From Programmer to Doctor

[mrmandrake]

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Hello,

This is my first post here so if I'm doing something wrong please let me know. I graduted with my B.S. in Computer Science from UCSD in 2005 with a GPA of 3.32. I am currently working and paying off some debt and trying to explore medicine since I am terribly unpassionate about my career in the computer industry. I currently live with my parents as I am paying off college debts and have some questions that you guys might be able to help me with. You can answer some or all of them, any help is appreciated.

1. I recently tried to go to a hospital to look into shadowing opportunities but they told me they only did that through school programs. It seems like it would be hard for a non premed major like me to convince some doctor to let me shadow them. How do you advise I go about doing this?

2. Should I take a majority of my science classes at a community college or is that frowned upon?

3. I got a B+, B-, B+ in my calc based physics courses. I am thorougly convinced I can get solid A's in those classes if retaken. I got a 5 on my AP Physics test and was swamped by programming classes and so I invested no time in those classes at all. Is there any way I can "erase" or make them look any better?

4. What do you guys suggest for a person who already has a degree like me? I know a lot of post bacc programs require the person to be "disadvantaged" and to have already applied to med school unsuccessfully, which does not apply to me. I am wondering how you guys are approaching this. Like do you just walk into UCI admissions (UCI is closest to me) and tell them you want to take some classes? Do you need to apply again or just fill out forms or something?

Thanks for any help and sorry if I sound stupid, this is all very new to me.

 

[Gotcha!]

1. I recently tried to go to a hospital to look into shadowing opportunities but they told me they only did that through school programs. It seems like it would be hard for a non premed major like me to convince some doctor to let me shadow them. How do you advise I go about doing this?

Try to go through the volunteer services department - a lot of hospitals have them for the general populus as well as students to volunteer. If thats what you did, then try contacting individual doctors (your own physician would be a start). Let them know of your intrest and see where it goes.
Pretty much, persistence is key.

2. Should I take a majority of my science classes at a community college or is that frowned upon?

Frowned upon. Try to take them at a major university. The thing is, you can do it, but Adcoms wanna see if you can hack it at a 'harder' school because all community colleges are not created equal. Some can be just as hard as a university, but they don't know that. So if you have a State school around you (UCSD might be expensive, you could maybe try a seocnd bacholors and not complete it, though I don't know if this in itself is frowned upon).

3. I got a B+, B-, B+ in my calc based physics courses. I am thorougly convinced I can get solid A's in those classes if retaken. I got a 5 on my AP Physics test and was swamped by programming classes and so I invested no time in those classes at all. Is there any way I can "erase" or make them look any better?

At this point, if this is what you really want to do, don't bother. Those grades aren't horrible, and you'll have a lot of room to prove yourself with those science classes ahead of you. Ace those classes, and you'll be fine. Don't forget that for MD schools you Average the grades, and for DO schools you take the better of the two. In either case, the time invested is probably not worth it.

4. What do you guys suggest for a person who already has a degree like me? I know a lot of post bacc programs require the person to be "disadvantaged" and to have already applied to med school unsuccessfully, which does not apply to me. I am wondering how you guys are approaching this. Like do you just walk into UCI admissions (UCI is closest to me) and tell them you want to take some classes? Do you need to apply again or just fill out forms or something?

Few ways you can go about it. You could find a program for career changers (The link is at the top of the post-bac forum I think) or do what your thinking, and go to a state school and start taking classes. UC's are more expensive I think, so maybe try SDSU and take classes there. Though UCI wouldn't be a bad idea. I think you can apply for a second bacholers ( I knew a guy doing it) and that might be the easiest - it'll get you lined up for a degree, and you have all the Gen ed requirements. You'd just need science. BUt the thing is, you don't wanna waste time taking BS classes that can risk your GPA. You already have a 'broad' education coming out with a degeree with programming. THey like that sorta thing - 'logical thinking/reasoning.'

Anyway, good luck, just give UCI a call - talk to the premed advisor there. If he/she is worth a damn then you can find out what ya need. Otherwise, ask around.

-Gotcha

 

[mrmandrake]

Thanks Gotcha! That really cleared a couple of things up for me. I really appreciate it at a time when I just feel a little overwhelmed with the logistics of getting into med school. I just want to start taking some classes and be on my way already dammit! 🙂 Thanks again.

