My next steps...advice

[mywoes242]

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Hello, I recently got accepted into podiatry school for fall 2018. Although I was initially excited, I am now having doubts if becoming a podiatrist is what I truly want. Honestly I initially wanted to go the MD/DO track, but I had to accept the reality of my situation. I have a 3.3 cgpa and 3.08 sgpa. I cannot afford to do a post bacc or smp, so my options were only retaking classes which I did. I also took multiple upper level science classes at my local CC. Since my grades weren't as spectacular I decided to look at other alternatives to medicine and shadowed various healthcare professions. Podiatry is a promising career and after shadowing I do see myself enjoying this career. However, I feel like I am giving up too easily since I did not actually try pursuing md/do track. Also another factor holding me back is my mcat score. After studying for months and taking a Kaplan course I received a horrible score of a 490. I considered retaking it, but thinking about putting in all my time and energy for studying for the mcat truly sickens me due to my anxiety. I know my strengths and my weaknesses and me being the practical person I am knows the highest I could possibly score is maybe in the low 500s score. I know that it would take a miracle for me to score above a 508.

But ... after talking to the physician I work for (im a scribe) she thinks I shouldn't give up too early. And I'm starting to feel unsure if I made the right choice since I did not truly apply for any medical school. So my question is do you think I should withdraw my acceptance to Pod school and try for medical school. Or should I stick with my acceptance. My parents suggested that I should attend pod school, but still apply to medical schools in the summer, but I am not sure how practical that will be. I also heard other suggestions like finding another career like PA, but to me if I don't end up becoming md/do I'd rather be podiatrist.

Anyways, any advice is appreciated. (sorry for any typos).

 

[Beniacker08]

Hello, I recently got accepted into podiatry school for fall 2018. Although I was initially excited, I am now having doubts if becoming a podiatrist is what I truly want. Honestly I initially wanted to go the MD/DO track, but I had to accept the reality of my situation. I have a 3.3 cgpa and 3.08 sgpa. I cannot afford to do a post bacc or smp, so my options were only retaking classes which I did. I also took multiple upper level science classes at my local CC. Since my grades weren't as spectacular I decided to look at other alternatives to medicine and shadowed various healthcare professions. Podiatry is a promising career and after shadowing I do see myself enjoying this career. However, I feel like I am giving up too easily since I did not actually try pursuing md/do track. Also another factor holding me back is my mcat score. After studying for months and taking a Kaplan course I received a horrible score of a 490. I considered retaking it, but thinking about putting in all my time and energy for studying for the mcat truly sickens me due to my anxiety. I know my strengths and my weaknesses and me being the practical person I am knows the highest I could possibly score is maybe in the low 500s score. I know that it would take a miracle for me to score above a 508.

But ... after talking to the physician I work for (im a scribe) she thinks I shouldn't give up too early. And I'm starting to feel unsure if I made the right choice since I did not truly apply for any medical school. So my question is do you think I should withdraw my acceptance to Pod school and try for medical school. Or should I stick with my acceptance. My parents suggested that I should attend pod school, but still apply to medical schools in the summer, but I am not sure how practical that will be. I also heard other suggestions like finding another career like PA, but to me if I don't end up becoming md/do I'd rather be podiatrist.

Anyways, any advice is appreciated. (sorry for any typos).

Keep trying.

My first MCAT in 2015 we’re 489/487. 2.98 undergrad GPA/2.1 Science (2012) but had a 3.4 masters in Public Administration (2014). Took the MCAT without Physics/Orgo and hadn’t taken Gen. Bio/Chem since 2009. Accepted the fact that I knew NOTHING about science and literally don’t remember going to my bio courses. Took the remaining prerequisites. Applied to 40 schools in 2015 with ZERO II. Enrolled in a SMP Fall 2016 and actually learned things I didn’t know lol (I.e. DNA->RNA->Protein ), took the MCAT last May did okay (498=11 point jump) and applied super early, got II in July for September and was accepted at my first Interview (DO).

Through all this I debated Pharmcay, PA, PT, even Podiatry. With that said, I New I was only considering other options because I wasn’t getting into medical school. If you get into medical school would you go podiatry? Based on your answer is what I you should do.

 

[mywoes242]

If I had to choose I would choose medical school. But I am not sure if I am willing to spend 2 or more years to achieve this goal. I am also definitely terrified of taking the MCAT again. After my first score I was definitely depressed and anxious and it took me awhile to start feeling better. IDK if I want to go through that again if I do end up not getting the score I need

Congrats on you acceptance though!

