Medical Does being a transgender make or break my chances of interview/acceptance to DO schools?

[Goro]

Hello,

I am a transman who is applying to DO schools this cycle. I began my transition 10 years ago and had sex reassignment surgeries. As a physician, I have an interest in serving the trans/LGBT community (especially the youth).

I was wondering if this will affect my chances of getting an interview for medical schools if this was mentioned in my personal statement. My personal statement mentioned that I am a transman and there is a story that ties into why I want to become a physician.

However, I would like to know if this will enhance my chances because some may view this as "diverse" or decreases my chance since some individuals may silently be a transphobic.

Thank you in advance.

Would kill your chances at LUCOM and Loma Linda!

If you have service to sexual minorities, all the better. Your story is a good rationale for "Why Medicine".

Suggest avoiding the schools in rural places, as while the schools might be welcoming, the communities might not.

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[MusicDOc124]

Generally speaking, you won't have (m)any issues. Of course there may be some individuals along the way, hence the "(m)," but don't let little things hang you up. Avoid the two schools mentioned above, and apply just like anyone else.

 

[tantacles]

Many schools will value your experience and will be proud to have a transgender person as one of their students. Having trans representation in healthcare is vital to the care of trans people (and LGBTQ people at large) because it gives physicians insight into a viewpoint they wouldn't otherwise have access to.

I think being trans, provided you are out, proud, and forward about your advocacy and desire to help the underserved and in particular LGBTQ people, will be an asset to your application in almost all cases. There will be transphobic individuals in every setting, but admissions staff in general tend to be actively looking for a diverse subset of individuals to add to their med school classes. At many medical schools, you may be actively recruited depending on your stats.

Best of luck.

 

[TheBoneDoctah]

You will be good. As mentioned above, there are some schools like LUCOM who may not be welcoming but the majority will.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

It's hard to say but school choice and support matters. AMSA has done a lot of work developing resources so you should not hesitate to use them in getting insight into the feeling of inclusion.