Any CPAs to doctors??????

[life_is_goood]

I'm studying for CPA exam now since I graduated with accting degree. But, I changed my mind right after I graduated and plan to go to medical school.

My question is for those of you who have CPA license, does it help you to go to medical school or get into post-bacc program?? Do they consider it as an academic achievement??

Since I have a low GPA, I wonder how much I can benefit from the CPA license.

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[Non-TradTulsa]

I'm studying for CPA exam now since I graduated with accting degree. But, I changed my mind right after I graduated and plan to go to medical school.

My question is for those of you who have CPA license, does it help you to go to medical school or get into post-bacc program?? Do they consider it as an academic achievement??

Since I have a low GPA, I wonder how much I can benefit from the CPA license.

Passing the CPA exam is quite an achievement - the first-time pass rate is very low compared to other business professions. Of course, it was harder when I passed it in 1986 .

Seriously, though, on one hand - yes, if you've passed the CPA you will be seen by an adcom as a licensed professional and that can't hurt. To be honest, however, switching from business to medical school may not always be viewed with overwhelming favor. I honestly don't know if getting the CPA certificate is going to be enough of a boost to justify the hassle - as much as I want to keep my CPA license active, I am probably going to have to put my license "on suspension" at some point in medical school because there is no way that I will be able to keep up with the post-Enron continuing education requirements.

Switching your interest immediately after graduation looks uncertain and unfocused (sorry, I'm trying to be blunt and honest). If you continue to focus time and attention on your CPA that's going to make your "switch" look even more abrupt. On the other hand, getting the CPA gives you a fallback position if medical school doesn't work out right away and the CPA exam only gets harder the longer it's been since you were in accounting school. You're going to need a good story about what shifted your interest to medicine and I would recommend as much shadowing and volunteering as possible to demonstrate your interest in healthcare.

Although I've been a CPA for 20 years, I've spent nearly all of those 20 years in hospitals and healthcare facilities. I think this saved me a lot of "why healthcare" questions - I think they figured that I knew what I was getting into. Good luck!

 

[Tusk]

I've worked as a CPA for the past 11 years (still am full-time). I just finished my post-bacc work and am applying to med school for 2007. I think the CPA is an impressive accomplishment that will add to your application, but I don't think it will put you (or me) over the top in their eyes.

The main problem you will have is explaining why you just graduated with an accounting degree and have just sat for the CPA but have now determined you want to be a doctor. As a non-trad, we all have to answer the question regarding what made us change our minds and move toward medicine. It might be a little harder for you since there is no experience attached to your first career choice.

Non-TradTulsa - I just went inactive on my CPA license. It costs half as much to renew, and I don't have to pay for or attend the CPE. I couldn't come up with any reason why I would need an active license in the future.

 

[Non-TradTulsa]

Hi, Tusk - it's really a pleasure to meet you - I thought I was the only CPA SDNer. I do have the option of putting my certificate on inactive status... I'm trying to finish enough hours so that I can get through my 2006 renewal and not have to go inactive until 2008. The new law that Oklahoma adopted is a little draconian... if I go on inactive status, I cannot do any work whatsoever that is even remotely related to finance - whether it's professional level or not (and my work as a planner makes me an employed consultant which is professional-level for CPA purposes). Since I want to work at my employer hospital next summer after my MS-I year, I need to keep my license at least that long. It would be much more fun to do patient care next summer, but they wouldn't pay me one quarter of my current salary and I'll need the money to replenish my emergency savings account. I can apply for a hardship exemption with the state board, and I may just do that.

Keep us posted on your progress... CPA-to-MD is indeed possible!!!

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine - Class of 2010

 

[life_is_goood]

It is a pleasure to meet CPAs here and I truly thank for Tusk and Non-TradTulsa's thoghtful replies.

My question was somewhat ambiguous and has mislead you guys about the reason why I want to be a doctor. Actually, I chose to study accounting not because I liked but because of my circumstances. I came to U.S. four years ago, and it seemed like majoring accounting was the best choice that can allow me a job in a short time. The job market for accounting major was great and only B.S. degree was good enough to get 40000~50000 starting salary.

However, during the college years, I happened to do several volunteers/mission works in Washington D.C. and Mexico. I've seen people who are desperately in need in all aspects. This experience changed my goal of life. From the life for me to life for others. There are many other little stories, but overall this is why I want to be a doctor. (Also, I'm a christian and I thought being a doctor is what God wants me to do....)

Anyway, I plan to do intense medical related volunteer work for 6months to one year in developing country before I start the post-bacc. So that I can truly learn whether that's what i want to do or not.

 

[Non-TradTulsa]

Actually, I chose to study accounting not because I liked but because of my circumstances. I came to U.S. four years ago, and it seemed like majoring accounting was the best choice that can allow me a job in a short time.

That's the kind of honesty that you will need in order to write a convincing personal statement - maybe it's blunt, but an admissions committee will admire your candor (the fact that accounting practically guaranteed one a good job was a big factor for me, too - 25 years ago). I hope your passion for medicine will continue to grow as you volunteer. Good luck and best wishes to you.