It is all about who you know

[novawildcat]

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So my dad has been a nurse for 30+ years and knows a lot of people in the hospital. My dad actually got me an appointment with one of the chief surgeons at his hospital, he said he would be more than happy to talk to me about med school. What is even better- his wife is chief surgeon at one of the major hospitals in Philadelphia (we won't name names here) and he said he would tell his wife to let me go around with her/shadow. I think I will have to get my dad a good Christmas present this year.

 

[kimmcauliffe]

So my dad has been a nurse for 30+ years and knows a lot of people in the hospital. My dad actually got me an appointment with the one of the chief surgeons at his hospital, he said he would be more than happy to talk to me about med school. What is even better- his wife is chief surgeon at one of the major hospitals in Philadelphia (we won't name names here) and he said he would tell his wife to let me go around with her/shadow. I think I will have to get my dad a good Christmas present this year.

Good for you! Sounds like you have a foot in the door, keep it up!

 

[kimmcauliffe]

So my dad has been a nurse for 30+ years and knows a lot of people in the hospital. My dad actually got me an appointment with the one of the chief surgeons at his hospital, he said he would be more than happy to talk to me about med school. What is even better- his wife is chief surgeon at one of the major hospitals in Philadelphia (we won't name names here) and he said he would tell his wife to let me go around with her/shadow. I think I will have to get my dad a good Christmas present this year.

Good for you! Sounds like you have a foot in the door, keep it up!

 

[rockitman]

Ok, and why exactly should we care?

 

[QuantumMechanic]

So my dad has been a nurse for 30+ years and knows a lot of people in the hospital. My dad actually got me an appointment with one of the chief surgeons at his hospital, he said he would be more than happy to talk to me about med school. What is even better- his wife is chief surgeon at one of the major hospitals in Philadelphia (we won't name names here) and he said he would tell his wife to let me go around with her/shadow. I think I will have to get my dad a good Christmas present this year.

ummm good for you, I guess??? It does take more than just talking to the right people to get into medicine...

 

[novawildcat]

Ok, and why exactly should we care?

moral of the story is to network. hell even the good job i have right now i got through connections.

It does take more than just talking to the right people to get into medicine...

obviously. but don't you think it would look good if the chief of surgery wrote a good LOR or put in a good word for you to some who is an adcom at the place they work at?

 

[OwnageMobile]

Indeed.

 

[FACS]

Good for you. But you really don't need connections just to shadow a doctor. You can pretty much just walk right into the department and ask. They love that stuff.


No connections on the addmissions committee, that's a whole nother story. 🙂

 

[McGillGrad]

So riding on your father's coattails is the way to succeed in Philly.

Dually noted...

 

[masterMood]

So riding on your father's coattails is the way to succeed in Philly.

Dually noted...

I have no one to "network" me per se, what's your dad's name and phone number?

 

[Doctor Bagel]

i don't think you network yourself into medical school. if your numbers and ecs aren't there, you're not getting in regardless of who you know. okay, maybe if you're a bush, but other than that, no.

yeah, though, take advantage of the networking for shadowing. you can shadow without it, but it just makes your life a little easier.

 

[astrife]

that's one of the best things about getting into a medical career... the lack of necessity for connections...

 

[Flopotomist]

I think any gains from connections made through networking can be lost through the immaturity of gloating.

 

[dreamcrusher]

So riding on your father's coattails is the way to succeed in Philly.

A bit jealous are we? Most of the people in this thread are probably jealous of you. Nova is right though. When you actually get a job in the real world, one of the things that will get you ahead are the people you know. Why do you think the "rich get richer and the poor get poorer?" Because the rich always are and know people in power. Who would get in between 2 students with 3.5s and 30 MCATs if one of the students got a good LOR or good word of mouth from someone who is a colleague of someone who is an adcom? I'd put my money definitely on the student who got the good LOR from the colleague of the adcom person. Most college students, let alone premeds, have no idea how the real world works. I got my job by going to my neighbor's summer BBQ party where I met and talked to my current boss. Less than 1 week later I got a new job, no interview even required. Little things, like the people you know, go a long way in the real world.

 

[ND2005]

What is up with the reaction to this thread?

