Is the Caribbean my only possible route now?

[piotrkol1]

Today I got a rejection email from UQ-Oschner. I'm sort of stunned, since it seemed like the general consensus with that program was that you were in pretty good shape if you met the cut-offs. I dont think I've even seen anyone make a post in the UQ-Oschner threads stating they were rejected (with the exception of the class being full in late fall). I figured worst-case scenario I would atleast get waitlisted (that seems to be new this year). I mean, I even studied abroad at UQ so I figured that would work in my favor. I can't believe my interview performance was the reason I got rejected either.

My MCAT is 509. Back when DO had the grade replacement my undergraduate and science GPA was 3.0, but now my undergrad is 2.9 and science is lower. In addition to retakes I did a DIY post-bacc and so I had an upward trend at the end.

I did the BMS program at RFU but I got Cs in two medical school classes so that didn't help. I know some people will say that looks really bad, but the medical students' average exam grades in all the classes were just above 80%, so in theory there were plenty of medical students who would've gotten Cs too (medical students were graded pass/fail.) Yes, I'll admit that neuroscience was a disaster and I barely passed, but with physiology I didn't miss a B by much.

In terms of ECs, I've been working as an EMT for almost 3 1/2 years now so I'm guessing I have around 4500 clinical hours. I've also done some volunteering & shadowing (including a DO).

At this point would it be a waste of time and money to apply DO? I've researched the Caribbean route before and while it obviously wouldn't be impossible to succeed via that route, it's not optimal. The thought of going down there sort of depresses me and I'm worried that I might not perform well in that environment. I'm 27 now though so part of me feels I need to get on with this. I'm not sure if it's too late for me to start in the Caribbean this fall anyways. My whole family is from Poland and I have been there numerous times so that had been another option. However, Jagiellonian now only offers a 6 year program for high school graduates and while Poznan still has the 4 year program, you have to take a separate entrance exam, which I really don't want to study for considering my MCAT score.

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[chemdoctor]

Continue on with a post bacc. Get your GPAs to 3.0

Pursue an smp with linkage. Don’t go to the Caribbean.

 

[piotrkol1]

Pursue an smp with linkage.

...Another SMP? I already have debt from the one I finished, so I'm not really in a financial position to take more classes.

 

[chemdoctor]

...Another SMP? I already have debt from the one I finished, so I'm not really in a financial position to take more classes.

What were your grades? Did you do well ?

 

[chemdoctor]

@Goro

 

[BBQisgood4u]

Yikes RFU is a high stakes program. I would never recommend the Caribbean, I think instead of doing another SMP I suggest taking upper level science courses through a community or local college to bump your cGPA and sGPA to over a 3.0. Once it's both over a 3.0, with a 509 you have a fighting chance at some schools.

Best of luck.

 

[Sephirakra]

My heart goes out to you, but it's likely time to start seriously considering other opportunities.

 

[Osminog]

Options:

1. Second SMP (preferably a DO SMP with linkage), then apply DO
2. DIY post-bacc, aiming to get your GPAs above 3.0 (which would probably take a while since you have a ton of science classes), then apply DO
3. SGU (only a 60% chance of becoming a physician)
4. Podiatric medical school (Have you tried shadowing a podiatrist to see if it's for you?)

 

[Goro]

Today I got a rejection email from UQ-Oschner. I'm sort of stunned, since it seemed like the general consensus with that program was that you were in pretty good shape if you met the cut-offs. I dont think I've even seen anyone make a post in the UQ-Oschner threads stating they were rejected (with the exception of the class being full in late fall). I figured worst-case scenario I would atleast get waitlisted (that seems to be new this year). I mean, I even studied abroad at UQ so I figured that would work in my favor. I can't believe my interview performance was the reason I got rejected either.

My MCAT is 509. Back when DO had the grade replacement my undergraduate and science GPA was 3.0, but now my undergrad is 2.9 and science is lower. In addition to retakes I did a DIY post-bacc and so I had an upward trend at the end.

I did the BMS program at RFU but I got Cs in two medical school classes so that didn't help. I know some people will say that looks really bad, but the medical students' average exam grades in all the classes were just above 80%, so in theory there were plenty of medical students who would've gotten Cs too (medical students were graded pass/fail.) Yes, I'll admit that neuroscience was a disaster and I barely passed, but with physiology I didn't miss a B by much.

