Feeling Overwhelmed

[jcr_massage]

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I am currently an undergard in my sophomore year. I am majoring in Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology. I did that major kind of secretly because I wanted something that would go along with the fact that I am a massage therapist but secretly I did it because it was a degree other than Biology that alreaday had all the pre-req's for med school in the major, with the exception of one physics class. Well I finally admitted it to everyone, or at least to myself maybe that I just am not going to be satisfied until I go to medical school. I am however only planning on applying to osteopathic schools.
Anyways I am feeling so overwhelmed now. My advisor listed my major with an additional pre-med code and suddenly my undergrad life has changed. Honors societies and organizations at school are emailing me constantly about one meeting / opportunity after another. My advisor has impressed upon me the importance of volunteer work and grades grades grades....... Ugggggh I feel like I am going to pop..... suddenly since I finally admitted to myself that I think I can do it....it's like the world depends on it and a B in my Cardiac Dysrythmias class may just send me into ventricular tachycardia. Especially since I am still carrying a 4.0 (mind you this is pre-Ochem lol). Ugggh I don't know how people go their whole lives knowing they want to be a doctor because I feel like there's so much I have to do now, keep my good grades, volunteer, (keep my massage license and job), not to mention I have a husband.....ohhh and there's the Alpha Epsilon Delta meetings and the on campus humanity activities.

Any advice for those of you that are past this stage?????? Okay initiating deep breathing exercise and returning to a safe sinus rhythm....I have successfully vented.

Blessings
Bodyworksweety

 

[carn311]

I am currently an undergard in my sophomore year. I am majoring in Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology. I did that major kind of secretly because I wanted something that would go along with the fact that I am a massage therapist but secretly I did it because it was a degree other than Biology that alreaday had all the pre-req's for med school in the major, with the exception of one physics class. Well I finally admitted it to everyone, or at least to myself maybe that I just am not going to be satisfied until I go to medical school. I am however only planning on applying to osteopathic schools.
Anyways I am feeling so overwhelmed now. My advisor listed my major with an additional pre-med code and suddenly my undergrad life has changed. Honors societies and organizations at school are emailing me constantly about one meeting / opportunity after another. My advisor has impressed upon me the importance of volunteer work and grades grades grades....... Ugggggh I feel like I am going to pop..... suddenly since I finally admitted to myself that I think I can do it....it's like the world depends on it and a B in my Cardiac Dysrythmias class may just send me into ventricular tachycardia. Especially since I am still carrying a 4.0 (mind you this is pre-Ochem lol). Ugggh I don't know how people go their whole lives knowing they want to be a doctor because I feel like there's so much I have to do now, keep my good grades, volunteer, (keep my massage license and job), not to mention I have a husband.....ohhh and there's the Alpha Epsilon Delta meetings and the on campus humanity activities.

Any advice for those of you that are past this stage?????? Okay initiating deep breathing exercise and returning to a safe sinus rhythm....I have successfully vented.

Blessings
Bodyworksweety

You are not fully a premed untill you feel this way. Will it pay off in the end? For any sane person..no. But for freaks like you and me...YES. Just keep up the intensity. Each semester I feel like I cant take anymore...so I just add more and I keep landing the As and trusting in God to take care of my stress.

Just always remember to make time for your family. Medical schools will always be around; they may not be.

 

[mx_599]

I am currently an undergard in my sophomore year. I am majoring in Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology. I did that major kind of secretly because I wanted something that would go along with the fact that I am a massage therapist but secretly I did it because it was a degree other than Biology that alreaday had all the pre-req's for med school in the major, with the exception of one physics class. Well I finally admitted it to everyone, or at least to myself maybe that I just am not going to be satisfied until I go to medical school. I am however only planning on applying to osteopathic schools.
Anyways I am feeling so overwhelmed now. My advisor listed my major with an additional pre-med code and suddenly my undergrad life has changed. Honors societies and organizations at school are emailing me constantly about one meeting / opportunity after another. My advisor has impressed upon me the importance of volunteer work and grades grades grades....... Ugggggh I feel like I am going to pop..... suddenly since I finally admitted to myself that I think I can do it....it's like the world depends on it and a B in my Cardiac Dysrythmias class may just send me into ventricular tachycardia. Especially since I am still carrying a 4.0 (mind you this is pre-Ochem lol). Ugggh I don't know how people go their whole lives knowing they want to be a doctor because I feel like there's so much I have to do now, keep my good grades, volunteer, (keep my massage license and job), not to mention I have a husband.....ohhh and there's the Alpha Epsilon Delta meetings and the on campus humanity activities.

Any advice for those of you that are past this stage?????? Okay initiating deep breathing exercise and returning to a safe sinus rhythm....I have successfully vented.

