Advice requested

[SouthFLNonTrad]

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Hi folks...I posted this over in the main forum, and it was suggested that you all might have some valuable input, so I'd appreciate your thoughts on my situation....

I've been considering med school for a couple of years now and have decided its time to get serious. I have an undergrad GPA of 3.6, probably 3.3 for sciences. I have all of the basic pre-med requirements, however, they were completed at the University of South Florida about 10 years ago.

Since receiving my bachelor's, I went to grad school, and got a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a focus in behavioral medicine. I've taken graduate level classes in psychopharmacology and anatomy/physiology, as well as neuropsychology.

I also have extensive experience providing direct patient care in a large, urban medical hospital (as opposed to a psychiatric hospital) as part of a consultation-liaison psychiatry service. While there I worked side by side with psychiatry residents (for psychologists, internship is basically the equvalent of residency). My internship experience also included neurology seminar series, grand rounds, and pharmacology training.

Cuurently I'm working as a project director for an NIH funded clinical trial and seeing some clients (all of my clients have medical disgnoses--HIV, breast cancer, etc.) Recently I recieved an NIH fellowship in the area of HIV/AIDS/psychneuroimmunology.

Initially, I thought my chances of getting into a US school were modest, and I was considering going the Caribbean route. However, after some researching, I'm thinking I should at least try for US first.

I was wondering a couple of things--do you all think I'd have a realistic shot at US schools? And if so, what do you think is the minimum score I'd need on the MCAT to be competitive? I realize, of course, the higher the better...but I also have to inject a little realism into the process.

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[Sol Rosenberg]

Yes, you have a realistic shot. You probably need a 30+ on the MCAT. Try for the highest score that you can get. Good Luck.

 

[Miliwen]

I say you have a chance. More then others (Alot more then me!). I would look into DO schools along with MD. I would agree with the 30+. That seems to be the magic number for MCAT's.

Good luck!

 

[robh]

...Initially, I thought my chances of getting into a US school were modest,...

You're kidding right? Get a 30+ on the MCAT. Get some good recommendation letters, and most importantly, don't pick your nose during the interview.

Oh, and wear pants...

Seriously though, look into Cleveland Clinic and Case Western. They will really groove on your research experience. You will get in somewhere. Forget about the Carribean. DO is a fine option but if you want to continue doing research, I would stick to allopathic schools.

 

[EL CAPeeeTAN]

I recently posted in this same forum my story. I am currently in medical school and a nontraditional student in many ways. I als considered the caribbean route befor applying to US schools and I am so glad I looked at my other options. As far as the MCAT goes some have said ou need a 30+ but given your experience and advanced degree you may have a decent shot with a lower MCAT. Obviously you want to get the highest score you can, so study like crazy to do well, but do not give up if you do not get a 30+. If you have any questions or you can PM me. GO FOR IT.