Computer Scientist with med background...

[phosse1]

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Hi everyone,

I currently work as a computer scientist; did my BS in Cell Bio. and my MS in Comp. Science. I got accepted to Georgetown grad school but have deferred it because of my work schedule vs. class offerings.

Upon completing my BS (2007), my goal was to be a physician. I went as far as doing typical pre-med requirements such as publishing papers, research exp., volunteering, etc. Anyway... to make a long story short, I couldn't continue my medical aspirations due to personal/family reasons, and ended up pursuing my second passion: computing.
For the past few months, I've been doing alot of thinking and aspire to go back and study to be a PA (shooting for 2011 but have 2012 as backup). I've done my research, am shadowing a PA, etc... but I have a few questions of which have been on my mind. I'd appreciate any advice/assistance.

My undergrad wasn't very good (yr 1-2: 3.8gpa, yrs 3-4: 2.5gpa), however I have a 3.8 in my graduate studies (Computer Science), research experience/publications and a published thesis. As far as shadowing, I'm at around 20hrs of shadowing exp (but will have much more in the coming months).
I understand PA is competitive, but are my stats worthy of getting into PA school? I was curious how applicants like myself will be treated, or if we'd be frowned upon for already having a graduate degree.

I would be very thankful for any advice and/or guidance.
Thanks in advance,
p.

 

[GoodmanBrown]

Hi everyone,

I currently work as a computer scientist; did my BS in Cell Bio. and my MS in Comp. Science. I got accepted to Georgetown grad school but have deferred it because of my work schedule vs. class offerings.

Upon completing my BS (2007), my goal was to be a physician. I went as far as doing typical pre-med requirements such as publishing papers, research exp., volunteering, etc. Anyway... to make a long story short, I couldn't continue my medical aspirations due to personal/family reasons, and ended up pursuing my second passion: computing.
For the past few months, I've been doing alot of thinking and aspire to go back and study to be a PA (shooting for 2011 but have 2012 as backup). I've done my research, am shadowing a PA, etc... but I have a few questions of which have been on my mind. I'd appreciate any advice/assistance.

My undergrad wasn't very good (yr 1-2: 3.8gpa, yrs 3-4: 2.5gpa), however I have a 3.8 in my graduate studies (Computer Science), research experience/publications and a published thesis. As far as shadowing, I'm at around 20hrs of shadowing exp (but will have much more in the coming months).
I understand PA is competitive, but are my stats worthy of getting into PA school? I was curious how applicants like myself will be treated, or if we'd be frowned upon for already having a graduate degree.

I would be very thankful for any advice and/or guidance.
Thanks in advance,
p.

I don't think your graduate degree with hurt you certainly, but it probably won't help much. Also, I've read several times over that grades in graduate school aren't really considered much as graduate school grades tend to be inflated significantly at many places.

So, GPA-wise, you're not looking great, especially because of the downward trend. You say you had family/personal reasons for that, so it would be best to mention that in your personal statement (but don't try to get pity, just explain it and move on).

My advice would be:

1) Check out pre-reqs for a dozen or so PA schools. Take any last pre-reqs you need and get A's. If you have every pre-req done, maybe take one or two classes and get A's to show that you can.

2) Keep shadowing.

3) Get a job in healthcare or start volunteering hard-core. Most reputable PA schools require 1,000 - 2,000 direct patient-care hours. That's 6 months to 1 year of FTE.

I think that's it. Good luck!