Blessings
Bodyworksweety

glad to see you chose exercise science as your major. it is the BEST, allow me to repeat that, the BEST pre med degree. i'll argue this with anyone who wants to

first off, don't worry about all the extra curricular stuff. that is a lot of bs. sorry, but i had to work throughout college.

i did not do any of the extra campus type club things nor did i volunteer. however, i always had healthcare related JOBS. the massage is stretching it a little. i would try to get some part time healthcare job or something so that you are being properly compensated for your time and effort.

let the students who do not have to work have fun with clubs and volunteering. medical schools understand this just fine.

also, start thinking about getting to know a DO for a letter of rec. is not necessary, but it is nice to have along with an MD one

sounds like you are off to a great start! seeing how you already chose a superior undergrad degree 👍

 

[jcr_massage]

Thanks on the exercise science heads up, I love my choice of majors since I get to take allot more things that seem actually applicable to the human body to me.

Although I shoudl point one thing out. Massage pays quite well, I get an average of $50 an hour and considering that I can schedule my clients around my school schedule and my crazy test weeks it works well for me. And I should mention that the Anatomy that I had to take in Massage School was infinitely more difficult than the anatomy I had to take as an undergrad. But that is perhaps because in Ohio Massage Therapists are licensed by the State Medical Board and have to pass a nightmare of an exam to get their license (there is only a 49% pass rate) currently in the state. The test is all Anatomy and Physiology so perhaps once I took Anatomy as an undergrad I had heard most of it so much that it wasn't difficult for me.

Blessings
Bodyworksweety

 

[mx_599]

Thanks on the exercise science heads up, I love my choice of majors since I get to take allot more things that seem actually applicable to the human body to me.

bingo...you're exactly correct. it is the most real world prep pre-medical degree. i am not saying it is the hardest.

you have a double income with your husband. i am sure massage pays well. i wouldn't volunteer, but you might have to sacrifice for a much lower paying job to get some exposure.

you know, in your case volunteering might be good. i don't know if work is plentiful, but not everyone has the luxury of 50/hr. with that kind of money you should be able to afford to donate your time if necessary

 

[jcr_massage]

Since I am passionate about domestic violence and women's rights I am considering becoming a victim advocate for the Rape Crisis Center. It will at least get me into the hospital when a rape victim presents. I would only be there as a support person, but I would be present for the exam etc. I haven't really decided on this one yet, it would mean being on call one night a week at least.

Bodyworksweety

 

[carn311]

Since I am passionate about domestic violence and women's rights I am considering becoming a victim advocate for the Rape Crisis Center. It will at least get me into the hospital when a rape victim presents. I would only be there as a support person, but I would be present for the exam etc. I haven't really decided on this one yet, it would mean being on call one night a week at least.

Bodyworksweety

Maybe something more medical. A job as a PCT perhaps?

Volunteering in a community hospice organization would even be better...more medical exposure.

 

[HunterGatherer]

When it comes time for you personal statement I would stress the amount of prep you needed for the musculoskletal system for your massage license, kinesiology program, and any PT certs you needed to get along the way.

If you are working and going to school I would not get stressed out about clubs and tons of volunteering. Volunteering 4 hours/week somewhere should be enough and find a DO as already suggested. Do something you may find interesting such as the rape crisis you mentioned. Volunteering can get boring rather quickly otherwise.

You are one person and there is only so much you can do. I'm a PT, student, have a small family(son and wife) so I know how overwhelming it may feel.

I take my CSCS exam in December. Woot!

 

[mx_599]

When it comes time for you personal statement I would stress the amount of prep you needed for the musculoskletal system for your massage license, kinesiology program, and any PT certs you needed to get along the way.

If you are working and going to school I would not get stressed out about clubs and tons of volunteering. Volunteering 4 hours/week somewhere should be enough and find a DO as already suggested. Do something you may find interesting such as the rape crisis you mentioned. Volunteering can get boring rather quickly otherwise.

You are one person and there is only so much you can do. I'm a PT, student, have a small family(son and wife) so I know how overwhelming it may feel.

I take my CSCS exam in December. Woot!

i have my cscs. i have to hurry and renew it before december! i'll never use it, but i want it...i guess.

the test is pretty easy

 

[jcr_massage]

Forgive me for sounding stupid but what is a PCT?

Bodyworksweety

 

[HunterGatherer]

I think they are referring to a patient care technician. take blood and vital signs. I think you make too much money to try to do that. I'm the training involved would be too much.

I'm not too worried about the CSCS. I will study for it though. My NSCA PT scores were nothing to brag about but I passed with a 6 hour cram session.

 

[carn311]

Forgive me for sounding stupid but what is a PCT?

Bodyworksweety

Sorry Patient Care Tech.
Basically an on the job trained CNA (Nursing Assistant)...it has the potential for more proceedures (ie drawing bloods, starting IVs).

 

[strawberryfield]

Sorry Patient Care Tech.
Basically an on the job trained CNA (Nursing Assistant)...it has the potential for more proceedures (ie drawing bloods, starting IVs).

I thought only nurses or doctors could start IVs?
😕
At the hospitals I've worked at, the PCT's do a lot of phlebotomy and EKGs. They get a lot of patient interaction.
😀

 

[HunterGatherer]

I just looked at a job description for PCT and it involved EKGs, drawing blood, vital signs, starting IVs. usually these jobs require a lot of training for someone going to school full time and supporting themselves with a job. I'd only do it if it was something I found very interesting.

