Med School Stats

[sogand]

hahahahaha...well ive been thinking a lot about it...this masseage board seems to be having a strong influence on me....i think ill end up with the DO believe it or not...

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[Adapt]

Originally posted by sogand
hahahahaha...well ive been thinking a lot about it...this masseage board seems to be having a strong influence on me....i think ill end up with the DO believe it or not...

Well good luck to you. I do recommend you applying to COMP, the DO school in southern CA about 40 min from Los Angeles.

To be honest, all the other DO schools were also my backups. However, COMP, in my eyes is comparable to some of the lower tier US MD schools especially because lots of graduates match successfully in southern CA.

Even though I have gotten into Drexel and Temple, I will probably go to COMP unless I get into a CA MD school. In the end, you have to do what's best for you.

For me, I don't think it's worth it to go to Philly just for an MD when I can be a doctor staying in the best place to live in the US, in CA.

 

[NDESTRUKT]

"...staying in the best place to live in the US, in CA."

hell yeah to that.

 

[Rendar5]

I guess NYC seceded from the Union?

 

[NDESTRUKT]

no, NYC is just hella cold! ok that was ironic...hella and cold haha. we should have a LA vs. NYC thread...that'd be harmless...throw in Chi town too cuz that city is the bomb as well.

Sogand is a cool girl...she just needed some good SDN advice to help her make a decision =)

In my opinion, if your parents are well known around the LA medical arena, then even if you got a DO you could get a residency...EASY. that's how it is for alot of my DO friends that have parents in the big time medical dog and pony show.

 

[black orchid]

yeah, i'm thinking about DO as well (re-applying for fall 2005). but let's make sure that we'll still be happy with the choice. i know many peeps applying DO b/c they can't bear the thought of being rejected everwhere MD, even though they admit that they'll be unhappy with going DO.

SDN helped me out alot (especially slickness) about the DO stuff. so it's helped me think about my priorities and the future while i'm practicing. if we both know we'll do kick ass jobs at anything b/c we're kick ass people, then a DO won't matter. besides, i hear people say all the time that DOs get to manipulate the body more than MDs. with this kind of knowledge, you're able to have more patient contact and have more applications with anatomy. MDs nowadays like to prescibe, prescibe, prescibe. mmmm.....either way, both degrees are cool.

just wanted to throw in my two cents....again

~L

 

[Adapt]

Originally posted by black orchid
SDN helped me out alot (especially slickness) about the DO stuff.

Well I'm glad for you. SDN has also helped me with the DO stuff along with good DO mentors.

 

[NRAI2001]

SDN is the shiiiiizzz

 

[sogand]

Im soooo happy this became such a positive thread...it was kinda rough at first...either way SDN really did help me a lot even though i got "told" A LOTTTTT!!!! either way, i dont know if ill be happy as a DO but what the hell ill apply and choose from there...cuz the med school situation may not go too well...

 

[Jonah]

Originally posted by NRAI2001

If your parents can get u in, why did u attend ucsc (the least difficult and least pretigous of the UC's). If your getting such low grades at ucsc how can u expect to cut it at med school?

Hey NRA, for someone who's preaching in a thread about becoming a doctor for the passion of the career instead of the prestige of the MD after your name, that was a pretty arrogant comment to make about UC Santa Cruz. Have you taken classes at UCSC so you can say honestly that it is the least difficult academically of all the UCs? I doubt it, my guess is that you and your Berkeley buddies just like to talk out of your a**es about how much better your school is than all the others to make up for your insecurities and fears of not getting accepted to medical school.

When I was a senior in high school I got into UCLA and Berkeley but picked UCSC because I couldn't stand all the pretentious a**holes that go to said schools simply to have that mark on their academic resume.

