Fear ? Where to start ?

[bpworld]

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Where do I start ? For last year or so I have constantly begin researching on possibility of becoming a doctor. I am at a point in life to pursue my goals.

I am 27 years old, for last four to five years my life has been dedicated to personal small business. I have open several small business , some successful some not. I have finally decided to pursue medicine but my fear is holding me back.

My fear arise from unsuccessful undergraduate coursework and ability to comprehend academic challanges. I have never been able to find out my weaknesses in academic. All my life I have been " b and c student " , nothing spectacular.

My question is how challenging is medical profession ? How should one take it if he or she may lack strong academic background ? How hard are pre-reqs course ? especailly chemistry ?

Back of my mind I am ready to put 100% of what I have in order to succeed, but then again fear pops up that I may not succeed.

Some of the pre-reqs I look forward to the challange, such as biology while some (chemistry) I may find it to be challanging.

Any tips or suggestion how to get over fear ?

1st Choice - Become D.O.
Back up - Pharmacist

Undergraduate GPA 2.9

Thanks
Ben

 

[bpworld]

Is strong memorization and comprehension skill required for medical profession ?

I am sure some of the question I have asked may sound nuisance.

 

[sindadel]

Sounds like you need to get over your academic fear, just like in order to open small businesses, you have to get over your fear of talking to strangers, thinking about money, not having a secure paycheque.

You have a lot of grade remediation ahead of you to get up to a 3.5 range. And it sounds like you don't have a great handle on basic academic techniques for doing well. You DON'T have to be super smart to be a doctor, but you do have to have a good work ethic AND be a diligent student. Why not start by taking a transition to college chemistry class at your community college, and really focussing on learning HOW to excel. Make use of tutors, office hours, your textbook, the assigned problems etc. You need to convince yourself that you can succeed and then you will.

Best of luck!

 

[sgtbrushes]

Is strong memorization and comprehension skill required for medical profession ?

Yes. The first two years of medical school, at most universities, is 95% rote memorization.

Do you have a Bachelor's? If you have a cumulative of 2.9 with a Bachelor's, then it will take you 120 credits - 3 years of school, minimum - with a 4.0 in every single course - to get your cumulative to 3.45. That's a long, hard road. Also, how much do you know about what Doctors actually do? Shadow a physician and volunteer in a clinical setting while taking some pre-calc or pre-chem courses at a community college to see if you A) want to be in school for 8 years and B) want to be in medicine for 40 years.

 

[bpworld]

Yes. The first two years of medical school, at most universities, is 95% rote memorization.

Do you have a Bachelor's? If you have a cumulative of 2.9 with a Bachelor's, then it will take you 120 credits - 3 years of school, minimum - with a 4.0 in every single course - to get your cumulative to 3.45. That's a long, hard road. Also, how much do you know about what Doctors actually do? Shadow a physician and volunteer in a clinical setting while taking some pre-calc or pre-chem courses at a community college to see if you A) want to be in school for 8 years and B) want to be in medicine for 40 years.

I am very familiar what physicians do on day to day activity. Matter of fact, both of my brother in law are M.D., one is cardiologist and another is internal medicine.

I haven't mention anything to any of my family members yet.

I appreciate the support on this forum.

Thanks
Ben

 

[Jlaw]

I'm 28 with an undergrad GPA of 2.99 and spent 4 years in the business/finance world. Now I'm finishing my first of 4 or 5 semesters of post bacc work to take pre reqs and improve my GPA.

If you want to be a doctor you need to make it happen, it won't fall in your lap. Take an honest look at your past academic performance. Being a B/C student doesn't tell you anything because there are different types of B/C students. I was a B/C student who hardly opened a book in college and got by because alot of business stuff is common sense. Were you studying 5 hours a night to get B's and C's or would you spend a couple hours skimming your notes before the midterms/finals?

Chem and Bio are undergraduate level classes being taken by kids straight out of high school. They are challenging but if you are reasonably intelligent and willing to study hard you will do well. Just make sure you are honest about putting in the time to study, if you need to study 5 hours a night to get an A, do it.

Finally, don't let the GPA get you down. A 3.50 cummulative may be nice when applying but you don't have to have it to be competetive, especially as a D.O. applicant. Do your best in the science classes and take some other science electives, use that knowledge and bust your as$ studying to get a competetive MCAT score. Volunteer, become an EMT, shadow, etc and let those areas of your application overshadow your GPA a bit. The interesting stories and life experiences that non-trads bring to the table do count for something so if you are going to worry, worry about doing well now, not about how you have done in the past.

