Am I competitive for MD Schools? About 2 years prior to applying.

[SteveNoJobs]

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Demographics
Early 30s Male, ORM

State
MA, with ties to NY

cGPA
3.80, sGPA: 3.75

-Starting a Masters next year and will be supplementing with some undergrad level courses

Research
10,000+ hours from top institutions (3 early/mid-author pubs, 2 of which are in Nature)

Biotech
10,000+ hours (current position as a Scientist)

Clinical Experience
~2,000hrs split between being a pharmacy technician and collecting tumor samples in the OR of a major hospital

~200hrs from the military going through combat life saver courses and conducting trauma lanes

Shadowing
None

Volunteering
All from ~10 years ago in clinical and nonclinical settings

Non-clinical experience
-Military: Deployed to a combat zone in a combat arms role

-Tutoring/Peer Mentorships: Conducted at my undergrad

Languages
English: Native
Portuguese: Advanced/Nearly Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate

Weaknesses of Note
-Prereqs are from nearly a decade ago

-Achieved a C+ in biochemistry (was overall a bad academic year my third year of undergrad. Finished senior year strong with all As in upper level sciences)


Should I consider retaking any prereqs? Besides the obvious need of shadowing and volunteer experience, is there any other apparent weaknesses preventing me from applying to MD schools as long as I can achieve a high MCAT? Any recommendations on how to approach the next two years is greatly appreciated.

 

[Faha]

You should accumulate 50 hours of in person physician shadowing (including primary care). Also 150+ hours of non clinical volunteering such as food bank, homeless shelter, etc. .

 

[SteveNoJobs]

You should accumulate 50 hours of in person physician shadowing (including primary care). Also 150+ hours of non clinical volunteering such as food bank, homeless shelter, etc. .

Thank you. Is there any diminishing returns for going beyond 50 hours of shadowing?

 

[Dral]

If you are just trying to check off the box: Yes
If you are actually exploring to see what things are like as a physician before you commit to the process, then probably not.

 

[wysdoc]

Thank you. Is there any diminishing returns for going beyond 50 hours of shadowing?

Yes because the main reason for shadowing is to see the full daily work life of doctors to show you what you’re getting into.
Schools emphasize some community service and patient-contact healthcare experience now as well and getting that done before applying will be a better use of your time. Your active military service and your work experience in hospitals are great. Maybe your masters program can connect you with some patient contact activity locations or ideas.

 

[Faha]

Thank you. Is there any diminishing returns for going beyond 50 hours of shadowing?

Yes, no more than 50 hours is needed.

 

[SteveNoJobs]

If you are just trying to check off the box: Yes
If you are actually exploring to see what things are like as a physician before you commit to the process, then probably not.

Thank you for your response.

 

[SteveNoJobs]

Yes because the main reason for shadowing is to see the full daily work life of doctors to show you what you’re getting into.
Schools emphasize some community service and patient-contact healthcare experience now as well and getting that done before applying will be a better use of your time. Your active military service and your work experience in hospitals are great. Maybe your masters program can connect you with some patient contact activity locations or ideas.

That is a great idea. I will look further into that. Thank you.

 

[SteveNoJobs]

Yes, no more than 50 hours is needed.

Understood. Thank you for your time and help.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I would ask schools close to you about your prerequisites.

 

[SteveNoJobs]

I would ask schools close to you about your prerequisites.

Understood and good point. As of now, there are two schools that I am interested in that would not accept them. But I will definitely check again prior to generating a school list once I am beginning the application process. Thank you.

 

[Goro]

I just had to say what a great screen name you're chosen, OP!!!!! 😆😆😆😍😍😍