In terms of ECs, I've been working as an EMT for almost 3 1/2 years now so I'm guessing I have around 4500 clinical hours. I've also done some volunteering & shadowing (including a DO).

At this point would it be a waste of time and money to apply DO? I've researched the Caribbean route before and while it obviously wouldn't be impossible to succeed via that route, it's not optimal. The thought of going down there sort of depresses me and I'm worried that I might not perform well in that environment. I'm 27 now though so part of me feels I need to get on with this. I'm not sure if it's too late for me to start in the Caribbean this fall anyways. My whole family is from Poland and I have been there numerous times so that had been another option. However, Jagiellonian now only offers a 6 year program for high school graduates and while Poznan still has the 4 year program, you have to take a separate entrance exam, which I really don't want to study for considering my MCAT score.

I can't sugar coat this, given the weak performance in the RFU program, I submit that it is now time for Plan B. It doesn't matter that the med students would also have gotten C's. You were taking a program that is a less intensive audition for med school, and still did poorly.

You will simply do poorly in the Carib, and be dismissed.

 

[piotrkol1]

I would never recommend the Caribbean, I think instead of doing another SMP I suggest taking upper level science courses through a community or local college to bump your cGPA and sGPA to over a 3.0. Once it's both over a 3.0, with a 509 you have a fighting chance at some schools.

2. DIY post-bacc, aiming to get your GPAs above 3.0 (which would probably take a while since you have a ton of science classes), then apply DO
3. SGU (only a 60% chance of becoming a physician)

I have 215 credits of undergrad, so by my calculations it would take about 20 credits of A coursework to get my GPA up to 3.0. Of course, if my graduate GPA is factored into that then it would take even more work and probably be untenable. Everyone always says that with the Caribbean you have a low chance of succeeding, but even if I get my GPA up to 3.0 there's no guarantee I'd get in anywhere. I'm worried about investing more time and money only to have it not work out and then have to circle back to the Caribbean option.

 

[chemdoctor]

I have 215 credits of undergrad, so by my calculations it would take about 20 credits of A coursework to get my GPA up to 3.0. Of course, if my graduate GPA is factored into that then it would take even more work and probably be untenable. Everyone always says that with the Caribbean you have a low chance of succeeding, but even if I get my GPA up to 3.0 there's no guarantee I'd get in anywhere. I'm worried about investing more time and money only to have it not work out and then have to circle back to the Caribbean option.

So you’re not willing to consider other careers?

 

[Osminog]

I have 215 credits of undergrad, so by my calculations it would take about 20 credits of A coursework to get my GPA up to 3.0. Of course, if my graduate GPA is factored into that then it would take even more work and probably be untenable. Everyone always says that with the Caribbean you have a low chance of succeeding, but even if I get my GPA up to 3.0 there's no guarantee I'd get in anywhere. I'm worried about investing more time and money only to have it not work out and then have to circle back to the Caribbean option.

Whether you go to a Caribbean medical school or do a DO SMP with linkage, you'll be investing a ton of money while having only a coin flip's chance of ever becoming a physician. If you're risk-averse and don't want to sink more dough into something that's far from a safe bet, then it'd be best to switch your focus onto another career. I suggested podiatry because you'd still get to be a physician, but there are other options as well. Good luck.

 

[Angus Avagadro]

My colleagues have given honest, experienced advice and I concur. Please listen to them. I agree that Post Bac with linkage is your best bet for med school. A half decent MCAT only takes you so far. You have not yet demonstrated the ability to master upper level science courses. My best friend is a DPM and very successful. Look into that if you are interested in surgery. Good luck and best wishes!

 

[Deecee2DO]

Go pod man! Cant go wrong-You get to be a surgeon after 7 years where with med school its usually 9-10+ yrs training. Pods make really good money and its not as hard to get into pod school. With your stats youll have literally zero problem getting in. That is your best bet by far if you still wanna go into healthcare.

 

[PA_dud3]

Pods are still considered Physicians/Surgeons, right? Just earlier specialization?

 

[dial1010usa]

You have other red flags too, you took MCAT 6 times, right? I copied/paster your message below.
Scores for 3/15 were released today. So this was my SIXTH time taking the test. My previous scores were 496 (didn't study at all), 499, 501, 502, 502. Needless to say, I was pretty shocked today to see I got a 509. Previously I mainly relied on the books by Kaplan and Examkrackers, but this time I incorporated Khan Academy and Anki, and obviously it made a world of a difference.