My reccommendation would be to clear your plate and take a semester of BIO1 and CHEM1. By the end of it you will probably know if this field is for you or not.

Good luck.

 

[kebertxela]

1st Choice - Become D.O.
Back up - Pharmacist

Why exactly do you want to be a DO? Do you know what osteopathic manipulation is? Do you know who Andrew Taylor Still was? These are things you might want to look up before you make a huge mistake.

 

[icalz]

Research the big 4 carib schools also (sgu, ross, saba, auc) if you're worried about admissions...don't assume the curriculum will be any easier though.

 

[ArkansasRanger]

Where do I start ? For last year or so I have constantly begin researching on possibility of becoming a doctor. I am at a point in life to pursue my goals.

I am 27 years old, for last four to five years my life has been dedicated to personal small business. I have open several small business , some successful some not. I have finally decided to pursue medicine but my fear is holding me back.

My fear arise from unsuccessful undergraduate coursework and ability to comprehend academic challanges. I have never been able to find out my weaknesses in academic. All my life I have been " b and c student " , nothing spectacular.

My question is how challenging is medical profession ? How should one take it if he or she may lack strong academic background ? How hard are pre-reqs course ? especailly chemistry ?

Back of my mind I am ready to put 100% of what I have in order to succeed, but then again fear pops up that I may not succeed.

Some of the pre-reqs I look forward to the challange, such as biology while some (chemistry) I may find it to be challanging.

Any tips or suggestion how to get over fear ?

1st Choice - Become D.O.
Back up - Pharmacist

Undergraduate GPA 2.9

Thanks
Ben

Is pharmacy school "easier" to get into or something?

 

[riverjib]

Where do I start ? For last year or so I have constantly begin researching on possibility of becoming a doctor. I am at a point in life to pursue my goals.

I am 27 years old, for last four to five years my life has been dedicated to personal small business. I have open several small business , some successful some not. I have finally decided to pursue medicine but my fear is holding me back.

My fear arise from unsuccessful undergraduate coursework and ability to comprehend academic challanges. I have never been able to find out my weaknesses in academic. All my life I have been " b and c student " , nothing spectacular.

My question is how challenging is medical profession ? How should one take it if he or she may lack strong academic background ? How hard are pre-reqs course ? especailly chemistry ?

Back of my mind I am ready to put 100% of what I have in order to succeed, but then again fear pops up that I may not succeed.

Some of the pre-reqs I look forward to the challange, such as biology while some (chemistry) I may find it to be challanging.

Any tips or suggestion how to get over fear ?

1st Choice - Become D.O.
Back up - Pharmacist

Undergraduate GPA 2.9

Thanks
Ben

Honestly, just based upon this post, it sounds like you have a long road ahead of you. Your communication skills need tremendous work. If you were a new immigrant with a fantastic GPA and MCAT, med schools would be patient with your language problems, but it sounds like you've been here long enough to have learned the basics of English grammar. I'm not saying this to be rude, but your academic background is not good enough yet for MD, PA, DO, RN, or Caribbean schools. You probably need an extra year for remediation in English before you can do well in the basic English required by most medical schools. After that, you have another year or two to excel in chemistry, biology, organic chem, physics, math, and English.

I work with immigrants who move to the U.S. and take any job that pays the bills while they pass their licensing exams. I've tutored a lot of my coworkers and friends for the NCLEX and USMLE's. You're in very good shape, but I'd hold off on (at least) biology classes until you're more comfortable writing in English. You'll succeed 🙂

For the record, PharmD and DO are not exactly back-up plans. DO is only slightly behind medical school in terms of selectivity, and PharmD is an entirely different profession with a unique set of criteria. Figure out what you really want to do, and go for it.

 

[bpworld]

Honestly, just based upon this post, it sounds like you have a long road ahead of you. Your communication skills need tremendous work. If you were a new immigrant with a fantastic GPA and MCAT, med schools would be patient with your language problems, but it sounds like you've been here long enough to have learned the basics of English grammar. I'm not saying this to be rude, but your academic background is not good enough yet for MD, PA, DO, RN, or Caribbean schools. You probably need an extra year for remediation in English before you can do well in the basic English required by most medical schools. After that, you have another year or two to excel in chemistry, biology, organic chem, physics, math, and English.

