Just a couple of questions!

[DBieniek]

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Hello SDN community!

From the time I was 12, I knew I wanted to be a physician. Throughout the past year I have been learning exactly what it takes to finish the journey down this long and trying path.

To provide a bit of background information, I am a 19 year old EMT from West Virginia. I dropped out of High School my senior year to take care of a sick family member. I have, however, obtained my GED credential.

I understand that I clearly have an uphill climb in front of me, but then again, don't we all?

I am curious as to exactly what my next step in this process should be.

I have never taken an SAT/ACT examination, so I realize that I will need to do that prior to applying to any university. I do have a school in mind with an excellent pre-med program leading to the required (4) year baccalaureate degree.

I am fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to sit down with many physicians that I have met through work. They have all been very encouraging and an absolutely invaluable resource for information.

Following the SAT/ACT tests, do you feel that getting letters of recomendation from these tremendous men and women would help my chances of being accepted into a four year university with only a GED credential?

Thank you!

 

[kate414]

Well, you first have to study, sign up and take the SAT/ACT and apply for admission to a four year pre-med program. Each application will have their requirements, which will include letters of recommendations. Yes, get them from supervisors if you can!!!

What undergraduate schools do you have in mind? I am sure if you can rock the house in undergrad, and do tons of EC activities and do well on the MCAT, you can indeed become a physician. At least that is what I am telling myself while I am on this journey!!!

Good luck!!😀

 

[DBieniek]

Kate, thank you very much for the encouraging words. 🙂

I intend to apply to the pre-med program at Wheeling Jesuit University. If that doesn't work out, I have selected West Virginia University as a back up. My first choice is actually about five minutes from my house, which is why it's my first choice. I've heard that both universities have excellent pre-med programs, so I feel that I would get the same educational opportunities regardless of which one I attended.

This is such an exciting time in my life, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to achieve my ultimate goal of becoming a doctor.

My family doctor is an osteopathic physician, and he has been gracious enough to sit down and explain many aspects of osteopathic medicine. That's one of the many reasons I am leaning towards aspiring to become a D.O. What do you think?

Once again, thank you for the advice and kind words. Best of luck to you!

Dave

 

[QofQuimica]

Hi Dave,

I think it's great that you want to go to college and maybe even medical school. Start with first things first. Since you are a nontraditional student for college, you should contact the admissions offices of the colleges you mentioned to get their help and advice. Ask the admissions folks at each school what they would like to see you do to be admitted to school. You are probably right that you will need to take the SAT or ACT, but find out for sure from the schools exactly what admissions credentials they require from someone with a GED.

Once you get into college, you should take classes in many different subjects and also make an effort to expose yourself to a variety of extracurricular experiences. You will never have a better opportunity to explore your interests and take classes just for fun like you will while you're in college. You should also spend more time with your DO and shadow him, as well as consider getting involved in some kind of service activity.

It sounds like you might be interested in a community medicine type of career, and if so, a DO degree is a great way to go. The training at many DO schools tends to be holistic and oriented toward primary care. Most areas of WV are underserved, including Ohio and Marshall Counties; if you plan to stay and practice in the Wheeling area, your skills would be greatly in demand. You might even be able to get your medical school paid for in return for your commitment to stay and practice in WV.

Best of luck. 🙂