 

[Calizboosted76]

You have other red flags too, you took MCAT 6 times, right? I copied/paster your message below.
Scores for 3/15 were released today. So this was my SIXTH time taking the test. My previous scores were 496 (didn't study at all), 499, 501, 502, 502. Needless to say, I was pretty shocked today to see I got a 509. Previously I mainly relied on the books by Kaplan and Examkrackers, but this time I incorporated Khan Academy and Anki, and obviously it made a world of a difference.

Isn't there a max of 7 times in a lifetime of taking the MCAT or is that for applying to medical schools in general?

 

[Seihai]

Isn't there a max of 7 times in a lifetime of taking the MCAT or is that for applying to medical schools in general?

Yes, the MCAT can only be taken a maximum of 7 times. The fact that OP took it 6 times is a massive issue for most schools. You don't get to take Step more than once (assuming you pass it, and you really don't want to fail it).

OP, picking a different career path within healthcare is infinitely better than going Caribbean.

 

[Calizboosted76]

Yes, the MCAT can only be taken a maximum of 7 times. The fact that OP took it 6 times is a massive issue for most schools. You don't get to take Step more than once (assuming you pass it, and you really don't want to fail it).

OP, picking a different career path within healthcare is infinitely better than going Caribbean.

I agree with the bold for OP's individual situation as well.

 

[piotrkol1]

My best friend is a DPM and very successful. Look into that if you are interested in surgery.

If you're risk-averse and don't want to sink more dough into something that's far from a safe bet, then it'd be best to switch your focus onto another career. I suggested podiatry because you'd still get to be a physician, but there are other options as well.

Go pod man! Cant go wrong-You get to be a surgeon after 7 years where with med school its usually 9-10+ yrs training. Pods make really good money and its not as hard to get into pod school. With your stats youll have literally zero problem getting in. That is your best bet by far if you still wanna go into healthcare.

I'm afraid I'm not very interested in solely treating foot problems for the rest of my life. It doesn't matter to me that I'd still be considered a "doctor" or if it lands me a good salary. I would have no interest in becoming an anesthesiologist or radiologist either, by the way. I've invested a lot of time, money, studying, and effort into this endeavor so I'm not quite ready to scrap everything.

I agree that Post Bac with linkage is your best bet for med school.

Well, at this point I'm not sure if there's even enough time left to apply to one of those programs for the upcoming Fall. That means I wouldn't start medical school for another two years, assuming I get accepted to the SMP and then the medical program. I'm more nervous about going through the SMP but then being passed over because of my previous grades. That would be another two years wasted and nothing to show for it except more debt. On the other hand, if I went the Caribbean route I'd be halfway done by that point. I'm not naive, I've seen all the posts and comments on here about why you should avoid the Caribbean, but it also seems to me like a lot of people are a little over-the-top. From reading all that you'd think its guaranteed failure 100%, but I know that's not true at all.

 

[Seihai]

OP, do whatever you want. If you really don't care for the advice that the posters on this thread have given you about the Caribbean, then why did you bother posting at all? It looks like you're fairly set on taking the leap of faith, so I have no clue why you decided to even ask about it here.

Even if the success rates and average indebtedness of Caribbean medical students weren't as abysmally low as they are, you're unlikely to be on the winning side of the coin toss, especially with your poor academic record.

I wish all the best to you.

 

[chemdoctor]

The thing is, we know that the Caribbean route does yield physicians. It’s about odds; the odds of attending a Caribbean med school and matching are not in your favor. Are there people that have done it? Yes. But were the odds in their favor? No.

 

[DPTinthemaking15]

Just jumped in on this. OP, it seems as if you have your mind made up already. If you are willing to risk it for the biscuit in the Caribbean, go for it. It seems as if everyone is giving some solid advice, but you are the one in charge of your future.

Don’t think I’m trying to knock you down, I was lucky to receive an acceptance this past cycle and I would be in the same predicament as you. Good luck.

Edit: Also, I’ve been in your shoes where I just wanted to vent and SDN gave me that ability. If that is the case, vent away and apply to the Caribbean. Enjoy the weather and bring us all back some sand!