 

[vwhan]

Hello,

This is my first post here so if I'm doing something wrong please let me know. I graduted with my B.S. in Computer Science from UCSD in 2005 with a GPA of 3.32. I am currently working and paying off some debt and trying to explore medicine since I am terribly unpassionate about my career in the computer industry. I currently live with my parents as I am paying off college debts and have some questions that you guys might be able to help me with. You can answer some or all of them, any help is appreciated.

1. I recently tried to go to a hospital to look into shadowing opportunities but they told me they only did that through school programs. It seems like it would be hard for a non premed major like me to convince some doctor to let me shadow them. How do you advise I go about doing this?

2. Should I take a majority of my science classes at a community college or is that frowned upon?

3. I got a B+, B-, B+ in my calc based physics courses. I am thorougly convinced I can get solid A's in those classes if retaken. I got a 5 on my AP Physics test and was swamped by programming classes and so I invested no time in those classes at all. Is there any way I can "erase" or make them look any better?

4. What do you guys suggest for a person who already has a degree like me? I know a lot of post bacc programs require the person to be "disadvantaged" and to have already applied to med school unsuccessfully, which does not apply to me. I am wondering how you guys are approaching this. Like do you just walk into UCI admissions (UCI is closest to me) and tell them you want to take some classes? Do you need to apply again or just fill out forms or something?

Thanks for any help and sorry if I sound stupid, this is all very new to me.

Hi Mrmandrake,
Welcome to the Forums. Going into medicine is certainly a long road so be ready. Clearly you are unhappy with comp programming. I guess you need to ask yourself, why medicine? Med schools will want to see some volunteering and experience in the medical field. I hope others that have gone through the process more recently than I will offer some advice.

1. You will be surprised by just simply asking. If there is a specific field you think you might be interested, then look up someone in the phone book and explain to the doctor, secretary, etc. your situation. Or you could do what I did and look thru the classifieds. I found a job as an ophthalmic technician and had no experience. I explained to the doctor that I was interested in pursuing medicine and needed some experience in the medical field. He gave me the job. After working there for 2 years, I knew I wanted to become an ophthalmologist. Secondly, you could find another hospital and ask the volunteering department what positions are available.

2. I really don't know the answer to this so I will refrain from answering. Except, you may want to call up the admissions department of the nearest medical school and talk to them about it.

3. You cannot "erase" your previous grades. Med schools will want to see transcripts from all schools attended, plus the application will ask you type in every stupid class you took and the grades. I would suggest retaking them to freshen you memory on physics for the MCAT, and if you feel confident that you will get A's, then definitely do it. You need to do well in postbac courses to make up for your 3.32. I know comp sci is not an easy major, but for some reason I don't think adcoms care what your major was and I don't think they differentiate GPAs (i.e a 3.32 in golf management = 3.32 in aerospace engineering). However, I could be wrong.

4. Ask UCI if they have a postbac program. If they do, then your path will be easier b/c there will be a premed advisor that will guide you in terms of application process, courses to take, etc. If they do not then find out what the requirements are for med school and the MCAT. It should take about 2 years to take the minimum requirements, then take the MCAT. While in taking courses, try to volunteer and get involved in the medical field. You will need to get a LOR from a doctor. Do well on your postbac courses and the MCAT and you should be fine.

Good luck.
From 1 non-trad student to another.

 

[medMaybe]

Alright, more programmers trying to get into medicine! I was a full-time software engineer but got tired sitting in front of the screen all day. I knew medicine would be much more fulfilling. It took over 2 years to get in, but I just started med school a few weeks ago.

The first thing I did was setup an appointment at the admissions office at the nearest medical school. They were more than willing to meet with me face-to-face to discuss my interest in applying (but once my application was sent in, it was very difficult to talk to anyone in admissions again). We discussed my record and things I should do to improve a potential application.

1. I had a similiar GPA. They suggested I made sure to complete all the pre-req courses and some upper level biology classes before I applied, preferably at a non-community college so they know there's some rigor to it. Fortunately I lived close to a state school. Also good grades in the upper-level classes can offset some grades from undergrad years. I applied as a continuing non-degreed student and got through the process in just a couple of weeks. If you already have a BS/BA degree, it seemed pretty easy to get in. Just send them some transcripts and some money 🙂

2. Get some medical experience: I had a friend who was an ER doc at a private hospital who let me shadow him. It's easier to find docs to shadow at a non-teaching hospital since docs at teaching hospitals already have students following them around and don't want the extra hassel. I also volunteered at a county hospital. This was easy since the county hospital had a low budget and wanted the extra help. The med schools want to see that you're committed to making a career change, devoted to medicine and want to see that you put some time and effort into making sure you know what you're getting into.

