Hispanic Pre-meds!!

[Elastase]

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Mike,

You are headed to Peru in December? What part? I am from Lima. I havent been back though, different reasons. I came to the states at 6 years old. Where do you live here in the states?

How long will you be hanging in Peru? Awesome. Enjoy your trip.

Jules:

Yeah I'm going to Lima from Dec27th to Jan5th. I was born here, but the last time I went I was a 1 year old. I am working right now and not in school, so I figure that now is the best time to see my dad's side of the family in Peru. Also, my grandparents from my moms side were pediatricians in Peru and were pretty well off there (although they have moved to the states when my parents did), and I wanted to see where they practiced etc. I am pretty excited to go...My Spanish is aight, but damn it kind of does need help, I figure I can just add in some "puta madres"into every other sentence and I'm cool....

 

[MsEvolution]

Amigos y amigas!! Acabo de recibir una invitacion para entrevistar en mi #1 choice... University of Washington!!!!

Deseenme mucha suerte! Es para el dia 5 de noviembre... estoy tan emocionada!

😀

 

[Tristy]

Amigos y amigas!! Acabo de recibir una invitacion para entrevistar en mi #1 choice... University of Washington!!!!

Deseenme mucha suerte! Es para el dia 5 de noviembre... estoy tan emocionada!

😀

Felicitaciones y muchisima suerte en tu entrevista!!!!!

 

[DrYo12]

I've got my fingers crossed for you!! Mucha suerte!!

 

[pathdr2b]

Amigos y amigas!! Acabo de recibir una invitacion para entrevistar en mi #1 choice... University of Washington!!!!

Deseenme mucha suerte! Es para el dia 5 de noviembre... estoy tan emocionada!

😀

!Bueno Suerte!

 

[jules0328]

Amigos y amigas!! Acabo de recibir una invitacion para entrevistar en mi #1 choice... University of Washington!!!!

Deseenme mucha suerte! Es para el dia 5 de noviembre... estoy tan emocionada!

😀

WOW, congratulaciones. Ok that is as much Spanish as you will get out this Peruvian, pathetic but I am slow when writing Spanish. Just a question, what were your stats? If I may ask....just curious. U Washington, awesome...god I wish you much luck. Let us know how the interview goes.!

 

[Elastase]

Congrats MsEvolution!


There are quite a few Peruanos on this site..
Btw ppl, turns out I wont be going to Peru cause my Dad pulled out, he doesn't want to spend a 1k on tickets, I was even going to pay my own. I'm not really down to go by myself, so hopefully sometime this summer. Blah.

 

[MsEvolution]

WOW, congratulaciones. Ok that is as much Spanish as you will get out this Peruvian, pathetic but I am slow when writing Spanish. Just a question, what were your stats? If I may ask....just curious. U Washington, awesome...god I wish you much luck. Let us know how the interview goes.!

Thanks! My stats aren't all that impressive...

AMCAS Science GPA: 3.42
AMCAS Overall GPA: 3.39
MCAT: 27P VR10 PS7 BS10

But I did have some good LOR's and plenty (and I do mean PLENTY) of "life experience."

I'm super-excited that I was invited to interview here... but part of me is just saying... come on, they'll never accept you. Heck, just interviewing there is reason enough to be happy, tho! Ok, I'll stop the pessimism and I'm going to allow myself to dream for a bit that I might actually get to go to UW!!

 

[jules0328]

You guys are awesome. Keep up this thread! Mike G, sorry to hear about your trip to Peru. 1K is expensive for tickets, wow is that what they go for nowadays!

For those of you who have pure spanish speaking homes, and some who arent even US citizens, like myself, do you feel you were at a disadvantage while taking the MCAT? Whatever, I dont care what other gringos think, I am not making excuses for myself, I am simply asking a question. I say that about other gringos because when i bought this up on another thread I totally got my as$ kicked about saying this. So I was just wondering about what you guys may have thought about the MCAT especially the verbal section since that is the one that everyone seems to bomb.

msEvolution----good luck on all your interview. You are my hero!

 

[jules0328]

Come on guys, keep the thread alive!! Did anyone hear anything this past week?

 

[pathdr2b]

I say that about other gringos because when i bought this up on another thread I totally got my as$ kicked about saying this. So I was just wondering about what you guys may have thought about the MCAT especially the verbal section since that is the one that everyone seems to bomb.

msEvolution----good luck on all your interview. You are my hero!