Berkeley and UCLA might get the most $$ in research grants every year and have the highest number of Nobel Prize laureats in their faculty, but strong research DOES NOT CORRELATE with strong undergraduate teaching. Most universities reward research, because that's what brings in the $$$. That's why you need a PhD to be a full professor, get the highest salary, tenure, etc. Obtaining a PhD does nothing to improve your teaching, if anything, it might worsen your teaching skills due to you learning so, so much about one specific topic, and then when it comes time to teach physics 101 you have a very hard time, because after researching string theory for 6 years you brain is on such a different level that it's virtually impossible for you to explain F=ma to an undergrad in a way he/she'll understand. I know we all have had professors who are horrible teachers, and send off the vibe that teaching is an inconvenience that they 'have' to do so they can work on their research the other 90% of the time. If you actually have a good teacher, it's because that teacher is putting their own time and effort into improving their teaching, because you know they are not getting paid more for it. This problem is not just limited to Universities either; today I read this interesting article which pointed out that the same problem -- faculty research taking priority over teaching -- is happening in medical schools as well:
http://chronicle.com/free/v50/i14/14a01801.htm

One reason why I picked UCSC was because they actually are known for putting an emphasis on undergraduate teaching, as well as an emphasis in creating ample opportunities for undergrads to do research. So far, I have not been disappointed.

Anyways, my point: get off your high horse!

 

[NRAI2001]

Originally posted by Jonah
Hey NRA, for someone who's preaching in a thread about becoming a doctor for the passion of the career instead of the prestige of the MD after your name, that was a pretty arrogant comment to make about UC Santa Cruz. Have you taken classes at UCSC so you can say honestly that it is the least difficult academically of all the UCs? I doubt it, my guess is that you and your Berkeley buddies just like to talk out of your a**es about how much better your school is than all the others to make up for your insecurities and fears of not getting accepted to medical school.

When I was a senior in high school I got into UCLA and Berkeley but picked UCSC because I couldn't stand all the pretentious a**holes that go to said schools simply to have that mark on their academic resume.

Berkeley and UCLA might get the most $$ in research grants every year and have the highest number of Nobel Prize laureats in their faculty, but strong research DOES NOT CORRELATE with strong undergraduate teaching. Most universities reward research, because that's what brings in the $$$. That's why you need a PhD to be a full professor, get the highest salary, tenure, etc. Obtaining a PhD does nothing to improve your teaching, if anything, it might worsen your teaching skills due to you learning so, so much about one specific topic, and then when it comes time to teach physics 101 you have a very hard time, because after researching string theory for 6 years you brain is on such a different level that it's virtually impossible for you to explain F=ma to an undergrad in a way he/she'll understand. I know we all have had professors who are horrible teachers, and send off the vibe that teaching is an inconvenience that they 'have' to do so they can work on their research the other 90% of the time. If you actually have a good teacher, it's because that teacher is putting their own time and effort into improving their teaching, because you know they are not getting paid more for it. This problem is not just limited to Universities either; today I read this interesting article which pointed out that the same problem -- faculty research taking priority over teaching -- is happening in medical schools as well:
http://chronicle.com/free/v50/i14/14a01801.htm

One reason why I picked UCSC was because they actually are known for putting an emphasis on undergraduate teaching, as well as an emphasis in creating ample opportunities for undergrads to do research. So far, I have not been disappointed.

Anyways, my point: get off your high horse!

I think what you said about teachers applies at any school, there will be some teachers that are better than others. I was speaking to sogand when I said this bc at the time she seemed like she was really into the prestige and seemed like she wasn't very opened minded to her options.

I am sorry if I offended you or anyone else, but you have to be realistic and honest, some schools are more competitive than others.

 

[OnMyWayThere]

I really hate to post something negative on this thread after all of that was said... but think about it.

Your goal was to be called Dr. xxx xxxxx, M.D. You went to school 4-5 years in undergrad, 4 years medical school, + residency. Over 10 years, and you will not be at your goal, ever. If you goal was to have an M.D., everything else that comes with it, then you're not going to be satisfied.

