Good careers to consider if I don't get in

[WanderingDave]

I think it's high time I started thinking about other careers. I've given this whole med school thing a really good try, but I've come to the conclusion I may not quite have the chops for it:

-- Total undergrad GPA: 3.11, post-bacc science GPA 2.92 👎
-- MCAT 32Q. Not bad, but won't make up for my GPA.
-- 3 great LORs, but only one from a science prof, with no chance for another (I already tried).
-- Solid healthcare experience (CNA), but none of it actually working with doctors or doing what doctors do. No research whatsoever. I'm much more interested in direct patient contact.
-- A recent arrest for marijuana on my record. Not a conviction, but not an acquittal either.

I'll go through with this round of apps since I already paid for the primaries, but if I don't get an acceptance this round, that'll be that.

I think I'll be able to finish the whole process with aplomb and even joy, if I have a very realistic backup plan, and I see the whole med school thing as a sort of a challenging game, "just to see what happens if I reach for the highest star", so to speak, rather than something to put my soul on the line for. Because when it comes to jobs that take away people's pain, there are other fish in the sea.

I'm highly verbally intelligent -- my strongest area is foreign languages. I'm an internationally-minded person who has extensive experience traveling abroad, and would love a job that would let me keep doing this, maybe even professionally. I've now found I enjoy healthcare immensely, and would like to keep doing this too.

Does anyone have a suggestion right off the top of their head for a career that I might want to look into?

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[Hexanol]

I think it's high time I started thinking about other careers. I've given this whole med school thing a really good try, but I've come to the conclusion I may not quite have the chops for it:

-- Total undergrad GPA: 3.11, post-bacc science GPA 2.92 👎
-- MCAT 32Q. Not bad, but won't make up for my GPA.
-- 3 great LORs, but only one from a science prof, with no chance for another (I already tried).
-- Solid healthcare experience (CNA), but none of it actually working with doctors or doing what doctors do. No research whatsoever. I'm much more interested in direct patient contact.
-- A recent arrest for marijuana on my record. Not a conviction, but not an acquittal either.

I'll go through with this round of apps since I already paid for the primaries, but if I don't get an acceptance this round, that'll be that.

I think I'll be able to finish the whole process with aplomb and even joy, if I have a very realistic backup plan, and I see the whole med school thing as a sort of a challenging game, "just to see what happens if I reach for the highest star", so to speak, rather than something to put my soul on the line for. Because when it comes to jobs that take away people's pain, there are other fish in the sea.

I'm highly verbally intelligent -- my strongest area is foreign languages. I'm an internationally-minded person who has extensive experience traveling abroad, and would love a job that would let me keep doing this, maybe even professionally. I've now found I enjoy healthcare immensely, and would like to keep doing this too.

Does anyone have a suggestion right off the top of their head for a career that I might want to look into?

hm. Well, i personally have always thought about back up plans. Teaching, research, pharmaceuticals are always there if you need them. Also, if you're interested in the healthcare, you could always go for MST jobs (Multi-skilled technicians), Physician Assistant, nursing, and/or any other position that catches your eye.

If you do more schooling, possibly a PH.D. you could possibly go into the CDC through research or other means if that interests you.

What's the point of this? i guess to say that the possibilites are endless. Just apply yourself and see what you like and what you don't. Goodluck with everything!

 

[genopeno2000]

Join the military as an officer. I've been there and I was planning to go back as an Army doc if I made it. You travel, there are plenty of opportunities in the healthcare field, and if you are verbally intelligent, then I assume you are good at politic-ing.

 

[njbmd]

I think it's high time I started thinking about other careers. I've given this whole med school thing a really good try, but I've come to the conclusion I may not quite have the chops for it:

-- Total undergrad GPA: 3.11, post-bacc science GPA 2.92 👎
-- MCAT 32Q. Not bad, but won't make up for my GPA.
-- 3 great LORs, but only one from a science prof, with no chance for another (I already tried).
-- Solid healthcare experience (CNA), but none of it actually working with doctors or doing what doctors do. No research whatsoever. I'm much more interested in direct patient contact.
-- A recent arrest for marijuana on my record. Not a conviction, but not an acquittal either.