\


First let me state that I'm representin' the Caribbean latina's (by way of Spain) that are in the house! (I'm pentaracial!! )

For some strange reason, the verbal section is hard for ALL URM"s 😕 😕

 

[efex101]

The good thing is that the VR *can* be improved via practice so keep at it guys...also numbers are NOT everything....

 

[pathdr2b]

The good thing is that the VR *can* be improved via practice so keep at it guys...also numbers are NOT everything....

Most definitely!! 👍 I've started my intensive verbal review NOW for the April 2005 MCAT. Practice, Practice, Practice!!!!!!!!

 

[MsEvolution]

VR was the one section that was actually ok for me. I seem to have a knack for it--so I was disappointed with my 10... was getting 12-14s on the practice exams.

I can't really tell you why it comes naturally to me... I have always loved to read... in English and in Spanish... but I haven't read much (no time) since I graduated in 1999. If this helps any, every time I read I find myself "talking" back to the passage (or author) in my head saying "yeah, yeah, what's your point... yeah, yeah, so what you're trying to say is..." and then when I get the basic underlying message in a paragraph, I kind of say it to myself... "ok, so you're saying <blank> is bad, ok... now what are you saying... <blank> is bad and what else?" I know it's weird... but I "talk" to the author in my mind...

It can't hurt to try if you're preparing for a future MCAT, I guess.

Good luck!!

 

[Elastase]

Yeah, I believe that Spanish or other languages that are similar to English can really mess up your verbal. I don't know about you guys, but sometimes I end up speaking Span-glish, and well, I just know its hinders my reading comprehesion. I was getting around 9-10s on my practice verbals, but I ended up with a damn 8. You can definitely boost your score with tons and tons of practice, but even then you tend to plateau...

 

[PeruvianDoctor]

I believe its all subjective to how long you've known english and or spanish. What counts alot is if you are a reader or not (I knew reader's digest would pay off someday!). I came here when I was seven years old, and if I had to do the verbal in spanish, I would die. I just think its hard as hell for everyone, so practice, and remember that they do see circumstances in your application...

 

[cammy1313]

So cool to see so many peruvians in the mix. It's too peru doesn't carry any political leverage with the US, otherwise we would be a recognized minority by the AAMC.

MCAT: 28O
Undergrad GPA: 3.5 science, 3.4 overall
Grad GPA: 3.8

I submitted my application early and I have 5 interviews before the end of the year. Went on two already (EVMS, NYMC) and heading out for Albany and Tufts this week. In December I've got UC Irvine

There's hope for us all!!!

Good luck to everyone!

 

[Jeffy]

Anyone from or been in Philly long enough to help me out? How big is the Latino/a population in that neck of the woods? I'm from SoCal so I have no idea what the population is like over there. Mas que todo Mexicanos, Cubanos, no se? 😕

 

[Tristy]

Hola chicos,

Me preguntaba si alguno de ustedes estaria interesado en leer mi ensayo para Dartmouth (si tienen un tiempito de sobra). Es bastante corto, y agradeceria muchisimo algun comentario/critica destructiva (jeje, era broma) sobre lo que escribi. Gracias por la ayuda! 😀

 

[PeruvianDoctor]

My brother is at Temple law school right now he says its a bunch of Puerto Ricans, but mostly blacks JEFFY

 

[Elastase]

Damn, there really are a lot of Peruvians up here in SDN. Incas will come back to conquer US medical schools. I know SDN isn't an exact replication of the population of ppl that are applying to medical school but I wonder how many actual Peruvians are applying or are in med school....anyone know? Oh yeah, the US goverment just throws us in with the other "Hispanics"...

Anybody (not only peruvians) have family members that have been doctors in their home country? For example my on my moms side, ,my Grandfather was a pediatric surgeon and my Grandmother was in OB/GYN/Pediatrician in Lima...

 

[cammy1313]

Damn, there really are a lot of Peruvians up here in SDN. Incas will come back to conquer US medical schools. I know SDN isn't an exact replication of the population of ppl that are applying to medical school but I wonder how many actual Peruvians are applying or are in med school....anyone know? Oh yeah, the US goverment just throws us in with the other "Hispanics"...

Anybody (not only peruvians) have family members that have been doctors in their home country? For example my on my moms side, ,my Grandfather was a pediatric surgeon and my Grandmother was in OB/GYN/Pediatrician in Lima...