If I were in your shoes, I'd apply to the 3 Caribs and Mexico that California recognizes. Some of them have better USMLE pass rates than US schools, 95%+. I can bet my house that if you have an acceptance letter to a M.D. school, requiring 2 years of school there and the other 2 in U.S., your parents WILL NOT ask you to stay.

By the way, those Kaplan diagnostic Practice mcats are made super hard. They're made to scare the **** out of you so you sign up for their class. I have all the possible MCATs from AAMC and they are not comparable. To be honest, 21 is higher than anybody that took the Kaplan diag. the day I took it. So, you still have hope for a US allopathic school and just go to the Caribs for 2 years and get the M.D. that you've worked so hard for. Just my 2 cents. It's your life.

 

[Jonah]

Originally posted by NRAI2001
I think what you said about teachers applies at any school, there will be some teachers that are better than others. I was speaking to sogand when I said this bc at the time she seemed like she was really into the prestige and seemed like she wasn't very opened minded to her options.

I am sorry if I offended you or anyone else, but you have to be realistic and honest, some schools are more competitive than others.

I'm not sure if you're talking about competitive admissions or competition for grades, either way I agree they exist and one should be aware of them and what, if any, effect the name of your undergraduate institution might have on your acceptance into higher education.

Sorry if I generalized you or your reasons for being at Berkeley, I didn't mean to do that. I just wanted to point out two things:
1) Many people go to schools that have "less competitive" admissions not because they can't get in other places, but because many under-rated schools are actually excellent in teaching, have a wonderful student body, or whatever, and
2) That I am very satisfied with UCSC's academics so far, I haven't taken the mcat yet but I feel more than prepared with the instruction I've received, and prepared for med school's academics. (Off the record, I do feel the grading curves are slightly lowered due to all the stoners at this school though, but hey, everyone can't be premed...)

Anyways, I'm off to bed.

 

[sogand]

Thanks for all the feedback...my parents completely oppose to the idea of the Caribbeans, but to be honest I really don't. My parents always ask me "well, if you go to med school in the caribbeans, what are u going to tell people when they ask what med school you went to"...With this being said, I feel like people will look down on me while all her friends kids went to top med schools in the US. She makes me feel like I havent accomplished ANYTHING if I cant get into a US Med School which will probably be the case. However, I'm applying to the Caribbeans regardless, and I think your advice is great....I want hte MD!

 

[sogand]

Oh and my concern is that with going to the Caribbeans for my 2 first years, I may not accepted to continue anywhere else in a US medical school...then what do I do? Its definitely harder to get in, so i hear...

 

[black orchid]

my bro in law went carib and he was considered the best resident. he almost won some award or something. humanitarian award....i dunno, i forget... and he was almost chief residentbut now he's a pulmonary fellow and very well respected. the best carib school to go is st. george's. it's like the harvard there, so he tells me. also, he went to a US allopathic school the last two years to do his rotations. so don't look down on carib schools. your parents don't know everything about it.
~L

 

[sogand]

OK, so my question is if you go to med school is the caribbeans, then wouldnt I be getting a FMG? Second, is the probability of getting into a US med school last 2 years low? And, what GPA and MCAT score is necessary for the Caribbeans?? thanks sorry for all the questions...

 

[exmike]

Originally posted by sogand
OK, so my question is if you go to med school is the caribbeans, then wouldnt I be getting a FMG? Second, is the probability of getting into a US med school last 2 years low? And, what GPA and MCAT score is necessary for the Caribbeans?? thanks sorry for all the questions...

You ARE a FMG, you dont GET a FMG. You get a M.D. The probability of getting in a US med school is always low. Some caribb schools dont require mcats, aka Ross U. for admissions, but require it to be taken. you can assume that caribb schools will have GPAs lower than us med schools across the board.

