Massage Experience

[HopefulTexan]

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I am looking for opinions on how MD or DO programs would view my work experience as a licensed massage therapist. I understand that programs look at the whole applicant (GPA, MCAT, LOR, etc), but wanted to know if this experience "counts" (i.e. is significant and/or relevant) and how it might help distinguish me as an applicant.

 

[2008orbust]

I don't see how it could hurt. You are helping people, working with people, touching people, had to study the human body, etc. I don't know how many bonus points it will get you, but I don't think it could hurt at all.

Good luck!

 

[Law2Doc]

I am looking for opinions on how MD or DO programs would view my work experience as a licensed massage therapist. I understand that programs look at the whole applicant (GPA, MCAT, LOR, etc), but wanted to know if this experience "counts" (i.e. is significant and/or relevant) and how it might help distinguish me as an applicant.

It's all about how you spin it. If you play up working with people, relieving musculoskeletal ailments, helping people with back issues, and profess an interest in a related area of medicine (rehab, pain management?) it should come off decently.

 

[Lshapley]

I have some similar work in my background. I am certified to teach the alexander technique, basically some work that improves posture and coordination. Anywho, in my personal statement I was careful to describe this in a way that did not feed into any of the stereotypes, and I expressed my (real) frustration at its limits. I feel that these limitations are important for practicioners to be aware of. Many doctors today are open to complementary therapies such as accupuncture and massage, but I think as an applicant it is important to show you understand how these therapies fit into the grander scheme. Anyway, that is my opinion and hope. We will see how it all shakes out!

 

[HopefulTexan]

I have some similar work in my background. I am certified to teach the alexander technique, basically some work that improves posture and coordination. Anywho, in my personal statement I was careful to describe this in a way that did not feed into any of the stereotypes, and I expressed my (real) frustration at its limits. I feel that these limitations are important for practicioners to be aware of. Many doctors today are open to complementary therapies such as accupuncture and massage, but I think as an applicant it is important to show you understand how these therapies fit into the grander scheme. Anyway, that is my opinion and hope. We will see how it all shakes out!

It's funny you should mention the frustration you have with the limits of the Alexander technique, because I feel I am experiencing similar frustration with massage therapy (hence part of my motivation to go to medical school). I've also been frustrated with only understanding a small part of what is going on with my clients and their health; I keep wanting to know more!

How did you address this in your personal statement?

 

[menaniac]

It's funny you should mention the frustration you have with the limits of the Alexander technique, because I feel I am experiencing similar frustration with massage therapy (hence part of my motivation to go to medical school). I've also been frustrated with only understanding a small part of what is going on with my clients and their health; I keep wanting to know more!

How did you address this in your personal statement?

I too am a massage therapist about to start my first year at an allopathic med school. I had mixed responses to my training as a massage therapist, depending on the interviewer. Because I had previous career work as a molecular biologist and ecologist the massage background was just a part of my package, and I only mentioned it briefly in the way that Law2Doc suggested. The limits in the scope of service that massage provides was a big frustration for me, and was a big motivating factor for my entering med school as well. PM me if you want, and I can answer any particular questions you may have if you want! Luck to you!

 

[Macku]

I am also a Massage Therapist. I just joined this site to help me figure out if M.D. or D.O or P.T would be my next step. I love working on clients and learning about the body but I want peer reviewed experiments to back me up. I also want a life out side of work. Do any of you non-traditionals have advice?

 

[DrMidlife]

Seriously, have you ever had somebody react negatively when you say you have massage experience?

You may need to explain why it's a beneficial background, to older medical professionals who haven't been exposed, but that's easy, right? Hands on experience with patients in pain, anatomy, kinesiology, etc.

There are people who will argue that DO is a more welcoming path for folks with a massage background, because of OPP, but I can't imagine it's any kind of detriment on the allo side, all things being equal.

Best of luck to you.

 

[C equals]

All interviewers are different and have their own opinions and experiences from which they will determine whether they appreciate your work and life experiences. If you are successful at "reading" what your interviewers want, you will do better in interviews. If you have the best scores and grades and are terrible during your interviews, you still may not get into med school. Everything counts.

 

[QofQuimica]

I am looking for opinions on how MD or DO programs would view my work experience as a licensed massage therapist. I understand that programs look at the whole applicant (GPA, MCAT, LOR, etc), but wanted to know if this experience "counts" (i.e. is significant and/or relevant) and how it might help distinguish me as an applicant.

I can't see how it would hurt. Complementary medicine is pretty big these days. As long as you don't come across sounding hostile to standard allo or osteo medicine, I think your experience would be viewed positively by most people. I'd spin it as just another modality that you'd be able to use to help patients.

 

[Blade28]

I agree. That sort of work/clinical experience can't hurt!