 

[chemdoctor]

Make an attempt to get your GPA up to a 3.0

Then apply to An SMP. Don’t go to a Caribbean med school dude. Just don’t do it

 

[Calizboosted76]

I may have missed the answer to what I am about to ask because I just skimmed through the post but, how quickly, one after the other did you take your MCATs? Did you do any studying between tests? Any practice tests? I know a few successful MD that I work with at ERs BUT they have said you must score much higher on step exams, etc. than US students. With the 6 MCATs, unless you have identified why you weren't scoring high enough the first few tests then I am unsure how you would do. If you have figured out and could consistently score well on these tests then that would be a different story. I hope you get in somewhere I really am rooting for you. There are just an abundance of very intelligent people on this thread giving loads of pertinent advice.

 

[Deecee2DO]

I'm afraid I'm not very interested in solely treating foot problems for the rest of my life. It doesn't matter to me that I'd still be considered a "doctor" or if it lands me a good salary. I would have no interest in becoming an anesthesiologist or radiologist either, by the way. I've invested a lot of time, money, studying, and effort into this endeavor so I'm not quite ready to scrap everything.


Well, at this point I'm not sure if there's even enough time left to apply to one of those programs for the upcoming Fall. That means I wouldn't start medical school for another two years, assuming I get accepted to the SMP and then the medical program. I'm more nervous about going through the SMP but then being passed over because of my previous grades. That would be another two years wasted and nothing to show for it except more debt. On the other hand, if I went the Caribbean route I'd be halfway done by that point. I'm not naive, I've seen all the posts and comments on here about why you should avoid the Caribbean, but it also seems to me like a lot of people are a little over-the-top. From reading all that you'd think its guaranteed failure 100%, but I know that's not true at all.

Caribbean grads have a little over 50% match rate. Might as well go put 250K on black at the casino

 

[DrStephenStrange]

Caribbean grads have a little over 50% match rate. Might as well go put 250K on black at the casino

50% after they have lost about 30% of their class. So it's more like 35% chance of succeeding.

 

[Deecee2DO]

50% after they have lost about 30% of their class. So it's more like 35% of succeeding.

This is even more accurate OP^

 

[Deecee2DO]

is SGU serious with this? lmao whats the catch?

 

[Calizboosted76]

is SGU serious with this? lmao whats the catch?

They are doctors who want to be in the US. LOL

 

[piotrkol1]

OP, do whatever you want. If you really don't care for the advice that the posters on this thread have given you about the Caribbean, then why did you bother posting at all? It looks like you're fairly set on taking the leap of faith, so I have no clue why you decided to even ask about it here.

OP, it seems as if you have your mind made up already. If you are willing to risk it for the biscuit in the Caribbean, go for it. It seems as if everyone is giving some solid advice, but you are the one in charge of your future.

I made this post because I wanted to know if the Caribbean was my best or only option at this point. For example, I wasn't sure if I'd have an outside chance for DO with my MCAT score and ECs. I appreciate the input, but after reading the posts and thinking about it I'm not exactly convinced that attempting to do another SMP will give me drastically better odds of becoming a physician as compared to the Caribbean route. Most of the application deadlines for this Fall have passed (I really wasn't expecting UQ-Oschner to not work out) and like I said, next year I might not even get accepted to an SMP with linkage, and even if I do I'm worried they won't want to admit me to the DO program afterward anyways because of my previous grades. The investment of time and money into this option really scares me.

Make an attempt to get your GPA up to a 3.0

Will my previous SMP GPA affect my overall GPA when applying DO? If so, then it would probably take in excess of 30 units of A coursework to raise it to that level.

I may have missed the answer to what I am about to ask because I just skimmed through the post but, how quickly, one after the other did you take your MCATs? Did you do any studying between tests? Any practice tests? I know a few successful MD that I work with at ERs BUT they have said you must score much higher on step exams, etc. than US students. With the 6 MCATs, unless you have identified why you weren't scoring high enough the first few tests then I am unsure how you would do. If you have figured out and could consistently score well on these tests then that would be a different story.

The exams were over the course of a few years. Initially, I mainly relied on the books by Kaplan and Examkrackers, but this time most recent time I incorporated Khan Academy (videos + practice questions) and Anki into my preparation. I also took notes on the stuff I'd get wrong or couldn't remember completely.

 

[Angus Avagadro]

A post bac with linkage means if you get the prescribed GPA in the post bac, usually 3.2 to 3.5, depending on the school, your in the next med school class. I'm not following your reasoning about not doing the post bac. If you cant perform to the required level there, what makes you think you will succeed in the Caribbean? A post bac is med school lite. I think your past performance and multiple MCAT exams have made your path nearly impossible. I'm sorry to say this, but I wish you well and best of luck.

 

[Med Ed]

I made this post because I wanted to know if the Caribbean was my best or only option at this point.