I work with immigrants who move to the U.S. and take any job that pays the bills while they pass their licensing exams. I've tutored a lot of my coworkers and friends for the NCLEX and USMLE's. You're in very good shape, but I'd hold off on (at least) biology classes until you're more comfortable writing in English. You'll succeed 🙂

For the record, PharmD and DO are not exactly back-up plans. DO is only slightly behind medical school in terms of selectivity, and PharmD is an entirely different profession with a unique set of criteria. Figure out what you really want to do, and go for it.

With all due respect I have been in America for last 10 years and my comprehension skills are superior. Granted that I may not be the greatest writer, but I am well verse in communicating.

I do have long road ahead, but I am sure I I'll make it happen some how.

Thanks

 

[riverjib]

With all due respect I have been in America for last 10 years and my comprehension skills are superior. Granted that I may not be the greatest writer, but I am well verse in communicating.

I do have long road ahead, but I am sure I I'll make it happen some how.

Thanks

I didn't write that to offend you, but most medical schools require at least a 9 or 10 on the verbal section, and a decent score on the writing section. You need to work on your grammatical skills, at least for the writing section and the multitude of essays you'll have to write. The medical school in my university says they'll accept scores as low as 9 as long as the rest of the application is excellent.

Biology and chemistry are pretty fundamental to medicine, and comprise 60% of your pre-med course work. You expressed that you had difficulty in both subjects. Pharmacy schools place a heavy emphasis on chemistry. DO schools are increasingly competitive and only lag slightly behind MD programs in their expectation of good grades.

You asked for our honest opinions, and I'm just being honest. As long as you bring up your GPA significantly and do better in the sciences, and learn to write better, you can absolutely succeed. But you can't take criticism personally, especially when you're looking for advice. I'm not professing to be perfect, and I'm certainly not claiming I could move to another country and excel. I have absolutely no intention of insulting you; as I said, many of my friends are immigrants. I admire the strength it takes to build a life somewhere new, and I especially admire those who are determined to attain the highest level of success.

Honestly, if you look back, two of the previous posters were annoyed by your insinuation that DO and PharmD were easy alternatives to the MD degree. I don't blame them, either. You jumped on me when I was trying to help without recognizing the sarcasm in the remarks others posted in response to the fact that you made light of two entire professions.

 

[smileyangel11]

1st Choice - Become D.O.
Back up - Pharmacist

Undergraduate GPA 2.9

Thanks
Ben

Hi Ben,
Just curious, why do you want to be a pharmacist as a backup? Do you actually like the profession?

I think we all hear stories where someone got into medschool or pharmacy school with relatively lower GPA. However, I gurantee 99% of the time, there is something uniquely spetacular about the individual (research/volunteer experience, MCAT/PCAT, personality, personal background..etc) that pursuaded the admission committee for acceptance.

During my pharmacy school interview, my interviewer told me that putting together a new class for admission is like constructing an orchestra ensemble, where you need the string, brass, woodwinds, percussion in different ratio to compose great music.

So the bottom line is, if you don't shine in the GPA section, think how to WOW the admission board with something else about you. Namely, what make you a great future M.D. or Pharm.D? What would you bring to the profession?

 

[maxwell0]

Why exactly do you want to be a DO? Do you know what osteopathic manipulation is? Do you know who Andrew Taylor Still was? These are things you might want to look up before you make a huge mistake.

Sounds like there are some things YOU need to look up, buddy. Only a very small number of DOs use OMM. I'm pretty sure the OP would not be making a huge mistake, since DOs are licensed to practice medicine as a PHYSICIAN in ALL states and ALL specialties, at the SAME salary as their allopathic counterparts.

 

[MedicDO]

maxwell0: I think what kebertxela was meaning to imply was that the OP needs to research Osteopathic Medicine to see if the philosophy was one that fits with him. You are correct that a lot of DO's are saying that they don't use OMM on a regular basis, but it is required in medical school. But there is a philosophy difference in medical academia between osteopathic and allopathic schools. So it is important that anyone looking into osteopathic medicine truly understands why it is different and knows some of the history behind it to see try and see if their personalily lends itself more towards osteopathic medicine, or allopathic medicine. For example when I first decided to really pursue medicine I was gonna be an MD, because it was all I really knew about. Then while doing some research I found out about osteopathic medicine and researched it quite extensively and realized that my personality is probably a better fit for osteopathy than being an allopathic physician. To the point where after comparing them side-by-side, visiting schools, talking to students I'm sure that DO is where I belong.