3. Take the MCAT and do well. If you can't raise your GPA much, do good on the MCAT. It was easier to explain a lower GPA as an undergrad followed by higher grades post-bac since now you're "more serious", but you can't explain away a low MCAT score. Take your time and don't take it until you're fully prepared.

4. Don't rush. This was the hardest advice to follow, but you want to submit as strong an application as possible. If you took one class and volunteered for a month, it won't leave much of an impression with the admissions committee. If you want to do medicine the rest of your life, be as strong as a candidate as possible when you apply.


Hope this helps and good luck.

 

[NonTradMed]

1. I recently tried to go to a hospital to look into shadowing opportunities but they told me they only did that through school programs. It seems like it would be hard for a non premed major like me to convince some doctor to let me shadow them. How do you advise I go about doing this?

Just call up a few different doctors and ask. Most doctors are happy to oblige.

2. Should I take a majority of my science classes at a community college or is that frowned upon?

Frowned upon. Try to avoid CC unless you have an practical reason for it (i.e money, family etc).

3. I got a B+, B-, B+ in my calc based physics courses. I am thorougly convinced I can get solid A's in those classes if retaken. I got a 5 on my AP Physics test and was swamped by programming classes and so I invested no time in those classes at all. Is there any way I can "erase" or make them look any better?

Can't erase it, can only take more science courses to balance it out. I know how you feel but just do well from now on and you'll be fine.

4. What do you guys suggest for a person who already has a degree like me? I know a lot of post bacc programs require the person to be "disadvantaged" and to have already applied to med school unsuccessfully, which does not apply to me. I am wondering how you guys are approaching this. Like do you just walk into UCI admissions (UCI is closest to me) and tell them you want to take some classes? Do you need to apply again or just fill out forms or something?

The above posters did a good job of explaining. Most post-baccs are NOT for disadvantage etc, they are for peopel who want to do medicine. You can also do your own post-bacc, but just taking all the pre-req classes. Some places may have linkages to med school so you may want to check them out as well.


As an aside, I just want you to know that I had a similar background. I graduated from a good school with a 3.4 in CS. My GPA was not an issue (my science GPA was another matter...). Your 3.3 in CS is not great, but it won't kill you as long as you have strong other stuff, like MCAT, BCPM, extracurriculum. If I can get in with my developer background, I'm sure most people can as well. Just work hard, don't rush through it. Good luck.

 

[mrmandrake]

Thanks for all the helpful replies guys. I know probably asked a lot of questions that have been answered already so thanks for taking the time to post quality answers. It all seemed very overwhelming for me but this post made it just a little easier.

 

[markneil]

Greetings,

I also graduated with a computer science degree from a Univ of Calif school in 2003. Prior to that I was a respiratory therapist (did this right after high school). I worked "unpassionately" in the IT field for about a year and returned to my true passion which was medicine (learning about it - human physiology, biological sciences, life sciences, pharmacology and all of that kind of stuff). I work(ed) nights as a respiratory therapist and got a whole lot of experience in the ER, wards, OR, ICU (neuro, cardiac) working with different types ventilators and ventilator modes, fiberoptic bronchoscopes for intubations, participating in codes, and collaborated with different types of physicians from radiologists explaining about insertions of IVC filters, lumbar punctures, and chest tubes; anesthesiologists (i spent countless times just hanging in the OR talking bout their job, their ventilators and anything else i can think of), intensivists (pt. care plans -- organ to organ view), pulmonologists, surgeons, hospitalists, cardiologists..you name it. I am currently finishing up my prereqs for med school and I am considering applying to a Caribbean medical school. Physics was my worst subject. MCAT I am taking this Jan and however many times I can take it again before the application deadline. I am also working on research for the summer. Anyways, sorry for the vagueness of this all, but does anybody think I have a chance at this? I don't see myself doing anything else but being a physician....any recommendations? 😕

 

[xTinaBna]

Hello,

This is my first post here so if I'm doing something wrong please let me know. I graduted with my B.S. in Computer Science from UCSD in 2005 with a GPA of 3.32. I am currently working and paying off some debt and trying to explore medicine since I am terribly unpassionate about my career in the computer industry. I currently live with my parents as I am paying off college debts and have some questions that you guys might be able to help me with. You can answer some or all of them, any help is appreciated.

