Advice for a nontrad student

[CSTtoDOC]

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Hello all,


I’ve been reading off and on here and reddit and was hoping to kind of get some specific answers regarding my hopes of becoming a doctor.


A little background, I’m 26, I am currently a CST (Surgical tech) and have been for 4 years. I love working in the OR and have had a passion to be the best at what I do. I have always had that drive to put my best foot forward. For the last 3 years I’ve told myself I wanted to go to PA school, because I had the belief I could never afford med school. After some talk with some of my mentor surgeons, they told me they believed if I wanted it, I could do it.


Here is where my concerns come. I know I want to work in surgery. I love neuro and ortho surgery. I’m very passionate about both. But I also know that they are VERY competitive specialties. I am married with three children who are 5 and younger, and my wife stays at home with the kids. I know that part of applying to med school they look at community service and what not as a contributing factor. Do they overlook certain areas based off of individual circumstances? I feel like between school and working full time, it’s so hard to find time for anything else and still be involved with my family.

Also, my biggest concern is this, I’d hate to get into med school and get to the point where I’m applying for residencies and be denied - for tattoos. Both of my arms are covered to just above my wrist.


That being said I could care less to get them removed. Financially though it’s really not an option.


I thank you for anyone who has taken the time to read my post, and would be very grateful for any advice I could get.

 

[stickgirl390]

Wear long sleeves at your interviews. Never bring the tattoos up. You should be fine. I think visible tattoos are less and less of an issue as time goes on.

I think you should ask yourself this question: if you couldn't be a surgeon, would you still want to be a doctor?

 

[CSTtoDOC]

Wear long sleeves at your interviews. Never bring the tattoos up. You should be fine. I think visible tattoos are less and less of an issue as time goes on.

I think you should ask yourself this question: if you couldn't be a surgeon, would you still want to be a doctor?

Thanks for your reply! I will always keep them covered as much as I can. But as much as I’ve been reading around I seen that applicants almost never match to somewhere they didn’t rotate that unless their application is crazy. I’m still early in this journey so I have time and things may change.

As for the last question, the only thing I can see myself doing is being a surgeon. I have an open mind and will see what I like when I get to that point. But based off my experiences as a surgical tech I absolutely love surgery and want to do nothing else currently. But I know that can change when I get to see/try other things.

Thanks again for your response 🙂

 

[workaholic181]

You only live once man. If you really love surgery (especially surgical subs) then you should go for MD. To answer your one concern, yes being a father matters to admissions committees in that it shows that you’re accustomed to working hard and know how to use time efficiently.

Don’t let your tattoos dissuade you from pursuing this, either.

 

[bls18]

You only live once man. If you really love surgery (especially surgical subs) then you should go for MD. To answer your one concern, yes being a father matters to admissions committees in that it shows that you’re accustomed to working hard and know how to use time efficiently.

Don’t let your tattoos dissuade you from pursuing this, either.

I agree, If this is something you truly want to do and you have the support of your wife and family you should do it. Admission committees look at each applicant as a whole. There were several people in my class who had families and prior careers before coming to medical school.