I'll go through with this round of apps since I already paid for the primaries, but if I don't get an acceptance this round, that'll be that.

I think I'll be able to finish the whole process with aplomb and even joy, if I have a very realistic backup plan, and I see the whole med school thing as a sort of a challenging game, "just to see what happens if I reach for the highest star", so to speak, rather than something to put my soul on the line for. Because when it comes to jobs that take away people's pain, there are other fish in the sea.

I'm highly verbally intelligent -- my strongest area is foreign languages. I'm an internationally-minded person who has extensive experience traveling abroad, and would love a job that would let me keep doing this, maybe even professionally. I've now found I enjoy healthcare immensely, and would like to keep doing this too.

Does anyone have a suggestion right off the top of their head for a career that I might want to look into?

The most popular have already been mentioned: PA, technician, researcher. Also look at Perfusion Technology. Great job and intesting work with good pay. 👍

 

[Zyeist]

You mentioned languages. Do you have a strong interest in languages or it's just something you happen to be good at? Just to throw another thing onto the table, something in linguistics such as interpreter, translator, etc would be a good wedding of foreign languages and travel. My brother LOVES foreign languages and travel and his dream job is to be paid to do tours throughout Europe in the summers, (heck he already goes there on his own every summer) and translating/interpreting in the winters.

 

[WanderingDave]

You mentioned languages. Do you have a strong interest in languages or it's just something you happen to be good at? Just to throw another thing onto the table, something in linguistics such as interpreter, translator, etc would be a good wedding of foreign languages and travel. My brother LOVES foreign languages and travel and his dream job is to be paid to do tours throughout Europe in the summers, (heck he already goes there on his own every summer) and translating/interpreting in the winters.

Hmm... I'm not in any rush to get this done, but I bet I'd be fairly marketable if I were a nurse AND an interpreter with a couple languages under my belt! My undergrad college just forged an alliance with the Monterrey Institute (THE place that trains interpreters).

genopeno, I think I'll pass, because I'm not in the mood to get shipped off to Iraq. But thanks anyway. I'm actually not great at politicking. I think that's more people smarts than verbal smarts.

 

[Micah6:8]

W...Dave,
Did you apply to DO programs or just MD? I think your chances are definitely good for DO. Your MCAT is good and your science GPA, though not stellar, is above the minimum for some programs.
Hang in there and good luck.

 

[slb]

i don't think you have to give up just yet. but if you are thinking of changing your mind about the MD/DO (and there's nothing wrong with changing your mind!) I hear that the UN has a great need for travelling nurses and PAs - especially those that speak foreign languages. a friend of mine who is an RN is looking into this option. Don't know much about it myself, but it might be worth looking into. You might want to look at the other NGOs too (red cross/ red crescent, etc). it would be a way to make a real difference in the lives of very needy people...

good luck with whatever you decide to do!

 

[viostorm]

Look ... you are well positioned for a DO school.

Make sure you apply to them.

If it is your dream then don't give up. I know a person who took the MCAT 5 times to get in and is now an attending orthopaedic surgeon.

The road is longer for some of us then others.

 

[NonTradMed]

Carribean or DO are options as well. Remember that many people in this country who are practicing physicians did not do their medical school at a US MD school (~25% of residency spots are taken by non US MD holders I think). Your MCAT is very solid, I'd hate to see it go to waste.

 

[Orthodoc40]

Columbia U has a great international program through Ben Gurion University you should check into too.

 

[Orthodoc40]

The most popular have already been mentioned: PA, technician, researcher. Also look at Perfusion Technology. Great job and intesting work with good pay. 👍

Yah wow! I just checked salary.com and they pay around $112k in Boston!
For a 2 year program you get certified, and it looks like a great job!