My parents were both born (as was I) and raised in Lima. They met in medical school there and both practiced here in the states (my mom switched to law but my dad is still doing critical care). They keep telling me that if I don't get into a school here there's always their alma mater! While it sounds like they got an awesome education down there, I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed for a US degree 😀

 

[PeruvianDoctor]

My father was a cardiovascular surgeon in Peru, from San Marcos University. I want to go visit so bad, need to go to Machu Pichu.

 

[PeruvianDoctor]

I'm glad I started this post, Its funny to see how many Peruvians there are here, must be something in the culture that makes us all want to be doctors! I've yet to finish my secondaries and basically feel like I'm trying to sabotage myself. Anyways I'm inquiring about what most Hispanics are going to do with their Medical degrees? It has been my experience that in the states everyone just wants to get money, and had a recruiter from UCLA actually confirm it for me. Am I the only one who wants to change the world? I feel like a dying breed, I know the U.S. has excellent doctors no matter what the motive, but I feel like the motivation is in the wrong place.

 

[MsEvolution]

The only doctor in my family is my Grand-Uncle... the brother of my maternal grandfather. But he was my inspiration! I loved questioning him on all kinds of processes in our body... I would wait for his occasional visits with such anticipation!

PeruvianDr... right on! Me too... I want to work with migrant communities... I'm not in this to be rich. My mother always drilled it into us...

"Te vas a educar, te vas a preparar, y cuando tengas una profesi?n--vas a usar tus conocimientos para ayudar a tu gente. Nunca les des la espalda y nunca te olvides de tus ra?ces."

Words from the wise... she worked her way through law school and always helped the less fortunate. I always admired that... knowing that she could choose an elite lifestyle and social circle... she shunned it for her people.

 

[Opallife]

Hey Guys, I have been on SDN for a while and I am excited that there is finally a thread for us Hispanics!!

I am a junior at Emory College in Atlanta and am part-Bolivian and part-Colombian.
I will be taking my MCATS in August and will be applying in next years cycle.

Take care all!

 

[Elastase]

Peruviandoc:

Yeah its great that you started this post. I tried the day before to start something up, but my thread wasn't as specific as "hispanics that are premed"...
Anyways...

I am definitely not in it for the money. If fact I think we are all getting ourselves screwed when we actually become doctors...reasons being the whole health care system in US sucks (how many ppl are uninsured, f#ck my parents are STILL uninsured), too much paper work (which I know is important but dammnn), too many lawsuits, and I hate how HMOs direct care sometimes...

Real reasons for become a physician are (not in any kind of order of importance): To help the Latino population in Cali (which is poor uninsured immigrants), the scientific/research aspect (always wanting to learn more), technical skill aspect (I like art, and working w/ my hands...surgery seems cool), working with all sorts of people (not only the Latino population), the competition that is involved for getting higher standards of care (both , being able to protect my family (as in knowing whats going on when something medically related happens), and I like the health care policy aspect (in that just having an M.D. can give you some leverage to push legislation, etc.)....So as you can see there are many reasons, and I will have to narrow it down when I actually get in.

I think doctors need a 50% pay cut, and have all hospitals/government pay for our mal practice insurance.

 

[fakeplaztiktree]

My father was a cardiovascular surgeon in Peru, from San Marcos University. I want to go visit so bad, need to go to Machu Pichu.

My dad went to San Marcos too...psych and general med, but moved to the US shortly after. As for becoming rich, I think there are easier ways. I'm in it to help people and challenge myself along the way, as trite as that sounds. I am hopefully going to work towards equitable and fair treatment for all, not just those who can pay.

 

[cammy1313]

My dad went to San Marcos too...psych and general med, but moved to the US shortly after. As for becoming rich, I think there are easier ways. I'm in it to help people and challenge myself along the way, as trite as that sounds. I am hopefully going to work towards equitable and fair treatment for all, not just those who can pay.

My parents went to San Marcos too! How funny! I guess when there are only a few med schools in an entire country there are bound to be these types of coincidences 😀

I've been to Machu Picchu and I have to say that I have seen nothing else that compares to it. I think I might be slightly biased, but it is a phenomenal place nonetheless 🙂

 

[jbon51]

I, too, am Peruvian and pre-med. I'm just a freshman in college, so I can't really post my MCAT/gpa. But I'm very excited to start the entire process, and excited to see so many Peruvians on these forums!

Truth be told, I have never met another Peruvian in my life. I would love to meet some (I was never really educated or introduced to my culture). Anyway, good luck to everyone!

Edit: Anyone in the Cleveland area? I read through some of the posts, and I didn't realize there were so many Peruvians here!

