Extenuating circumstances, so DO, MD, or both?

[TarheelGirlx3]

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So I want to explain my situation, and sorry this is so long, My freshman year of college I did ok in science courses (not up to potential, but nothing unexpected from a freshman). I got discouraged and did not take any science courses my sophomore year. Decided to change to bio major at that point. Took 2 courses fall of junior year that, apparently at my school aren't recommended to take simultaneously, and made a C and C+. These were ecology/evolution and genetics/molecular bio, respectively. Right before classes started the next semester we found out my mother had leukemia. She received her chemo treatments at MY university hospital. So when she was there (which was pretty often) I was able to sit with her in her room, etc. When she was home I went to help there in any way possible. Needless to say my extracurricular activities were non-existent, as my mother's needs were more important. Even through all this stress, I managed to pull off a much better semester in science courses: A- in anatomy/physiology and lab and B- in cellular/developmental biology. I realize the B- still isn't remarkable, but compared to the previous semester and the circumstances I was proud. That following summer I lost a man much like a father to me, and managed to get an A in a 5 credit hour physiology online summer course (also while working part time). Long story short, my mother passed away this October (post bone marrow transplant) after trips to the ICU, rehab stays, and many other complications. Still, I did not drop this semester because it was so close to the end. Crossing my fingers, I will have an A in microbiology and lab and a B in a genetics laboratory course. This will give me a 3.33 cGPA and about a 3.0 sGPA. After I graduate next semester, I plan to study post bac to get the remaining pre-reqs I need and do to obvious GPA repair. My question is do I apply for both DO and MD? Being a doctor is the ultimate goal, whether it be through MD or DO, but does applying to both look desperate? I realize right now my chances at med school acceptance are a joke, but I can do major repair, assuming all A's will max out around a 3.5. Help! Advice? How would I explain if I applied to both? Want to be realistic that DO may be more attainable.


Thanks!

 

[sinombre]

The MD and DO applications are separate--MD schools won't know you applied to DO schools, and vice versa.

 

[TarheelGirlx3]

Ok, I didn't know that. I know I would need to shadow a DO to apply for DO, but would that not raise a red flag for MD if I say I shadowed a physician, but he was DO?

 

[Jas1360]

Ok, I didn't know that. I know I would need to shadow a DO to apply for DO, but would that not raise a red flag for MD if I say I shadowed a physician, but he was DO?

Why would shadowing a DO raise a red flag? I think it shows you have good perspective if you have shadowed both MD and DO. Just like you probably want to shadow various specialties.

 

[TarheelGirlx3]

I guess I would be afraid of that question, "So why is MD a better route for you than DO?...etc"

 

[Mountaineer12]

Ok, I didn't know that. I know I would need to shadow a DO to apply for DO, but would that not raise a red flag for MD if I say I shadowed a physician, but he was DO?

I applied to both listed my DO/MD shadowing on both and all of interviews just asked me about shadowing not one or the other or why I shadowed the other. Most won't care at all.

 

[TarheelGirlx3]

Ok, makes me feel better. Thanks!

 

[Fivo]

It depends on your mcat score OP. For all you know, MD might not even be a viable option for you down the road. So don't worry that much about which to apply to until you get your mcat score back. It can really change your path or end it.

 

[TarheelGirlx3]

I am aware of that. This is just a hypothetical, down the road situation. I have to do well in my remaining pre-reqs before I even consider the MCAT. Obviously if those don't go well it is out the window.

 

[mirimonster]

I guess I would be afraid of that question, "So why is MD a better route for you than DO?...etc"

You will never get this question. You might get why DO specifically, but no one will ask you why MD over DO.

 

[TarheelGirlx3]

Ok, I wasn't sure how they viewed that. Thanks everyone!

 

[ChartaBona]

I don't think you need to specify whether you shadowed an MD or DO, there's very little difference between the two in most fields.

Technically some of my shadowing experience was with a nurse anesthetist, but I still listed it with physician shadowing. Whether or not I was with officially with an anesthesiologist, I still got to see surgeons at work. I didn't ask their credentials, so they could have all been D.O'.s operating *shrugs*.

 

[kasmir8199]

So sorry to hear about your mom and considering your circumstances, I applaud you in all you were able to do! That's certainly not an easy thing to do.

Some advice I'd received from several family members that are either med students or residents, apart from the GPA repair, apply broad (as many MD and DO programs that interest you) and apply EARLY! Aim high for your MCATs, obviously. Have outstanding LORs and ECs and give the personal statement of your life!

Seems to me that the biggest question would be whether or not the schools you apply to have a GPA cut-off that they filter the applications through. If you meet that cut-off and everything else looks good, you have an inspiring personal story and I feel like a committee would remember your testimony, and thus remember you.

Best wishes! I'm rooting for you. 😉