 

[black orchid]

GO TO.....
www.aucmed.edu american university of the carribean totally check out their phot gallery of the island life! WOW!

www.sgu.edu st george's the stats here are the same as US schools. average 3.5 and mcat 30

www.sjsm.org st. james i have no idea about this school

but all these websites should be surfed on your own

hope should help.
!L
PS
i just found this site too, but dunno how good it is. check it out yourself. http://www.carribeanmedicine.com/
good luck

 

[HollyJ]

My cousin is an FMG, and is now head of cardiology at a fairly large hospital. He also makes ~$600,000 a year. It's all about performance, not location.

 

[exmike]

www.valuemd.com

i wonder if it'll show up. its a site for carib schools w/ forums.

 

[sogand]

Ok, but why would someone choose a caribbean med school over a US med school..i dont know why st. georges would have the same GPA and MCAT score as a US med school. anyways, thats what i meant..that id be a FMG but does that make any kind of a difference...thanksfor the web sites

 

[Rendar5]

going to a Carribean school over a US school? Well, there's weather!

 

[exmike]

Originally posted by sogand
Ok, but why would someone choose a caribbean med school over a US med school..i dont know why st. georges would have the same GPA and MCAT score as a US med school. anyways, thats what i meant..that id be a FMG but does that make any kind of a difference...thanksfor the web sites

NOONE will choose a carrib school over a use Allo school. At least i hope noone does.

 

[sogand]

Right..no one would thats why i wonder why st georges would have slightly high expectations being a caribbean school...ok, so i hope i can at least get into a caribbean school...wow, i really am having issues making up my mind...

 

[exmike]

Originally posted by sogand
Right..no one would thats why i wonder why st georges would have slightly high expectations being a caribbean school...ok, so i hope i can at least get into a caribbean school...wow, i really am having issues making up my mind...

well St George's is supposed to be the "Harvard of the Carribbean".

 

[black orchid]

ok, so i reviewed st george's website....looks like the average mcat is a 26 and gpa is 3.3. i must have gotten the other numbers from that medical school book from princeton. check out the FAQ; they answer a lot of your carribean questions.

in any case, the carribean choice isn't that bad, in my opinion. it's right by the beach, you learn a different culture, and you still get an MD. as long as you work hard, hey, everyone wins.

look at alot of schools websites. you'll learn a lot about the way the curriculum is taught and what is offered. you get a good feel of which schools will be giving alot back to the students.
~L

 

[bella_dottoressa]

Would anyone choose to go carib over going to a D.O. school? Just curious.

 

[skypilot]

Originally posted by sogand
if you go to med school is the caribbean is the probability of getting into a US med school last 2 years low?

SGU in the Carribean has a split campus with the first two years of basic sciences being taught in the Carribean and the second two years of clinical rotations being done through arrangements with ACGME accredited hospitals in the U.S. just like any other U.S. med school.

You do not transfer out of SGU after your second year. You just move to New York and begin doing your clinical rotations in accredited hospitals located there. Most of the hospitals are in New York although they have some in California too.

Your best bet is with SGU if you want to go to school in the Carribean. It is very expensive.

There are professors at Yale and at University of Vermont that went there. There is a resident at Hopkins in Radiology that went there. There are residents in Anesthesia at Stanford that went there too.

 

[jonny_little]

Originally posted by crystal18mc
Would anyone choose to go carib over going to a D.O. school? Just curious.

Because an MD is an MD and once you hit residency, nobody cares anymore where you went. The degree follows you for life though and will open more doors into surgical subspecialities and other competitive fields.

 

[sogand]

Ok, i really need to check out these web sites...a friend told me that a DO is generally looked at better than a caribbean med student, but in the long run i figure I want the MD, so i'm a mess and I havent even bothered informing the rents on all this. I dont think they'll be too supportive...

 

[Adapt]

In terms of getting a residency, DOs have an easier time then FMGs simply because they are US med school graduates.

This is mainly because residency programs get funding for US med school graduates so they prefer them over FMGs.

 

[NRAI2001]

Originally posted by Slickness
In terms of getting a residency, DOs have an easier time then FMGs simply because they are US med school graduates.