Great for the OP -- a strong LOR from a prominent doctor will definitely be a nice addition to your file.

 

[UCLA2000]

So my dad has been a nurse for 30+ years and knows a lot of people in the hospital. My dad actually got me an appointment with one of the chief surgeons at his hospital, he said he would be more than happy to talk to me about med school. What is even better- his wife is chief surgeon at one of the major hospitals in Philadelphia (we won't name names here) and he said he would tell his wife to let me go around with her/shadow. I think I will have to get my dad a good Christmas present this year.

Apparently it's not about who you know....It's about who your daddy knows.

I have absolutely no shame in using my connections. Then again, I made those connections.

I've never used connections that my parents have. That just rubs me as sleezy. So you won the genetic lottery. Congrats.

 

[UCLA2000]

that's one of the best things about getting into a medical career... the lack of necessity for connections...

Connections are useful in every field...even medicine.

 

[novawildcat]

Apparently it's not about who you know....It's about who your daddy knows.

I have absolutely no shame in using my connections. Then again, I made those connections.

I've never used connections that my parents have. That just rubs me as sleezy. So you won the genetic lottery. Congrats.

LOL, oh man i wasnt expecting such a backlash. you pre medders are so resentful, spiteful, and bitter. Maybe I did or didn't win the "lottery". My dad is only a nurse, he isn't a doctor or CEO of some huge company. It isn't like I am inheriting millions of dollars.

And technically I know my dad, who knows some guy, whose wife is head hancho. Thats how it works, it is all just a chain.

 

[ND2005]

LOL, oh man i wasnt expecting such a backlash. you pre medders are so resentful, spiteful, and bitter. Maybe I did or didn't win the "lottery". My dad is only a nurse, he isn't a doctor or CEO of some huge company. It isn't like I am inheriting millions of dollars.

Correction. The correct title for your dad's job is "murse".

(I kid, of course)

 

[novawildcat]

Correction. The correct title for your dad's job is "murse".

Ha yeah it is. I call him that all the time.

 

[Jwax]

Apparently it's not about who you know....It's about who your daddy knows.

I have absolutely no shame in using my connections. Then again, I made those connections.

I've never used connections that my parents have. That just rubs me as sleezy. So you won the genetic lottery. Congrats.

I also have issues with using my parents connections... but you know what? I got over it and got a LOR from a very respected doc at my #1 school. Ok, so I feel a little sleezy & like I can't do anything on my own, but once I'm in med school / residency it will be all my own connections. This helps me sleep at night. So does the thought that my chances of getting into med school are better (even though it was w/my dad's help).

 

[shapirrl]

For those who dont realize the power of networking read the book "Never Eat Alone" its geared toward business but the social skills it teaches are amazing. Networking is so important especally once you get inside the hospital. Knowing everyone makes it so much easier to get things done.

 

[dreamcrusher]

LOL, oh man i wasnt expecting such a backlash. you pre medders are so resentful, spiteful, and bitter. Maybe I did or didn't win the "lottery". My dad is only a nurse, he isn't a doctor or CEO of some huge company. It isn't like I am inheriting millions of dollars.

And technically I know my dad, who knows some guy, whose wife is head hancho. Thats how it works, it is all just a chain.

Stop being stupid. You can't get the title of "pre med" without being an dingus.

 

[UCLA2000]

LOL, oh man i wasnt expecting such a backlash. you pre medders are so resentful, spiteful, and bitter.

One small problem with your argument. I'm not pre-med.

 

[UCLA2000]

I also have issues with using my parents connections... but you know what? I got over it and got a LOR from a very respected doc at my #1 school. Ok, so I feel a little sleezy .

Using your parent's the connection is one thing. Rubbing it in other people's faces is another. That is actually the part that I take most issue with.

It's not even his connection so he should just shut the f*ck up and be grateful.

 

[novawildcat]

Using your parent's the connection is one thing. Rubbing it in other people's faces is another. That is actually the part that I take most issue with.

It's not even his connection so he should just shut the f*ck up and be grateful.

Awww does the poor little baby need a nap? I think he sounds a little bit cranky.

