DPT to MD

[sunshinegirl0808]

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Folks, I have a conundrum. Looking for advice.

Non-trad student (37 yrs old). Self-employed for the past 8 years (own my own business not related to the medical field). Decided in my mid-30s I wanted to do something with my life. I have always been fascinated with health and fitness and as cliché as it sounds, I wanted to make a difference in peoples' lives. I genuinely love helping others. Nothing brings me more joy.

I decided I would pursue a career in the medical field, but didn't know what profession. Nursing was considered and then ruled out and I finally settled on getting a bachelors in Human Physiology and then applying to Physical Therapy programs. At the outset, this felt like a VERY ambitious plan considering how competitive PT programs are. However, as I progressed through my undergraduate coursework, I started to feel like I had the academic aptitude to achieve more. Also, I started to feel disappointed that my scope of practice as a PT would be limited to musculoskeletal issues. I LOVE my coursework, especially chem, bio, A&P. Even though I'm a late bloomer, I really feel I have found my passion. At some point, I dared to think about medical school.

Here's where I am currently at:

Will complete my undergraduate in Human Physiology @ U of Iowa in May 2019. Currently I have a 4.0 on the PT pre-reqs and a 3.9 cumulative (very similar to med school pre reqs- Medical Term, Chem 1 & 2, Bio 1 & 2, Physics 1 & 2, A & P, Statistics, multiple psychology classes). I am doing extra coursework (undergraduate research) so that I can graduate from my program with honors. I took the GRE for PT school and got a 168 V, 156 Q, 5.0 AW. Along with PT observation hours and volunteerism, I feel I am a very strong candidate for PT school. However....in the back of my mind, I can't let go of the dream of med school.

So, here's my tentative plan that I would love some feedback on:

In about 1 month I will be applying for DPT programs. I plan to attend interviews, etc. If I get an acceptance at a decent school, I will accept, place my deposit, etc. Next summer (2019), PRIOR to matriculating, I could put in a dozen applications to med schools (prior to this I will take org. chem and the MCAT). Obviously, I will not have final determinations on med school apps until late fall, so I will matriculate to the PT program, at least for the first semester. If by the grace of God I receive an acceptance to an MD program, I will leave my PT program after the first semester and plan to enroll in MD program the following year. If I am not accepted, I remain in my PT program.

I know this a bit complex. Hopefully it makes sense. Why am I taking this approach? At my age, I cannot afford to NOT apply to PT programs and NOT get into an MD/DO program. Too much risk, I have worked too hard, and I have sacrificed too much (including selling a very profitable business). I need to know that if I don't get into an MD program, I can just stick to the original plan of becoming a PT and know that at least I took a shot at becoming an MD.

Thoughts? Please be nice....I'm not trying to waste anyone's time or steal spots from other good candidates, it's just as a non-trad with a family, the situation is a bit more complex.

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

OP, I was in a similar situation. I started PT school under the assumption that my med school dreams would "disappear," but they did not. So I spoke with a few mentors and withdrew after the first semester, and I am now applying to med school. Here is the advice I have for you: If you have the chance to NOT attend PT school and apply to med school, do it. This withdrawal is a red flag on my application, because it looks like I am an untrustworthy applicant. Now, I know you are not in this predicament yet, but try and avoid it at all cost.

If I could go back in time, I would apply to a post-bacc/masters program and gear up for medical school applications. I hate saying this, because I want to assume every applicant gets in their first time. But what happens if you don't receive an acceptance to an MD program and you matriculate into PT school? Are you going to be content, upset, asking a lot of what ifs? My friend in PT school done the EXACT same thing. She was an amazing applicant on paper (GPA/MCAT wise), but her personal statement was subpar, because she was trying to focus on the PT application as well. She received a few interviews, but eventually ended up with nothing. She is now a little upset with her decision, and she is applying to medical school after PT school.

Also, a late application to medical school makes things SO much tougher. I attend a monthly application seminar, and the dean of admissions explained how detrimental a late application is. BUT if you have a bangin' application, you are in good hands (lets hope that is you). OP, I hope you make great decisions, because this is an extremely tough decision. I know I didn't answer a lot of your questions, but I just wanted to explain a similar situation. If you have more specific questions, feel free to PM me.

 

[sunshinegirl0808]

OP, I was in a similar situation. I started PT school under the assumption that my med school dreams would "disappear," but they did not....

Hi, thanks for the response. Very comforting to know I am not the only one in this situation. Would you please clarify what you mean by a late application? I plan to apply in spring of 2019 (about 3 months before matriculating to the PT program). MD/DO interviews would happen during my first semester of DPT. I realizing leaving one medical program for another might be frowned upon, but isn't this a bit different from just going one school to another (MD program to different MD program, or DPT program to different DPT program). I would be changing professions entirely.

I have thought about foregoing PT school all together; but the concern is, what if I don't get into a MD or DO program? I will be 38....I don't feel that I have the time to make multiple attempts. My spouse has been so supportive in letting me pursue this dream, but at some point I need to be enrolled in a program and on my way to a medical career (with an end date in sight!).