This is mainly because residency programs get funding for US med school graduates so they prefer them over FMGs.

Does this apply to surgical residencies also?

 

[OnMyWayThere]

Half the stuff you hear on SDN is FALSE. I love SDN and I think it is a WONDERFUL resource. But you have to read between the lines. Just because someone's friend told them that DO's have a better chance than FMG MD's... does not mean it is the actual case. ONLY is general practice this would be the case. If you are really interested in this highly involved subject that us pre-meds do not know enough about, go to websites and find percentages of DO's vs. MD's vs. FMG MD's. If not, call them. They will be happy to help you out. I promise you, you will be surprised. Not everything you hear on this is true. Especially on this thread.

 

[NDESTRUKT]

from http://psychiatry.stanford.edu/residency/quality.html#faqs

"Does your program accept Foreign Medical Graduates (FMG)?

Since we are looking for the best PGY-1 candidates we will consider exceptional individuals trained outside the United States. However, it
has been many years since an FMG was accepted as PGY-1 or PGY-2, who was not already a member of the Stanford research community."

Here's also a good article for you to read entitled "Correcting the Oversupply of Specialists by limiting residencies for graduates of Foreign Medical Schools":
http://www.imgi.org/internationalmedicalgraduate/corovofspecb1.html

Of course none of the opinions stated in any of those links makes it the absolute truth. There will ALWAYS be exceptions. There are DO's in top faculty positions as well as foreign MDs. Also, that article was also written when Clinton was president. The obvious truth is, there is no difficulty for any decent person DO or foreign MD or even US MD to get a primary care (FP, IM) residency...there were plenty unfilled. There IS, however, difficulty for everyone to get competitive specialties such as derm, optho, radiation oncology, and radiology. The DO's and foreign MDs that are in those specialties often got in when the specialty wasn't as competitive. Currently there are 180 applications for just 1 RadOnc spot. I would put money on it that a DO or Foreign MD is not going to be getting one of those. The FMG at Johns Hopkins on SDN is not a radiologist, he's a RadOnc and even chief resident. Well he/she got in in 1998 when RadOnc was virtually uncompetitive (although there is no question about the aptitude or capability of the person). It all depends on the competitiveness of the time which changes every year. For the best specialties, there will be difficulty to get a residency for anyone, though US MD's will have slightly an easier time. OBGYN and general surgery, btw, are no longer that competitive - people don't wanna get sued.

In no way am I claiming to say that I'm right with the above...it's just my opinion and it comes from talking to program directors and reading articles as well as my dad (he's a RadOnc residency program board member).

I guess whether your alternative is DO or foreign MD, it's what you wanna do. If you wanna be a FP or IM, then do either...DO seems a better alternative because you can stay in the US and you don't have to get all your classes certified by that board they have to certify all FMG classes (pain in the arse). If you want the MD that bad, then go to the Caribbean. If you have connections that can get you a good residency, do whatever. If you have the choice, I'd still prefer a US med school (DO schools are classified as a US med school) over the Caribbean. If MD means THAT much to you, then you can just do one of those one year MD programs as a DO and get the MD from a Caribbean school by paying money and doing long distance education (yes that is true, not an opinion). It all boils down to supply/demand.

No more MD vs. DO vs. FMG... 7 up or Sprite?

 

[skypilot]

Originally posted by NDESTRUKT
from Here's also a good article for ...ternationalmedicalgraduate/corovofspecb1.html

The only problem with this article about correcting the oversupply of Specialists is that it was written prior to the year 2000 and predicted a huge oversupply of specialists that has not materialized.

The U.S. medical system has remained highly dependent on foreign medical graduates to meet the demand. 40% of internal medicine docs are FMGs. I don't think anyone is talking about reducing the residency slots now and there are still not enough US grads to fill them.

So while the concept of limiting residencies was interesting at the time it was written it does not reflect today's reality.