 

[Doc Martins]

My motivation for becoming an M.D. is far from making good money. I want to work in NYC, serving those in the lower socioeconomic classes, as they are the ones so often neglected when it comes to healthcare. More specifically, I want to work in a latino community, which are not hard to find in New York.

To those who want to go into medicine for the money, I suggest you re-evaluate your decision and consider business or something of the like. Doctors should be about helping and not about greed.

 

[PeruvianDoctor]

Great to hear all of your ideas, motivations, and ideals. Yeah Mike, I saw your thread but realized no one wrote in it, so I decided to make it more general. Anyways, I've got to go and write a paper for my philosophy of death class...

Que viva el Che!!

 

[NubianPrincess]

Hello my brown brothers and sisters 😍

Im not Hispanic but I do live near Spanish Harlem 😍

Good luck

 

[jules0328]

My motivation for becoming an M.D. is far from making good money. I want to work in NYC, serving those in the lower socioeconomic classes, as they are the ones so often neglected when it comes to healthcare. More specifically, I want to work in a latino community, which are not hard to find in New York.

To those who want to go into medicine for the money, I suggest you re-evaluate your decision and consider business or something of the like. Doctors should be about helping and not about greed.

I have to agree with you about trying to help those in need. I worked at Coler Goldwater Specialty Hospital for two years before deciding that medicine was truly my passion. This happens to be a city hospital and not the greatest hospital to be in at all. Everyone in that place had no medical insurance and most people in there were truly from extremely low socioeconomic backgrounds. It was such an incredible experience that I will never forget. It was really hard at times, seeing certain things but this experience made me who i am today, which leads me to my decision in being a doctor.

If anyone is interested in a volunteer position at this hospital and you happen to live in the metropolitan area, let me know. It is an incredible experience that you will never forget, what you see in this place is real life. It is not some private, ritzy hospital, it is the real thing....life. There are people in there from all walks of life, quads, paras, gun shot wound victims, cardiopulmonary, diabetic, AIDS/HIV, you name it! I learned a lot from my patients and realized that it is not about the money but about the gratification one gets from helping others, especially those who cannot afford healthcare. Truly a wonderful experience.

If anyone is interested PM me.

 

[jules0328]

Damn, there really are a lot of Peruvians up here in SDN. Incas will come back to conquer US medical schools. I know SDN isn't an exact replication of the population of ppl that are applying to medical school but I wonder how many actual Peruvians are applying or are in med school....anyone know? Oh yeah, the US goverment just throws us in with the other "Hispanics"...

Anybody (not only peruvians) have family members that have been doctors in their home country? For example my on my moms side, ,my Grandfather was a pediatric surgeon and my Grandmother was in OB/GYN/Pediatrician in Lima...

INCAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Rule. Gotta love incas. I have to share this with you all because I think you all will appreciate this, and laugh of the ignorance some people have in the world. When I was in college, my nickname became INCA. One day, someone asked me if my religion was Incan and if I was Incan myself. I had to laugh, in front of their face, for such an ignorant comment. Dont they teach this stuff in school, history, I mean....oh my god.....inca a religion.

I later told this person that the Incas had been extinct for many centuries, they still had no clue what I meant by it. WOW!

 

[acl3623]

no way Mayans rock!hehe...yea i have to admit ive met some pretty ignorant people who have asked me if we have roads in guatemala..telephones...seriously. or some that just dont know where it is and ask me if i go home on the weekends. i tell them i live in a 3 floor marble palace with elevators...usually does the trick 😛 oh yea and then i tell them i have pet goats.

 

[acl3623]

oh yea red sox rule!!

 

[Elastase]

INCAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Rule. Gotta love incas. I have to share this with you all because I think you all will appreciate this, and laugh of the ignorance some people have in the world. When I was in college, my nickname became INCA. One day, someone asked me if my religion was Incan and if I was Incan myself. I had to laugh, in front of their face, for such an ignorant comment. Dont they teach this stuff in school, history, I mean....oh my god.....inca a religion.

I later told this person that the Incas had been extinct for many centuries, they still had no clue what I meant by it. WOW!

Yeah I have heard of some peruvians being nicknamed Inca before. Actually I have a cousin who was in his highschool football team and they would call Cuzco...

 

[gilly1980]

How do they know that you are a URM? I am 1/4 Ethiopian, 1/4 Arab, 1/4 Indian and 1/4Mongolian....and I look like a blend of them all...what am I???

 

[PeruvianDoctor]

A mut!