 

[t33sg1rl]

What about teaching, social work, or psychology? Those are all careers that I considered if I didn't get into med school. Personally, I did NOT consider any type of nursing or various non-doctor health positions, because I knew I wanted things those jobs just don't offer-the chance to be in a leadership role, be the final authority/have final responsibility, and do lots of problem solving. Social work especially has a lot of similarities to a family doc's work (just without all the drugs and money). I finally settled on teaching, and so during my med school application year, I also applied to a teaching program, and I really liked knowing that I had a solid backup plan that I was satisfied with. It made sleeping at night easier. Of course if you want money, teaching and social work probably aren't calling your name.

 

[Quix]

I have to admit that this thread makes me concerned, considering my numbers are akin to the OPs. I have had different experiences and a "competitive" rating from my pre-health committee (9 LOR's to create the composite letter), but if the OP is despairing, it makes me wonder, too.

 

[MJB]

Did you try the DO route? Apply broadly?

Can't believe you're having that much trouble.

 

[Quix]

Did you try the DO route? Apply broadly?

Can't believe you're having that much trouble.

Is that directed to Dave or to me?

My list is:


Drexel University - in state
George Washington University
Georgetown University - alma mater
Jefferson Medical College - in state
Johns Hopkins University - reach, reach, reach, reach
New York University
Pennsylvania State University - in state
Temple University - in state
University of Chicago
University of Pennsylvania - in state, reach, reach, reach, reach
University of Pittsburgh - post-bacc, working with a research lab in critical care medicine at UPMC
West Virginia University

 

[MJB]

It was more to the OP.

My grades are about the same (3.2 overall, 3.4 non-science, 2.9 science UG), except I've gotten a 4.0 since going back in Chem. II and Org. Should end up with an A or a B in Org. II this semester.

MCAT isn't nearly as high, but I'm perfectly happy with wherever I get in...MD or DO.

 

[WanderingDave]

Great replies, guys. I much appreciate the encouragement, and I pass that along to MJB 😉

Plan A: I finish this cycle of secondaries and see what comes. Interestingly enough, all but four did NOT specifically ask for more than one science LOR, so I'm good.
Plan B: If noplace takes me, apply to DO schools next year, and perhaps some foreign MD schools that have decent USMLE pass rates (I'm thinking Ireland and the Philippines -- my mom's an Irish citizen). In the meantime get my LPN for another feather in my cap.
Plan C: If that doesn't work out, work a year or two as an LPN, then apply to RN, PT, OT, or PA programs.

Further ramblings:

I actually think I wouldn't mind the work of nursing at all, and as a matter of fact I'm seriously considering it. The reason I'd prefer to try to be a doctor is so that A) I'd have much more say in diagnoses and treatment plans. I'd get the same kind of kick out of this that detectives get out of solving crimes. B) I'd have more of a chance of eventually being a groundbreaker in the world of healthcare -- something I've always felt I'm capable of.

The money isn't top priority -- other healthcare professionals make decent salaries too. (Heck, I'm such a penny pincher I'd have no problem living off of what an LPN makes!) The job security definitely is important, though.

I'm a bit 'meh' on social work. Both my parents used to do it, so I'm rather familiar with the job. There are more practical, hands-on ways to make a difference in people's lives, IMHO. I have yet to meet a nurse who feels fondly towards social workers, so I guess that's worn off on me ::

No teaching, unless I get my PhD and become a professor. Old people are no problem for me, but I don't have a way with kids. 👎

 

[MJB]

Good luck to you.

Just FYI, my wife went back and got her RN-BSN here recently after being out of school for about 5-6 years. She says she will not "allow" me to go to Nursing school...says it's not worth it because you get $hit on too much and have no autonomy.

She's been working in the field for 6 months and wants out already.

 

[chocomorsel]

Wandering Dave, why would you wait till next year to apply to DO schools? I know it's almost deadline, but you still could get in a couple of applications to some DO schools. I say, add a couple of them now, and then wait to see what happens. You should have definetly done that to begin with. Good luck by the way. Your stats seem ok from where I'm standing and that MCAT looks damn good if you ask me.

 

[UMP]

dental
optometry
podiatry
pharmacy

they need the MD left-overs (no offense) and they have a much better lifestyle than the stressed out physicians...

you're not done yet, though