For a lot of personal reasons and some legitimate hardships, I did not pursue a medical career earlier in life. However, despite my age, I am intelligent, motivated, compassionate and very dedicated to making this happen. I am also blessed to have the financial circumstances and support from my spouse.

 

[gyngyn]

Recent matriculation into another profession would not be a positive aspect of an application to medical school. It would be a negative for many evaluators.

 

[sunshinegirl0808]

Recent matriculation into another profession would not be a positive aspect of an application to medical school. It would be a negative for many evaluators.

Noted. Thank you, this is the advice I need.

 

[sunshinegirl0808]

Noted. Thank you, this is the advice I need.

So, is my best shot at med school foregoing PT school applications? No way to keep both doors open? I am very concerned about the risk I will be taking. Hard to weigh my chances vs. the risk.

 

[gyngyn]

So, is my best shot at med school foregoing PT school applications? No way to keep both doors open? I am very concerned about the risk I will be taking. Hard to weigh my chances vs. the risk.

Your best shot is to submit the strongest possible application, once.
PT school will still be there if things don't work out.

 

[Durty-Trixxx]

Your plan seems pretty rational to me. With a 3.9 cum GPA at a reputable state university and all the prereqs for med school included in your major makes you a pretty good candidate for M.D. school, and almost a sure lock for D.O. school. Although you'd have to take the MCAT before you get a full assessment of your chances.

I don't know if the "I'm already in PT school but I really wanna be a medical doctor" would help you or hurt you. Med schools take hundreds of students from other health profession schools every year so you would not be an unusual case. I think it really depends on your true motivation for switching to med school --- ADCOMs can easily sniff out if you're doing it simply for a bigger salary or prestige. Try to think long and hard about why you'd rather be a physician vs. a PT and then make that very clear in your personal statement.

As far your age, don't fret about it too much. There are many stories of people in their late 30s and 40s making it through med school with honors and getting really good residency spots. It's probably going to annoy you to some degree being around arrogant 20-somethings who think they know it all and never had to work a real job before. Not sure how old your children are, but I imagine going through med school with kids who are teens is probably a lot easier than having needy toddlers in the house.

 

[sunshinegirl0808]

Your best shot is to submit the strongest possible application, once.
PT school will still be there if things don't work out.

Understood. I only plan to go through one MD app cycle. If I don't get in, I won't reapply. But I can't apply to med school until 2019, so if I waited for a decision and find out I am rejected, I would then apply to PT school in 2020, matriculate in 2021 (as opposed to matriculating in 2019 if I apply this summer). Meaning I lose 2 years. For a 25 year old, this is no big deal, but I am quickly approaching 40...

 

[sunshinegirl0808]

Your plan seems pretty rational to me. With a 3.9 cum GPA at a reputable state university and all the prereqs for med school included in your major makes you a pretty good candidate for M.D. school, and almost a sure lock for D.O. school. Although you'd have to take the MCAT before you get a full assessment of your chances....

Thanks for this response. This is encouraging. I think many people in the medical field change courses. I am totally open to a DO program as well.

Obviously MCAT score will be a big factor. I think my GRE scores demonstrate that I am a strong test taker. I have done well in all the foundational sciences and I will put in proper preparation for the MCAT.

Why a physician? I think it was always the right choice for me but I didn't allow myself to consider it because it seemed impossible for someone my age who still needed to complete an undergrad. Also, I think PT is a great profession, but I want a larger scope of practice. Salary is not a factor. My spouse makes a very good living and I am leaving behind a very profitable business (and will be taking on student loans to do PT/med school), so money is simply not the motivation.

As for kids, I don't have any and don't plan to. Just a very supportive spouse!

 

[Durty-Trixxx]

Thanks for this response. This is encouraging. I think many people in the medical field change courses. I am totally open to a DO program as well.

Obviously MCAT score will be a big factor. I think my GRE scores demonstrate that I am a strong test taker. I have done well in all the foundational sciences and I will put in proper preparation for the MCAT.

Why a physician? I think it was always the right choice for me but I didn't allow myself to consider it because it seemed impossible for someone my age who still needed to complete an undergrad. Also, I think PT is a great profession, but I want a larger scope of practice. Salary is not a factor. My spouse makes a very good living and I am leaving behind a very profitable business (and will be taking on student loans to do PT/med school), so money is simply not the motivation.

As for kids, I don't have any and don't plan to. Just a very supportive spouse!

Well it seems you are good at formulating a plan and doing all the necessary steps to execute it. Getting into med school is no different. Just kick butt on your O-Chem courses and do some really good prep for the MCAT and then murder it. I don't see why you wouldn't be a sure lock for D.O. schools --- they also tend to attract older students a lot more than M.D. schools, as well as students from allied health professions like dentistry, podiatry, chiropractic, PT, nursing, etc.