 

[NDESTRUKT]

you are exactly right...that's why i said:

"There will ALWAYS be exceptions...Also, that article was also written when Clinton was president."

because i knew someone was going to bring that up...i just posted it as something to read and think about.

 

[Disenchanted 1]

wow use your head...just because i know people doesnt guarantee me admission...my parents are the chief physicians at ucla. i believe i have more connections than u think. either way, it still doesnt guarantee me..so sorry ure not as priveledged as me, u just seem like a negative person with no optimistic views what so ever. keep your opinions to yourself.

I am sorry to say this sogand but you seem very immature and ignorant about the process. First off, as mentioned previously by other members, if your passion is medicine not the "prestige", you wouldn't care what the hell is at the end of your name. And for someone in your situation it is ludicrous to think that so called "connetions" can get you anywhere!! I have an acquintance who just like you has both parents as chief physicians of an excellent teaching hospital and additionally, comes from an influential family in Texas and he did not get crap......no interview, and no acceptance. I truly wish you the best, dont get me wrong, but what I am trying to say is that you seem to be going into this field for the wrong reason. Just remember that you can't survive med school having just the goal of being able to soon add an MD at the end of your name. A lot of us are busting our ass off because we have a passion for this field that certainly does not include the thought of prestige and the perception of other people. I mean those are added bonuses that we all appreciate but to me if this is at the forefront of your goal prior to even getting into med school, you are absolutely going in for the wrong reasons. I have all the regard for any physician, whether MD, DO, or FMG. Each person's career to me is just as important as the other whether they are doctor, teacher, or a janitor.
I really wish you the best and I hope that you are not offended by what I say. I am just blunt about what I have to say. I really think you should think for yourself and stop living for others......this is the real world !

 

[Disenchanted 1]

Ok.....well in regards to my past posting, I actually wrote it prior to reading the rest of the thread (I was at the time on page 3). After reading the rest, I am glad sogand that you started to look at this in a more realistic light. And I am glad that you are taking all your options into account.
I hope you weren't offended by what I say. I am just being realistic here. Unfortunately one thing I have learned is that everything in medicine comes at a high price and we are going to be busting our ass off for a long time and this kinda environment where competetion, intelligence, and hard work rules has no place for fantasizing about the upcoming privileges. I really wish you the best and dont forget to study hard for the MCAT !!
And remember to live your life for you and not for other people. I could care less what the heck other peole think. There is always going to be people putting other people down, so why bother get your already stressful life more stressed by tunning into the ignorant comments and thoughts of other people. Again good luck !

BTW, if It was me I would actually take DO anytime instead of an FMG....again not that FMG's have anything less than the MD's or DO's here but just because of the obstacles that you will be facing laterin terms of residency .... but regardless it is your choice and you know what is best for you.

 

[JohnHolmes]

Originally posted by NRAI2001
I don't think ur 3.1 GPA is as big of a deal (definitely not good) as ur 21 on the MCAT. Usually a good MCAT can overcome a bad GPA but not the reverse situation.

Bingo. I agree.

Coops

 

[JohnHolmes]

Originally posted by skypilot
The only problem with this article about correcting the oversupply of Specialists is that it was written prior to the year 2000 and predicted a huge oversupply of specialists that has not materialized.

The U.S. medical system has remained highly dependent on foreign medical graduates to meet the demand. 40% of internal medicine docs are FMGs. I don't think anyone is talking about reducing the residency slots now and there are still not enough US grads to fill them.

So while the concept of limiting residencies was interesting at the time it was written it does not reflect today's reality.

40% sounds extraorindarily inflated. Where did you get this number from? I'd love to see the source.

Secondly, internists are not considered specialists, rather primary care physicians, so rather than provide a counter example you provided a supportive example. The article seems reasonable to me.

Coops

That being said: you are right, the overabundance of SOME specialists hasn't materialized. Recent evidence suggests the field needs more anesthesiologists and diagnostic radiologists. If only there was a very short supply of dermatologists.