 

[QuantumMechanic]

Awww does the poor little baby need a nap? I think he sounds a little bit cranky.

this thread is getting more and more ridiculous

 

[psychedoc2b]

Using your parent's the connection is one thing. Rubbing it in other people's faces is another. That is actually the part that I take most issue with.

It's not even his connection so he should just shut the f*ck up and be grateful.

Geez!

We do need to wash your mouth out with chlorine, don't we? How about some boric acid!

Now, we will continue to remind you to act professional. What is exactly wrong with you anyways? How did a immature twit like you get into medical school? Your school has low, mighty low standards.

Please tell us where you went to med school so all of us can avoid others like yourself!

psychedoc2b

 

[UCLA2000]

Awww does the poor little baby need a nap? I think he sounds a little bit cranky.

Na, I curse in everyday language. Not upset at all 😉 nap does sound nice though 👍

That's the nice thing about 4th year...naps in the middle of the day!

 

[UCLA2000]

Geez!

We do need to wash your mouth out with chlorine, don't we? How about some boric acid!

Now, we will continue to remind you to act professional.

Are you sure you're up to the task? You just "might" get more than you bargained for...

I must say...tsk tsk tsk threatening others with violence!

That's REAL professional.

 

[63768]

the last time i saw this thread, it was still cordial. now i don't know what happened.

 

[DieselPetrolGrl]

i shake my head in disgust. whats wrong with you weasels.

Weaseling out of things is important to learn. Its what seperates us from the animals...except the weasel! - homer

 

[jebus]

yourmom, a lot of threads have ended up like this lately. This season brings out both the best and worst in people. Add in some cranky pre-meds (and meds) and you have a recipe for vicious vitriol. I say more nog will solve everything. Are there any nogs other than egg nog?

 

[UCLA2000]

yourmom, a lot of threads have ended up like this lately. This season brings out both the best and worst in people. Add in some cranky pre-meds (and meds) and you have a recipe for vicious vitriol. I say more nog will solve everything. Are there any nogs other than egg nog?

Alcohol is ALWAYS the answer.

 

[novawildcat]

And I was originally just trying to tell a story, I wasn't trying to brag or gloat....

 

[UCLA2000]

And I was originally just trying to tell a story, I wasn't trying to brag or gloat....

Then I apologize for taking your post out of context. That's the problem with the written language. There are no cues to play off of (voice intonation, facial expression etc.)

 

[McGillGrad]

And I was originally just trying to tell a story, I wasn't trying to brag or gloat....

You may still be a bit naive to the ways of the world, but what type of reaction to you expect when you tell competitive people that you have something that you have received (through no effort of your own) which is out of reach for these other people?

If this were a group of your friends then you will get high-fives, a coke and a smile.

The lesson to take home from this experience is to be diplomatic and avoid telling people about what you have and they don't have. In real life, the results are usually criminal and not mere word-jockeying.

 

[novawildcat]

Then I apologize for taking your post out of context. That's the problem with the written language. There are no cues to play off of (voice intonation, facial expression etc.)

You are forgiven my son.

You may still be a bit naive to the ways of the world, but what type of reaction to you expect when you tell competitive people that you have something that you have received (through no effort of your own) which is out of reach for these other people?

If this were a group of your friends then you will get high-fives, a coke and a smile.

The lesson to take home from this experience is to be diplomatic and avoid telling people about what you have and they don't have. In real life, the results are usually criminal and not mere word-jockeying.

The problem from the beginning is like UCLA said, you can't tell what the tone was of my original message because it was written, not spoken.

 

[McGillGrad]

The problem from the beginning is like UCLA said, you can't tell what the tone was of my original message because it was written, not spoken.

You spent 95% of your message on what you have and 5% on the fact that networking is beneficial to us all.

I would recommend that you read Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends & Influence People"

It is a great book that makes sure you realize that people are much more interested in how they benefit from a situation, so no matter what you want them to do for you, it has to be placed in the proper context of how they will benefit from it.

 

[sleep_addict]

I was told that your recommenders kind of have an ethical responsibility to mention any personal relationships they have with you (like start off the letter with "I am a close friend of this person's father and have known the family for many years"), and letters like these don't carry a lot of weight.

 

[45408]

LOL, oh man i wasnt expecting such a backlash.

What were you expecting?