Of course, your final decision on that may depend on your spouse and if he's willing to relocate to a city with a D.O. school that might be farther away than a nearby M.D. school. Also depends on what specialty you desire to go into --- gunning for a very competitive dermatology or cosmetic surgery residency will be easier if you're an M.D. student. Choosing family med or pediatrics is going to be easy regardless if you are M.D. or D.O. because of how desperate they are for warm bodies.

 

[sunshinegirl0808]

Well it seems you are good at formulating a plan and doing all the necessary steps to execute it. Getting into med school is no different. Just kick butt on your O-Chem courses and do some really good prep for the MCAT and then murder it. I don't see why you wouldn't be a sure lock for D.O. schools --- they also tend to attract older students a lot more than M.D. schools, as well as students from allied health professions like dentistry, podiatry, chiropractic, PT, nursing, etc.

Of course, your final decision on that may depend on your spouse and if he's willing to relocate to a city with a D.O. school that might be farther away than a nearby M.D. school. Also depends on what specialty you desire to go into --- gunning for a very competitive dermatology or cosmetic surgery residency will be easier if you're an M.D. student. Choosing family med or pediatrics is going to be easy regardless if you are M.D. or D.O. because of how desperate they are for warm bodies.

Agree with you advice. My aim will be to rock it on the MCAT.

Spouse is willing to relocate if I get a medical school acceptance. I am hoping for FM or peds. Not looking to go into derm or surgery at this stage in life. I actually think I would genuinely enjoy family practice. Not to blow my own horn, but I am a good people person that naturally puts others at ease. I think FM would play to my strengths. Also, shorter residency!

However, going back to the main question of my post- should I apply and matriculate to a PT program? Again, since the timeline is messy, I will reiterate-

• Summer 2018 - submit DPT apps
• Fall 2018 - interview, hopefully get a DPT acceptance. Accept, place deposit.
• Winter 2019 - MCAT
• Spring 2019 - Submit med school apps
• Late Summer 2019 - matriculate to PT program
• Fall 2019 - med school interviews, if I get an acceptance, withdraw from DPT program (If no acceptance, remain in PT program
• Winter/Spring 2020 - relocate to med school city
• Summer 2020 - matriculate into med school

Does this plan eliminate a chance to go to med school? Am I nuts? I am trying to mitigate some risk by keeping the path to PT open.

 

[Durty-Trixxx]

Agree with you advice. My aim will be to rock it on the MCAT.

Spouse is willing to relocate if I get a medical school acceptance. I am hoping for FM or peds. Not looking to go into derm or surgery at this stage in life. I actually think I would genuinely enjoy family practice. Not to blow my own horn, but I am a good people person that naturally puts others at ease. I think FM would play to my strengths. Also, shorter residency!

However, going back to the main question of my post- should I apply and matriculate to a PT program? Again, since the timeline is messy, I will reiterate-

• Summer 2018 - submit DPT apps
• Fall 2018 - interview, hopefully get a DPT acceptance. Accept, place deposit.
• Winter 2019 - MCAT
• Spring 2019 - Submit med school apps
• Late Summer 2019 - matriculate to PT program
• Fall 2019 - med school interviews, if I get an acceptance, withdraw from DPT program (If no acceptance, remain in PT program
• Winter/Spring 2020 - relocate to med school city
• Summer 2020 - matriculate into med school

Does this plan eliminate a chance to go to med school? Am I nuts? I am trying to mitigate some risk by keeping the path to PT open.

I don't see anything unreasonable with your plan. Getting a med school acceptance in Fall 2019 would allow you to drop out of your PT program immediately and enjoy 6+ months of rest & relaxation for med school, which is not a bad thing at all. Some of the more prestigious M.D. schools tend to frown upon students from allied health professions "jumping ship" to M.D. and would probably question your true intentions for becoming a physician. However, D.O. schools have had a long tradition of taking people from other health professions, so I would definitely apply to just as many D.O. schools as M.D. if I were you because I'd think you'd fit in more at a D.O. school. Also, contact some people in SDN who fit your profile --- older students in allied health professions and get their advice about how med schools (M.D. vs. D.O.) viewed them.

F.M. is by far the easiest residency to get into, M.D. or D.O. I've seen IMGs who could barely speak English with very mediocre board scores land spots in some of the best U.S. FM residency programs in the country. You will have no problem having your pick of residency spot.

 

[Durty-Trixxx]

I forgot to ask if PT schools are expensive? If they are charging $20,000 per semester then I would forego matriculating into PT school at all. Your GPA and a good MCAT score will land you a spot in a D.O. school. I can pretty much guarantee that.

If PT schools are only charging $5-8K per semester then I guess matriculating for one semester and then dropping out won't bankrupt you.

 

[sunshinegirl0808]

I forgot to ask if PT schools are expensive? If they are charging $20,000 per semester then I would forego matriculating into PT school at all. Your GPA and a good MCAT score will land you a spot in a D.O. school. I can pretty much guarantee that.

If PT schools are only charging $5-8K per semester then I guess matriculating for one semester and then dropping out won't bankrupt you.

I figure I will be out about $10k for the first semester of PT. Not chump change, but in my mind, to mitigate risk & lost time, it’s worth it.