My advice to the OP is if you don't know much about osteopathic medicine (i.e. just seemed like it was easier to get into a D.O. school) then yes a little research would be in order. If you know that it is a D.O. you want to become then it makes your task a LITTLE easier as you can retake classes you've taken previously and replace those grades as part of the application process. You should focus on retaking any failing grades first, then any science courses you have lower grades in, then lastly other low grades.

If you've had issues in the past with academic performance primarily because you don't have a good idea of how to study, specifically how to study so that it complements YOUR learning style; then you shoudl definately read up on that area. Most schools have an academic success department (or something similar that may go by a different name) that can help you determine how to effectively study. Where I'm from (North Carolina) most schools have classes for this (aptly titled Academic Success Skills at the community college, different names at the universities).

Some of the other posters are correct that you should take some additional English classes. I'm not doubting your comprehension or conversational abilities but you should focus on writing intensive courses that will improve your ability to write. Remember you have to do essays for the MCAT and during the admissions process. Critical thinking/critical reading courses could also be excellent after you've taken a couple writing intensive general english courses.

If medicine is what you really want to do then pursue it! But it is challenging so your desire to become a physician has to overrule your fear of that challenge.

I'm was in much of the same boat as you. I'm around your age. I've wanted to be a physician as long as I can remember but was always a little intimidated by the thought of how difficult it would be. Tried other things (computers, web design, being an entrepreneur, etc.) and ended up as a Paramedic and EMS Educator which I love but it also amped up my desire to become a physician. I screwed off in undergrad initially and have had to work hard to overcome that. But I realized it and kicked myself into gear before I got my Bachelor's and ended up graduating cum laude. I love biology, especially Anatomy/Physiology, Pathophysiology and tolerate chemistry but hate physics. I've worked my butt off in all my science courses (still a few more to go) but at the moment I have a 4.0 science and by the time I apply should have a 3.7-3.8 overall. So, you can bounce back but you'll have to work hard.

Finally, if you don't have much exposure to healthcare I would recommend doing some shadowing and learn a little about it, preferably in the specialties you're interested in. If you're really interested in becoming a D.O. try to shadow with one. I've been fortunate as I've spent a lot of time working in healthcare and my local ED had several DO physicians that I've worked side-by-side with and picked their brains.

If it's what you want to do, then go for it. You will have a long and often hard road in front of you but can do it. One of the things I've found since returning to school to finish my pre-reqs is that I'm much more focused and goal oriented than my classmates or even than I was when I was an undergrad--which for me has led to much higher grades.

 

[bpworld]

I appreciate everyone on this fourm for some great suggestion, it does seem like writing skills do need brushing up but on the other hand my ability to comprehension and communicate is very strong.

I am lost I have no idea where to start with fear of failing constantly on back of my head.

I never said D.O. or PharmD is much easier program to get into, my intention was I am very fascinated by how the body works in its ability to break down medicine and how medicine effects overall human body.

I happen to be interested in medicine after acquiring upper respiratory infection which I was given high dose of medicine and boom I was cure, I was just amaze how medicine works in human body .

Past academics skills have been very poorly I am pretty sure that it was bad study habits and my fear of not being intelligent. I don't consider myself to be very intelligent but I am willing to work hard to achieve my dream.

I feel very confident about taking Biology but chemistry and physics I probably will need to bust my ass for decent grade.

Any suggestion on what it really takes to achieve high grade ?

Ben

 

[sindadel]

Read the textbook material or lecture slides before class. Go to class. Take good notes. Go over your notes the SAME day and make sure you understand what is going on. Do practice problems. Find some friends who are compatible to work with. Go to the professor's office hours and ask questions. Start reviewing for an exam 2 weeks before by going over lecture material from the beginning of the semester.

 

[BestDoctorEver]

Where do I start ? For last year or so I have constantly begin researching on possibility of becoming a doctor. I am at a point in life to pursue my goals.

I am 27 years old, for last four to five years my life has been dedicated to personal small business. I have open several small business , some successful some not. I have finally decided to pursue medicine but my fear is holding me back.

My fear arise from unsuccessful undergraduate coursework and ability to comprehend academic challanges. I have never been able to find out my weaknesses in academic. All my life I have been " b and c student " , nothing spectacular.