 

[gujuDoc]

ummm good for you, I guess??? It does take more than just talking to the right people to get into medicine...

👍 👍

To the OP:

You still have to prove yourself. Having connections will only take you so far even if you are the Dean's son or daughter or the medical admissions director's son or daughter.

 

[gujuDoc]

To the OP:

While you may not have been trying to gloat, it comes off that way and the post did not really point out anything super beneficial.

 

[snobored18]

This is so helpful...now I know I'm ****ed cause I don't have those "connections" things...wohoo...seriously unless you connection happens to sit on the board of regents of your state or is a trustee for the medical school they aren't going to be able to do jack except write a nice complimentary letter saying how wonderful you are, they don't hold any "real" power to sway things one way or the other...this by know means will turn a terrible applicant into a superb one over night...now if you have trustees and regents backing you i think your in fine position...these dudes control the schools budget and there is nothing worse that stepping on the guys toes who determines where/how money is being spent...lesson of this story...head surgeons other semi-recognizable people = cool recs... having a trustee or regent flag your file = golden (I was a student member of my schools admissions committee senior year and saw this happen a few times...our admission director was like this ones out of our hands)...now thats politics and we are all kidding ourselves if we think it isn't in play as we speak...so now suggestions on how to meet regents and trustees...besides dating their unattractive daughters or sons...

 

[AWhitehair]

You spent 95% of your message on what you have and 5% on the fact that networking is beneficial to us all.

I would recommend that you read Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends & Influence People"

It is a great book that makes sure you realize that people are much more interested in how they benefit from a situation, so no matter what you want them to do for you, it has to be placed in the proper context of how they will benefit from it.

Agreed

 

[EZMcFlo]

Agreed

How is posting that you have a good connection bragging any less than posting that you got an acceptance? I must say I am much less jealous of the OP here than of everyone who has been accepted somewhere. I also do not see what's wrong with using your parents' connections. If my dad knew someone like that, I would go for it, too.

I think the OP was just trying to be helpful to everyone. I can't believe you are all flipping out just because he's boosting his application. Are you all just jealous?

 

[gujuDoc]

How is posting that you have a good connection bragging any less than posting that you got an acceptance? I must say I am much less jealous of the OP here than of everyone who has been accepted somewhere. I also do not see what's wrong with using your parents' connections. If my dad knew someone like that, I would go for it, too.

I think the OP was just trying to be helpful to everyone. I can't believe you are all flipping out just because he's boosting his application. Are you all just jealous?

The wall of fame thread is not just a bragging tool, if dates are given it is also used as a way to let people know the return time for response so others have a good idea of how long it took. That thread is also there to let everyone know of each other's progress.

This thread however does not do anything to help anyone or even have real substance.

 

[thegymbum]

Ok, and why exactly should we care?

Contrary to popular belief, some people actually care about other people's feelings... like seeing other people happy.. etc. Not to mention that when people are excited about something, they're usually eager to tell someone about it 😉 But, I mean, as future doctors, it's not like anyone here would care about people or anything, right? Ugh.

Anyway, Nova, I'm glad to hear that things are working out well for you! You're so right in that the "right connections" can be a great advantage- great way to get some extra clinical experience, great advice, kick-ass recomendation letters from people in high places, etc. Glad to hear you're getting your foot in the door while it's still early. Hope it goes well!

 

[Will Ferrell]

yourmom, a lot of threads have ended up like this lately. This season brings out both the best and worst in people. Add in some cranky pre-meds (and meds) and you have a recipe for vicious vitriol. I say more nog will solve everything. Are there any nogs other than egg nog?

Interview season is coming to an end and Fall grades are in. There must be a lot of disgruntled premeds. At least all the AA threads will be moved into the new forum in spring.

 

[EZMcFlo]

The wall of fame thread is not just a bragging tool, if dates are given it is also used as a way to let people know the return time for response so others have a good idea of how long it took. That thread is also there to let everyone know of each other's progress.

This thread however does not do anything to help anyone or even have real substance.

I agree that the Wall of Fame thread is very helpful and informative. But why do people need to start a new thread every time they get in somewhere, too? Those the threads I'm talking about. And I think gymbum has it right about this thread.