 

[KatrinaE]

I am a new member, and finally signed up today with the internal prompt to respond to your post. In all sincerity, I want to send some kudos your way for the professional, patient, and kind manner in which you responded to this girl. I'm very impressed and just wanted to mention that! You are the type of doctor that I would like to someday become: compassionate, patient, rational, non-judgemental, and kind enough to take the time to help a "difficult" patient.

I noticed this conversation was going on in 2003 - I hope you have retained all of that throughout your medical school and (likely first year?) training. Thanks, take care. -Katrina

Sorry, but this post has an uncanny similiarity to the threads SilverEyes used to post....

Ok, wasn't the original question something about what the stats are at the US med schools that are easiest to get into...

Basically, the stats boil down to the fact that someone with a 3.1 GPA applying directly from undergrad has slim to nothing odds of getting into an allopathic medical school. The people that do accomplish this have not only a high MCAT, but something really incredible that makes there application stand out from the crowd.

The biggest challenge you face with a 3.1 GPA is convincing that person reading your application that you can handle the academic load in medical school. A high MCAT can attest to your general intelligence in the areas tested, but a low GPA can be a red flag for a poor work ethic. Be prepared to explain why you have a 3.1 and be honest about it. Do you have an upward trend or one or two semesters that you did poorly on or is your entire record pretty consistant? It is much easier to explain some isolated bad marks rather than an entire transcipt of so-so grades.

I recommend an intense, formal post-bacc program with a solid reputation. Graduate level classes are not calculated with your undergrad gpa on AMCAS but post-bacc grades are reflected in your total AMCAS undergrad gpa. Focus on proving that you can handle a rigorous academic schedule for at least a year and maintain a nearly perfect gpa.

If you don't want DO or offshore - fine. Just realize that the initials after your name and where your diploma is from has very little to do with how good of a doctor you are and don't make negative general assumptions about DO's or FMG's. I am in an MD program but I realize there is alot I can learn from the DO's and FMGs out there.

What test did you get a 21 on? Was it an AAMC practice test, Kaplan/TPR diagnostic or real MCAT? That makes a huge difference in how 'good' a 21 is. Don't assume you will do fine on the MCAT - that is probably the best way to screw it up. It is very difficult to raise your score significantly sometimes and prep classes are no magic bullet. It takes plain hard work.

The tone from your posts is very immature and arrogant at times. Don't tell people to keep their opinions to themselves when you are the one posting a questions on an internet board. People here are offering good advice - finding out more about DO programs can expand your options if you really don't want to waste any more time. However, it seems to me you should be more concerned with figuring out how you would handle med school if you have only been able to maintain a 3.1. I had a very low gpa due to a chronic illness many years ago (lower than yours). I am now 35, had years of experience in medical field and took 2 years to do post-bacc (GPA 4.0) and take my MCAT (33S). There was no guarentee that I would get in; there is no guarentee you will get in eventually. It just doesn't work that way.

Med School is harder than any academics you have done before. If you are struggling in undergrad you are not ready for med school yet. It doesn't really matter why you are struggling ( health reasons, family issues, financial problems, poor study habits, too much partying, etc), you need to fix it before you consider med school.

Good luck.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

i havent posted in this thread since 2003

 

[Narmerguy]

I am a new member, and finally signed up today with the internal prompt to respond to your post. In all sincerity, I want to send some kudos your way for the professional, patient, and kind manner in which you responded to this girl. I'm very impressed and just wanted to mention that! You are the type of doctor that I would like to someday become: compassionate, patient, rational, non-judgemental, and kind enough to take the time to help a "difficult" patient.

I noticed this conversation was going on in 2003 - I hope you have retained all of that throughout your medical school and (likely first year?) training. Thanks, take care. -Katrina

In the future you might want to consider using a private message...I'm not to certain whoever was looking at this post still looks at this forum. A lot less likely they'll see this before it descends into the depths of SDN archives.