No, there are plenty of other ways for you to end up deeply in debt and without a degree.

There is absolutely nothing in your academic history that suggests you will survive medical school (this is why UQ Oschner did not accept you). Your GPA is not good, your MCAT pattern is not good, and you blew the RFU program. I'm sorry, but it's time to move on.

 

[SLC]

How much money can you afford to light on fire OP?

I read two conflicting attitudes in your posts...on one hand you mention not being in a financial position to pay for additional coursework, then on the other you mention that you’re ready to head off to the Caribbean.

Believe me, it’s the much smarter financial choice to work on your GPA to the point you might have an outside shot at a new DO program, or attend a SMP-linkage. If you manage to get accepted to the Caribbean now, you have a higher chance of failure than of success. And that will come at a much higher cost financially than doing the SMP or post-bacc.

If it were me, I’d hang up the pre-Med cleats and find something else to do. This plan of yours not only puts your financial well-being (for the rest of your life) at risk; but it’s more likely to fail than to succeed.

 

[Deecee2DO]

Today I got a rejection email from UQ-Oschner. I'm sort of stunned, since it seemed like the general consensus with that program was that you were in pretty good shape if you met the cut-offs. I dont think I've even seen anyone make a post in the UQ-Oschner threads stating they were rejected (with the exception of the class being full in late fall). I figured worst-case scenario I would atleast get waitlisted (that seems to be new this year). I mean, I even studied abroad at UQ so I figured that would work in my favor. I can't believe my interview performance was the reason I got rejected either.

My MCAT is 509. Back when DO had the grade replacement my undergraduate and science GPA was 3.0, but now my undergrad is 2.9 and science is lower. In addition to retakes I did a DIY post-bacc and so I had an upward trend at the end.

I did the BMS program at RFU but I got Cs in two medical school classes so that didn't help. I know some people will say that looks really bad, but the medical students' average exam grades in all the classes were just above 80%, so in theory there were plenty of medical students who would've gotten Cs too (medical students were graded pass/fail.) Yes, I'll admit that neuroscience was a disaster and I barely passed, but with physiology I didn't miss a B by much.

In terms of ECs, I've been working as an EMT for almost 3 1/2 years now so I'm guessing I have around 4500 clinical hours. I've also done some volunteering & shadowing (including a DO).

At this point would it be a waste of time and money to apply DO? I've researched the Caribbean route before and while it obviously wouldn't be impossible to succeed via that route, it's not optimal. The thought of going down there sort of depresses me and I'm worried that I might not perform well in that environment. I'm 27 now though so part of me feels I need to get on with this. I'm not sure if it's too late for me to start in the Caribbean this fall anyways. My whole family is from Poland and I have been there numerous times so that had been another option. However, Jagiellonian now only offers a 6 year program for high school graduates and while Poznan still has the 4 year program, you have to take a separate entrance exam, which I really don't want to study for considering my MCAT score.

I dont understand how you can get a 509 MCAT and not have the same grades to show. Youre clearly intelligent and capable. My MCAT was literally like 11 points less than yours and I have done well in medical school so if I can do it with a sub500 MCAT you can. I think it comes down to your effort and learning HOW to tackle the SMP if you can get in (or post bacc)if this is really what you want to do. Efficient/effective studying should be your goal along with perseverance. If you want to do it you need to make up your mind and literally eat sleep and breathe these classes. Do whatever it takes to do well-get tutors, find out how the professors ask questions, go to extra help, use your resources. This is your future-you arent 18 years old anymore where you can just not do something if you dont feel like doing it and get away with it. If you want to have the responsibility of a physician you need to bust your butt and put everything you got into this-its not a game like other jobs you are studying to get accepted to medical school where you will eventually be dealing with peoples lives.

 

[el_duderino]

is SGU serious with this? lmao whats the catch?

They enroll over 1,000 students per year. Even with abysmal graduation and match rates, they still generate a large number of physicians who match.

 

[DrStephenStrange]

They enroll over 1,000 students per year. Even with abysmal graduation and match rates, they still generate a large number of physicians who match.

More like 1500 to 1600 a year.

Edit: ~900-1000 first semester, and ~600-700 second semester.

 

[DameJulie]

I just want to point out that getting your cGPA and sGPA >3.0 will open more doors for you, at least pass those automatic screen.

Better yet, use those upward trends right and the fingers crossed an adcom will see it.

