test from a review book, but not extensively, nor did I take any practice exams.
I know I can score very well on the MCAT with intense studying. It's the kind of exam I excel at. If I start studying soon I could take it in August and/or September.
Academic Negatives:
- low GPA
- I obviously need to take Organic Chemistry II (is this a problem that it's not completed yet?)
- Do you think I should repeat any sciences? (bio?)
Experience:
- I was in a high-school program which was like "mini-med-student" for a year. I wouldn't call in shadowing, per se, because we were students and were graded by preceptors on interaction, appearance, social skills, enthusiasm, knowledge, awareness, etc. We had health courses within a hospital classroom, but most days we were off on our own, in our white labs coats, sthethoscopes, and objectives on rotations (over 30 locations). We rotated through all departments within the hospital, plus many out-patient locations. I was exposed to a wide variety of real-world medical care, so I've already seen more than most med students will ever see (because of the sheer number of rotations and specialties).
I do understand, in general, how the medical field works... the good and the bad. It can be bloody, stressful, and political, but also can be wonderful with those who choose to see the positive light of things.
- I also did a similar "internship" in college where I was mainly in primary care and the ED, but some other departments as well.
- I've worked as a pharm tech and as a personal aide and "instructor in life/health/socials skills" to a physically and mentally disabled woman.
- I've worked at a fitness center for years. I've been a certified lifeguard for about 8 years. (No, I don't count this as patient experience! It does, however, point out the fact that I've been renewing and practicing CPR, AED, and lifesaving for 1/3 my life.)
- I was a varsity athlete in college, training twice a day, so I believe this shows the ability to manage a large load under stress and fatigue.
- PA school: I did learn a lot of practical and clinical medicine. I can do a full physical exam and have practiced a few other procedures. It was intense (very!). It gave me a taste of medical education. It forced me to question what kind of education I wanted in order to practice.
- I've been to several individual and group interviews and feel that I interview well compared to others (although I certainly will look to improve my skills because med school is more competitive than PA school). It won't feel completely foreign to me if I get invited for one this year.
Preparing:
- I've purchased several books detailing the specifics of all the med schools, so I'm not just basing my decision off of the internet and hearsay. These are yet to arrive. This will help me get an idea of which schools to apply to and to research further.
- I plan to meet with my pre-med advisor.
- I'm going to take either an EMT or CNA course in order to get more hands-on experience.
Soo... the big question of course... do you think I can get accepted?!
I'm very open about school location and DO vs. MD.
... study your hiney off for the MCAT!