 

[Tristy]

What is considered an URM? I have absolutely no idea on how to answer a question on one the apps where it asks if you consider yourself an URM. Are Venezuelans URM in medicine? I don't want to take advantage of anybody, but I am just curious. Kindof the same confusion I had when filling the "Race" part in AMCAS...I was going to write Race: Human, but then I thought it probably wouldn't be a very good idea, hehehe. Thanks!

 

[Elastase]

gilly1980 :

You should find that out for yourself, nobody can tell you what race you identify yourself the most. You can be all those but could also be completely "white" washed....

Anyways...URM means that you are part of the bigger URM...as in Mexican, Black, Puerto Ricans...You will have an easier time getting in...

For the rest of us Latinos, we have to work a little harder, but if you know Spanish and are planning to work for the underprivledged then you WILL have an advantage. Here is a link (cut and paste):

http://www.aamc.org/newsroom/pressrel/2004/applicants2004.pdf

You can see that there IS a "other Hispanics"... And you can tell from the stats that about half get in (definitely a less than Mexicans and Puerto Rico)...but if you look at all the stats, its about 50% that get in...

 

[jules0328]

WOW, looking at those stats just gave me anxiety. I just recently started my pre med journey. I am 27 and have two degrees under my belt and after working for a city hospital, with underpriviledged populations, I realized this is exactly what I want to do. As I vacillate through my pre med requirements, I am getting pretty good grades and working extremely hard to get A's in all of my classes. How realistic that will be, only time can really tell. I would say, if anything the lowest I will get will be B+ in physics, since I struggle at it. Nevertheless, I am still freakin out each and everyday about my chances of medical school. At this point in my life, making this decision will only hurt me if I do not get into medical school. I have a lot of debt, bills, and soon to be getting married. I plan on taking the August 2005 MCAT and hope to do well in them. But gauging from my past standardized test taking history, I am scared of not doing well. Didnt do well on my SATs and took the LSATs twice and actually went down two points the second time around (yes, I was going to go to law school, have a Philosophy, Politics and Law Bachelors Degree).

As I read all of your posts, it only gives me hope that I will make it there one day. To see more and more Hispanics entering the medical field is something to be proud of. To all you have made it this far, I commend you, and wish you all the very best in accomplishing your dreams.

 

[Will Ferrell]

gilly1980 :

You should find that out for yourself, nobody can tell you what race you identify yourself the most. You can be all those but could also be completely "white" washed....

Anyways...URM means that you are part of the bigger URM...as in Mexican, Black, Puerto Ricans...You will have an easier time getting in...

For the rest of us Latinos, we have to work a little harder, but if you know Spanish and are planning to work for the underprivledged then you WILL have an advantage. Here is a link (cut and paste):

http://www.aamc.org/newsroom/pressrel/2004/applicants2004.pdf

You can see that there IS a "other Hispanics"... And you can tell from the stats that about half get in (definitely a less than Mexicans and Puerto Rico)...but if you look at all the stats, its about 50% that get in...

Look at the link, Gilly1980. Good News for you! "Unknowns" have the highest acceptance rate into medical school! 😀

 

[Doc Martins]

bump

 

[MsEvolution]

Hola gente!! 🙂

Que creen? Acabo de recibir otra invitacion para entrevistar en Medical College of Wisconsin! Bravo!

No hay como tales noticias para alegrarle el dia a uno, verdad? Esta es mi cuarta entrevista. La *mas* importante es la que he anhelado por tanto tiempo... la de University of Washington... este viernes! Deseenme mucha suerte, porfavor, que la necesito!!!

Y al mismo tiempo les mando muchos deseos de suerte a uds. tambien!

 

[PeruvianDoctor]

Muchas felizitaciones!! asi deve ser!

 

[Tristy]

Hola gente!! 🙂

Que creen? Acabo de recibir otra invitacion para entrevistar en Medical College of Wisconsin! Bravo!

No hay como tales noticias para alegrarle el dia a uno, verdad? Esta es mi cuarta entrevista. La *mas* importante es la que he anhelado por tanto tiempo... la de University of Washington... este viernes! Deseenme mucha suerte, porfavor, que la necesito!!!

Y al mismo tiempo les mando muchos deseos de suerte a uds. tambien!

Que bueno!!!!! Muchisima suerte MsEvolution!!!! 😀

 

[PeruvianDoctor]

And luckily with a good post, got an Cali interview for Loma Linda University! I would love to stay here...

 

[Elastase]

Lets not let this forum die....

Whatre updates on ppls interviews and such?

Anyone apply to that UC Irvine PRIME-LC program?