 

[Beniacker08]

If I had to choose I would choose medical school. But I am not sure if I am willing to spend 2 or more years to achieve this goal. I am also definitely terrified of taking the MCAT again. After my first score I was definitely depressed and anxious and it took me awhile to start feeling better. IDK if I want to go through that again if I do end up not getting the score I need

Congrats on you acceptance though!

I’ve met people who’ve taken the MCAT 7 Times and are in medical school, it’s typically not a one-and-done Exam. You learn from your mistakes, but if you can’t wait then don’t but I promise once your in your second year of whatever program you get into it you’ll regret it.

The new cycle starts in about 4 months, more then enough time to prepare. You’ll be in medical school next Fall if you do this right.

And thank you!

 

[wysdoc]

Hello, I recently got accepted into podiatry school for fall 2018. Although I was initially excited, I am now having doubts if becoming a podiatrist is what I truly want. Honestly I initially wanted to go the MD/DO track, but I had to accept the reality of my situation. I have a 3.3 cgpa and 3.08 sgpa. I cannot afford to do a post bacc or smp, so my options were only retaking classes which I did. I also took multiple upper level science classes at my local CC. Since my grades weren't as spectacular I decided to look at other alternatives to medicine and shadowed various healthcare professions. Podiatry is a promising career and after shadowing I do see myself enjoying this career. However, I feel like I am giving up too easily since I did not actually try pursuing md/do track. Also another factor holding me back is my mcat score. After studying for months and taking a Kaplan course I received a horrible score of a 490. I considered retaking it, but thinking about putting in all my time and energy for studying for the mcat truly sickens me due to my anxiety. I know my strengths and my weaknesses and me being the practical person I am knows the highest I could possibly score is maybe in the low 500s score. I know that it would take a miracle for me to score above a 508.

But ... after talking to the physician I work for (im a scribe) she thinks I shouldn't give up too early. And I'm starting to feel unsure if I made the right choice since I did not truly apply for any medical school. So my question is do you think I should withdraw my acceptance to Pod school and try for medical school. Or should I stick with my acceptance. My parents suggested that I should attend pod school, but still apply to medical schools in the summer, but I am not sure how practical that will be. I also heard other suggestions like finding another career like PA, but to me if I don't end up becoming md/do I'd rather be podiatrist.

Anyways, any advice is appreciated. (sorry for any typos).

Podiatrists not only provide direct patient care in a field they understand best but do quite a bit of surgery. To be honest not only your MCAT score but your low GPA would be obstacles to you for MD applications. Jump in to your acceptance 100%!

 

[mywoes242]

I mean im not sure I will regret being a podiatrist since I will be ultimately doing what I love, caring for patients. But I feel like I may regret not at least trying, but IDK. I have a lot to think about. Thanks for the advice .

 

[mywoes242]

Podiatrists not only provide direct patient care in a field they understand best but do quite a bit of surgery. To be honest not only your MCAT score but your low GPA would be obstacles to you for MD applications. Jump in to your acceptance 100%!

I agree. And I know my stats would definitely be a struggle to overcome. Thanks for your input

 

[workaholic181]

Pod is pretty cool man.. Pay is generally less but as the other poster said you do a ton of procedures and see patients with a variety of ailments.

You’re not totally doomed for DO programs but it would be tough to come back. If you think you’d always wonder “what if” then I’d say take some new upper bio classes, study hard for the 2nd MCAT and kill it. But this will take at least a year and a pretty significant amount of cash, on top of then having to jump through the expensive and time consuming hoops of applying.

Totally up to you as to what you want to do. Again pod is very legit and a great option. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[de Ribas]

Podiatry is a promising career and after shadowing I do see myself enjoying this career.

Then why you want MD/DO if you will enjoy podiatry?

after talking to the physician I work for (im a scribe) she thinks I shouldn't give up too early.

They will always say that: "Don't give up" "Try again", "If you want something, you will get it" and so on. I hear this all the time too. I don't really care as much what other people say. I care what I enjoy and what is in my abilities. Sometimes it's not practical. Only you know if you really have what it takes to get into DO school. But you have to look realistically at your current situation and your stats.

What I wouldn't do is give up that Pod acceptance. You have 4-6 months until it starts. Study for MCAT and see if you can at least get 500. (with your GPA you definitely need at least 500).
If you get around 500 or above, then you might cancel Pod and work on your GPA until next cycle again. Even then it is not guaranteed because you will still be below average candidate.
It is possible, for sure.

