Hi I'm in grad school biotech major. I was supposed to graduate in May this year but I've decided to stay for another year to take some more classes and start preparing MCAT. I have about 3.0 undergrad GPA(AACOM) and 3.5 grad GPA. I worked as a clinical technician(full-time) for almost a year, worked as a physical therapy assistant for about 6 mos. and lots of teaching experience as a Taekwondo master. Of course I'm greatly interested in osteopathic medicine so that's why I'm here. However when I graduate in May next year, I'm not sure what I should do a year or couple of years before going to medical school if I get in. I am thinking to apply PhD program in physiology and biophysics or pathology so I can take courses that strenghthen my medical/science background. If I don't finish PhD program (such as just taking courses during the first 1 or 2 years before qualifying exam), would that look bad on medical school admission comittees? I really don't want to look for job yet. I rather strengthen my knowledge by taking more courses. I would really appreciate some good advise or input. Thank you
It's really up to you if you want to study for Ph.D. I just got my Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology, and to be honest, it does make your application look good and impressive. In my experience, I have been accepted to every school I applied. However, I have always had interviewers ask me why you want to go to med school after grad school. It makes more sense to them if you go on to work as a post-doc and then do research or teaching. Be prepare for that sort of question when you apply to med school and you should be fine. Hope this helps.