1. I recently tried to go to a hospital to look into shadowing opportunities but they told me they only did that through school programs. It seems like it would be hard for a non premed major like me to convince some doctor to let me shadow them. How do you advise I go about doing this?

2. Should I take a majority of my science classes at a community college or is that frowned upon?

3. I got a B+, B-, B+ in my calc based physics courses. I am thorougly convinced I can get solid A's in those classes if retaken. I got a 5 on my AP Physics test and was swamped by programming classes and so I invested no time in those classes at all. Is there any way I can "erase" or make them look any better?

4. What do you guys suggest for a person who already has a degree like me? I know a lot of post bacc programs require the person to be "disadvantaged" and to have already applied to med school unsuccessfully, which does not apply to me. I am wondering how you guys are approaching this. Like do you just walk into UCI admissions (UCI is closest to me) and tell them you want to take some classes? Do you need to apply again or just fill out forms or something?

Thanks for any help and sorry if I sound stupid, this is all very new to me.

hi!

i actually have a friend who was was a computer sci. major just like you from u of michigan. he worked at IBM for less than a year and decided he wanted to go to dental school. He just took the pre-req courses needed back at u f michigan as a non-degree student and studied for the DAT's. he must have done well because now he's a 2nd year at Harvard dental school 🙂 i just wanted to give you some inspiration and show you that computer sci. majors can make it!

 

[mrmandrake]

Thanks guys for all the encouraging words. I wish you the best of luck and I'll continue posting here. You guys are a great help!

 

[postbacmd]

I am in the same boat. Did Info Systems and worked for a few years, enjoyed it but never felt purpose driven. Doing the postbac work now... its like anything in life; if you really want it just work hard for it and take all advice with a grain of salt. Good luck!!!

 

[RxnMan]

Greetings,

I also graduated with a computer science degree from a Univ of Calif school in 2003. Prior to that I was a respiratory therapist (did this right after high school). I worked "unpassionately" in the IT field for about a year and returned to my true passion which was medicine (learning about it - human physiology, biological sciences, life sciences, pharmacology and all of that kind of stuff). I work(ed) nights as a respiratory therapist and got a whole lot of experience in the ER, wards, OR, ICU (neuro, cardiac) working with different types ventilators and ventilator modes, fiberoptic bronchoscopes for intubations, participating in codes, and collaborated with different types of physicians from radiologists explaining about insertions of IVC filters, lumbar punctures, and chest tubes; anesthesiologists (i spent countless times just hanging in the OR talking bout their job, their ventilators and anything else i can think of), intensivists (pt. care plans -- organ to organ view), pulmonologists, surgeons, hospitalists, cardiologists..you name it. I am currently finishing up my prereqs for med school and I am considering applying to a Caribbean medical school. Physics was my worst subject. MCAT I am taking this Jan and however many times I can take it again before the application deadline. I am also working on research for the summer. Anyways, sorry for the vagueness of this all, but does anybody think I have a chance at this? I don't see myself doing anything else but being a physician....any recommendations? 😕

Switching careers is not a problem. The amount of time and effort required to make the change is dependent on how competitive you are - if you've got a 4.0 GPA and a high MCAT, then it should be relatively painless. If you're an applicant like I was(criminally low GPA), then you have to go through more hoops (click on the link to see what I had to do). You'll have to give us more information for us to give you a better idea of how to proceed.

A hurdle (and personal journey) is to clarify WHY you want to do the change. Is it because you don't like dealing with problems and customer service? If that's the case, then realize that medicine is all about managing other people's problems and working with people.

Random thought - Foreign medical schools can limit your options - do a search on "FMGs" to see what I mean.

OP - A lot of the comments I made to markneil also apply to you. Figure out why you want to change careers. Post-baccs are more for 'forgiveness' of poor grades, which you may not have to do, depending on your application strategy/MCAT score. Don't worry about volunteering - lots of hospitals, especially teaching hospitals, have volunteer departmets. Walk in and announce you're pre-med and they'll run you through the process, no problem. Lots of folks just like you walk in off the street to see if medicine is for them.