 

[Aslanim]

is SGU serious with this? lmao whats the catch?

Yup believe it or not it's actually true.
The FSMB (Federation of State Medical Boards) does a survey every 2 years and the survey includes the medical school attended of all practicing physicians in the U.S.
Here's a link to the survey results from 2018.

https://www.fsmb.org/siteassets/advocacy/publications/us-medical-regulatory-trends-actions.pdf

 

[DrStephenStrange]

Yup believe it or not it's actually true.
The FSMB (Federation of State Medical Boards) does a survey every 2 years and the survey includes the medical school attended of all practicing physicians in the U.S.
Here's a link to the survey results from 2018.

https://www.fsmb.org/siteassets/advocacy/publications/us-medical-regulatory-trends-actions.pdf

Well, of course. That's what happens when you admit close to 2000 students a year and match 900+ a year. Plus the fact that SGU is 42 years old. I'm surprised they don't have over 30K+ alumni. Attrition rate must have always been super high.

 

[Aslanim]

I'm surprised they don't have over 30K+ alumni. Attrition rate must have always been super high.

I think class sizes were a lot smaller in the not-so-distant past. It's only recently that they've started taking around 1500 people a year (from what I've heard.)

 

[DexterMorganSK]

Pods are still considered Physicians/Surgeons, right? Just earlier specialization?

Yes.

2 years of basic sciences + 2 years of clinical + 3 years of surgical Residency= Podiatric Physician/Surgeon specializing in Foot & Ankle

 

[chemdoctor]

Yes.

2 years of basic sciences + 2 years of clinical + 3 years of surgical Residency= Podiatric Physician/Surgeon specializing in Foot & Ankle

Why is the average pay so relatively low though

 

[DexterMorganSK]

At OP, if not Pod then consider doing nursing. I would also suggest PA school but your GPA is not competitive enough, so imo nursing is the best option if you want to do something in the US.

If I was in your shoes, I would do nursing than going to St.Georgen's/Ross. Good luck!

 

[DexterMorganSK]

Why is the average pay so relatively low though

On BLS and most other sites, they factor in the resident's salary thus bringing down the average.
If you're open to relocating and are good at the surgery and everything else that comes with being Pod, the sky is the limit.

 

[Calizboosted76]

On BLS and most other sites, they factor in the resident's salary thus bringing down the average.
If you're open to relocating and are good at the surgery and everything else that comes with being Pod, the sky is the limit.

I believe some PODs in my area make like $300k a year (private practice).

 

[chemdoctor]

I believe some PODs in my area make like $300k a year (private practice).

Damn that's crazy!

 

[chemdoctor]

On BLS and most other sites, they factor in the resident's salary thus bringing down the average.
If you're open to relocating and are good at the surgery and everything else that comes with being Pod, the sky is the limit.

Huh. That makes more sense. I mean, they ARE surgeons, still doctors so I wondered as to why their pay was so low. Thank you for clearing that up.

What would you say is the average salary? Probably above 200k right?

 

[DexterMorganSK]

Huh. That makes more sense. I mean, they ARE surgeons, still doctors so I wondered as to why their pay was so low. Thank you for clearing that up.

What would you say is the average salary? Probably above 200k right?

I don't want to drift this thread in another direction so if you got more ques come to Pod forum and ask or feel free to PM me.

It's difficult to give a number of the avg salary because it all depends on where you work. As in, you may get a contract with a hospital and make say 220K, or open a private practice and don't make much for the first few years (as with any other private practice gigs), or you get an offer with a multi-specialty group (ortho) and makeover 300K...so it all depends where you work.

Some of the new grads are suckered into low salary jobs after residency because they want to pay off their loans asap but for the most part, we go by the MGMA stats and according to it, avg Pod salary is around 200k (again..some make more and some make less than this depending on where they work).

 

[chemdoctor]

I don't want to drift this thread in another direction so if you got more ques come to Pod forum and ask or feel free to PM me.

It's difficult to give a number of the avg salary because it all depends on where you work. As in, you may get a contract with a hospital and make say 220K, or open a private practice and don't make much for the first few years (as with any other private practice gigs), or you get an offer with a multi-specialty group (ortho) and makeover 300K...so it all depends where you work.

Some of the new grads are suckered into low salary jobs after residency because they want to pay off their loans asap but for the most part, we go by the MGMA stats and according to it, avg Pod salary is around 200k (again..some make more and some make less than this depending on where they work).

Thanks