Interested in Radiology & Applying to Med. School

[Jason110]

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Hey,

I figured I should post a message on this board, since some on the 'pre-med' board don't really know what they are talking about. I'm currently an undergraduate BME (biomedical engineering) major at Washington Univ. I'll be applying to medical school soon and I'm really interested in radiology (neuro- or interventional or maybe even both). I have done a lot of research here at MIR (Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology) -- though no publications, yet. I've done research in both the neuro- division and in the interventional division. I can tell you I've fallen in love with radiology as a subject.

As for medical schools, what should I look for when choosing one, considering my goals after medical school? I know that most people change their career plans many times during medical school, but your advice would be greatly appreciated.


Jason

 

[Jason110]

To extend my previous posting, talking to some residents and fellows at MIR regarding medical school admissions, they say it's more important to graduate in the top 20% of your school from a 'mediocre' school than to graduate at the bottom from a 'great' school for a radiology residency. Is there some truth to this idea? Should I listen to what they say when choosing med. schools?

Your thoughts please,

Jason

 

[carrigallen]

Please refrain from posting the same thread in multiple forums.

 

[michrad]

take it easy, carigallen. if you like to make such comments, try auntminnie.com.
anyhow, there is no right answer to your question, Jason. i would definitely not pick a lower tier school just because you think you would do better there. does where you go to school matter? yes and no. if you are a stellar candidate (great class rank, board scores,AOA status, research experience, letters, and homecoming king), it will matter little at most institutions. but if you aren't all these things, going to a "prestigous" med school may give you the benefit of the doubt in some instances. and some ivy's like to get residents with a good pedigree (in other words, ivy background). if you have more than one or two options for medical school, don't just look at the rankings. take the gestalt approach and try to see what would be the best overall situation for you. the first two years of med school are basically miserable, and my belief is that you will learn the same material whereever you go (since most people don't attend all the lectures anyhow). try to find the best niche where you think you would be happiest. being in a good situation makes things better and you will probably end up doing better overall. the bottom line is you have to do well to get into radiology, whereever you go to school. best wishes, and good luck.