I thought only nurses or doctors could start IVs?
😕
At the hospitals I've worked at, the PCT's do a lot of phlebotomy and EKGs. They get a lot of patient interaction.
😀

 

[strawberryfield]

I just looked at a job description for PCT and it involved EKGs, drawing blood, vital signs, starting IVs. usually these jobs require a lot of training for someone going to school full time and supporting themselves with a job. I'd only do it if it was something I found very interesting.

Now that I'm thinking about it... starting IV's doesn't necessarily mean giving drugs in them does it! doh!
😛

you're right... they can start IV's (as in inserting the little needle, little plastic thingy and taping it down)

 

[illiniindc]

Since I am passionate about domestic violence and women's rights I am considering becoming a victim advocate for the Rape Crisis Center. It will at least get me into the hospital when a rape victim presents. I would only be there as a support person, but I would be present for the exam etc. I haven't really decided on this one yet, it would mean being on call one night a week at least.

I'll just chime in and congratulate you on making a committment to such a challenging field. As far as the sudden onslaught of extracurricular stuff you are being assaulted with, I'd say look through it and see if there is anything that interests you. You are certainly not obligated to join every single one now that you are a "pre-med." However, sometimes they open up great opportunities such as physician shadowing, volunteering at hospitals or nursing homes, and so on.

Furthermore, if you are applying to osteopathic medical schools, don't sell yourself short! Having a certification in massage therapy will certainly make you a unique candidate as well as give you a small advantage having worked with patients, their bodies, as well as your comfort level with human anatomy and the musculoskeletal system.

Finally, don't think that the only thing that matters on your application are your GPA and your MCAT. The personal statement and supplementary essays are great for bringing in other aspects of your life such as your family and job.

I guess, the long and short of it is don't give up. The application process is undoubtedly stressful and sometimes it really doesn't seem possible to finish undergrad. Your anxiety is normal and I wouldn't worry much about it at this point. Although it may not seem like it, you still have a bit of time to work it out.

Good luck!

Andy
KCOM 2008

 

[DORoe]

This is silly telling her that she has to find a job in a hospital. Listen you are a massage therapist just do that it's fine. I worked in a factory during undergrad and had no problem getting into medical school. Massage is medically related and will be great on your app (especially to DO school). If you want to volunteer at a rape crisis center then do that. To me that is a much more worthwhile experience than volunteering to give directions in some hospital. The main thing is do the things that interest you. Don't listen to all of these people telling you to take lower paying scut jobs just to say that you have experience in the hospital that is silly (not to mention detrimental to your cash flow).

 

[mx_599]

This is silly telling her that she has to find a job in a hospital. Listen you are a massage therapist just do that it's fine. I worked in a factory during undergrad and had no problem getting into medical school. Massage is medically related and will be great on your app (especially to DO school). If you want to volunteer at a rape crisis center then do that. To me that is a much more worthwhile experience than volunteering to give directions in some hospital. The main thing is do the things that interest you. Don't listen to all of these people telling you to take lower paying scut jobs just to say that you have experience in the hospital that is silly (not to mention detrimental to your cash flow).

👎

 

[DORoe]

👎

I did not mean to insult you and if I did I am sorry, however, I stand by my statement. I don't doubt that being any of the other things mentioned in this topic is beneficial and looks good on an app. I just don't see a good reason to quit a profitable job that is related to do something that does not pay as much and takes up more of your valuable time.

 

[Raven Feather]

I have an idea....uh oh! You are a massage therapist, why not use that to volunteer. Patients backs get sore for being in bed for days, massage helps relax them...I give my patients back rubs when I have time before they go to bed and they LOVE ME for it. (Im a nurse). Why don't you got to a local hospital, propose your plan to give volunteer back rubs, but according to your schedule. That way, you do it when you have time and make your own schedule. If you lived in my area, I could set you up as a volunteer massage therapist!! I think hospitals would love this idea!!

 

[MrDreamWeaver]

I think those Honor Societies are pathetic. I almost joined one until I figured I'd be following the trail of hundreds of pre-meds who think this club is going to help their app. Don't be a follower, think for yourself.

I don't hang around the pre-meds at my school because most of them ONLY talk about grades, mcats, etc etc etc. It's really annoying and pathetic. I like to enjoy my life outside and inside of school.

Your main concern should be good grades. Don't cram you're schedule with other crap if it's going to take an impact on your grades. I'm sure med-schools understand that a lot of people have jobs ... instead, maybe you can do some extra-curr in the summer.

Don't compare / compete with others. Don't fall into the trap that many pre-meds fall into. Do your absolute best and hope it's good enough.

 

[jcr_massage]

Thanks so much for the idea of volunteering my massage services at a hospital. That is a great idea thatI had not thought of before. I could propose two weekend days a month, to one of the local hospitals, there are quite a few here. That would solve the issue I think.

Blessings
Bodyworksweety