My question is how challenging is medical profession ? How should one take it if he or she may lack strong academic background ? How hard are pre-reqs course ? especailly chemistry ?

Back of my mind I am ready to put 100% of what I have in order to succeed, but then again fear pops up that I may not succeed.

Some of the pre-reqs I look forward to the challange, such as biology while some (chemistry) I may find it to be challanging.

Any tips or suggestion how to get over fear ?

1st Choice - Become D.O.
Back up - Pharmacist

Undergraduate GPA 2.9

Thanks
Ben

Dont let your fear get the best of you... Just start taking the prereq classes... If you wanna do good in these classes, you gonna have to get your work ethics straight because some of these classes are not easy to say the least. Ochem and physics in my opinion are very challenging classes. If you can manage to get anything above a "B" in the classes, I believe you can become a physician. For DO, get your cGPA/sGPA to at least 3.3, and an MCAT of 27+ will give you a decent chance if you have the other stuff i.e ECs, DO LORs, shadowing ect...

 

[riverjib]

I appreciate everyone on this fourm for some great suggestion, it does seem like writing skills do need brushing up but on the other hand my ability to comprehension and communicate is very strong.

I am lost I have no idea where to start with fear of failing constantly on back of my head.

I never said D.O. or PharmD is much easier program to get into, my intention was I am very fascinated by how the body works in its ability to break down medicine and how medicine effects overall human body.

I happen to be interested in medicine after acquiring upper respiratory infection which I was given high dose of medicine and boom I was cure, I was just amaze how medicine works in human body .

Past academics skills have been very poorly I am pretty sure that it was bad study habits and my fear of not being intelligent. I don't consider myself to be very intelligent but I am willing to work hard to achieve my dream.

I feel very confident about taking Biology but chemistry and physics I probably will need to bust my ass for decent grade.

Any suggestion on what it really takes to achieve high grade ?

Ben

Take it one step at a time. Hard work is more important than intelligence in medicine. Sure, innate intelligence will make it easier to get A's, and to diagnose and treat patients. But even the smartest people have to work hard to become physicians.

You've already done something that's really important...you've identified your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your fears. Now you need to let go of your self-doubt and be positive. Whatever you have to overcome, you're capable of doing it. It certainly sounds that way to me--it takes tremendous strength, confidence, and intelligence to start a new life in a new country, especially when you have to learn a new language! You CAN do it if you work hard enough.

Basic science courses are daunting, especially if you haven't seen them in a while. But just like anything else in life, you can excel if you're determined. Someone who needs to study general chemistry for hours every day and seeks help from tutors is no worse off in the long run than someone who breezed through it. In fact, when I returned to school, my first two pre-med years were easy for me because I had taken many of the classes in high school. It was harder for me to do well in upper-level courses because I had to relearn good study habits for the first time in over thirteen years.

If you want tips and advice for getting through the basics and finding research or volunteer experience, PM me. I'd be happy to share what I've learned.

 

[bpworld]

Take it one step at a time. Hard work is more important than intelligence in medicine. Sure, innate intelligence will make it easier to get A's, and to diagnose and treat patients. But even the smartest people have to work hard to become physicians.

You've already done something that's really important...you've identified your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your fears. Now you need to let go of your self-doubt and be positive. Whatever you have to overcome, you're capable of doing it. It certainly sounds that way to me--it takes tremendous strength, confidence, and intelligence to start a new life in a new country, especially when you have to learn a new language! You CAN do it if you work hard enough.

Basic science courses are daunting, especially if you haven't seen them in a while. But just like anything else in life, you can excel if you're determined. Someone who needs to study general chemistry for hours every day and seeks help from tutors is no worse off in the long run than someone who breezed through it. In fact, when I returned to school, my first two pre-med years were easy for me because I had taken many of the classes in high school. It was harder for me to do well in upper-level courses because I had to relearn good study habits for the first time in over thirteen years.

If you want tips and advice for getting through the basics and finding research or volunteer experience, PM me. I'd be happy to share what I've learned.

Can you share me some of your tips in succeeding pre-reqs course ?
I pretty much have to re-learn all studying habits, although I never had any good study habits in the beginning always felt I was less intelligent but more and more I analyze myself it may be just bad study habits.

I am giving myself two years to become great student and learner, I already feel old enough for going back to school and starting over ( I already have BS in Business ), just to decide going back to school takes up more of my time than anything, I'm always lurking around for moral support.

Your support is really encouraging and admirable.

Thanks
ben