I think MD is out of the range even if you get 505 on MCAT, unless there is IS MD school that will give you a chance.


I am in similar situation. I initially wanted to go to DO to specialize in pediatrics or neurology or cardiology. I have been accepted to DMU Pod. I am still doing post bacc and want to retake MCAT to reapply in June if I have a better MCAT. my cGPA will be 3.53 and sGPA 3.3.

Now, after I think about it more and more, I incline myself more towards podiatry for the following reasons:
1. If I get in DO, most likely I will only end up with FM, IM, ER, Ob/Gyn. none of which I want to do. I want Peds, but only to specialize which is not DO-friendly. It is really hard to get into other specialties with DO. I am about an average student, so I don't think I will one of the best in DO school to get awesome board scores to get competitive specialties.
2. If I get in Primary Care, I will have to cover weekends, be on call, work crazy hours, be a hospitalist like once a month or in 2 months and still get a pay of a podiatrist.
3. I am family oriented. I want to work more like 8-5 and no calls no weekends, less documentation in podiatry. A lot less than in PC.
4. I like the hands-on side of podiatry and procedures you can do as well as some surgery.
5. 3 year residency only
6. I will know where I will be getting into from the start.
7. Pod school cost for me will be at least 100K cheaper than DO school.

I will still try and if I get a DO acceptance, I might have to make a choice.

Just my story.

 

[de Ribas]

I mean im not sure I will regret being a podiatrist since I will be ultimately doing what I love, caring for patients. But I feel like I may regret not at least trying, but IDK. I have a lot to think about. Thanks for the advice .

Is it about certain specialties you prefer over podiatry or just a personal satisfaction that you got into DO?

Sometimes you have to sit down and analyze your emotions, thoughts and motivations. Hundreds of people quit MD/DO schools every year because it's not what they wanted or thought it would be or they found other opportunities.

I think sometimes we think that I have to get into MD just because I won' be happy if I do otherwise.

Would you be happy if you end up in Peds, FM or Ob/Gyn? only you can answer that.

 

[de Ribas]

I grew up and graduated HS in a small town where we only have 2 pediatricians. We grew up right next one. Our 3-acre lots neighbored each other and we shared the same lake. We always fished on the lake, kayaked, swam, and had fun outside. They had a basketball court, swimming pool and but in more than 10 years I have never seen them, neither their kids outside. When we woke up, they were gone to work, and when we went to sleep they were not home yet. He left around 5 am and usually came home around midnight. Besides his own clinic, he had to cover nearby hospitals. Honestly, it's awesome profession, but I have my own kids and I am family oriented. I want to have fun and want to see my kids grow, so I think podiatry might be the best for me for that reason. Since, I prefer to settle in relatively rural area, PCPs have to work long hours on average, while pods will mostly work 8-5 to get the similar pay.

So, just things to consider.

 

[hungryharry]

Hello, I am usually a lurker but I figured I would tell my story because this topic hits close to home.

I initially had the internal struggle of pod vs D.O because I had convinced myself from reading message boards here that I would not be competitive enough for any D.O program.

I discovered podiatry through SDN and was enthralled by it. I ended up shadowing around 5 podiatrists in my area, and saw a lot of really cool foot and ankle surgeries, I also saw a lot of nail clipping, but that comes with the territory. However, I started having this nagging feeling that I wouldn’t be satisfied with my scope of practice being limited to the foot.

I ended up taking the MCAT last spring after studying hard for 3 months, and did alright. I didn’t knock it out of the park by any means but I scored in the mid 500’s. I submitted apps to D.O programs and recieved several acceptances including to one well respected state school which I will be attending.

Actually today shadowed a pediatrician D.O who practiced gen Peds who has a pretty great schedule of 7:30 am -5pm mon-thurs with a half day on Friday. He told me as a D.O he had many opportunities to specialize but he enjoyed outpatient gen Peds.

Sorry this is getting super long, but the points I wanted to get across is that on SDN sometimes it seems like you need to be a rock star to get into programs, I’m proof that this isn’t true. Also, Podiatry is a great field and I truly respect the amazing physicians I shadowed, but you have to be knowledgeable about the field, good and bad, and it isn’t for everyone and shouldn’t just be a fall back option.

 

[Beniacker08]

Hello, I am usually a lurker but I figured I would tell my story because this topic hits close to home.

I initially had the internal struggle of pod vs D.O because I had convinced myself from reading message boards here that I would not be competitive enough for any D.O program.

I discovered podiatry through SDN and was enthralled by it. I ended up shadowing around 5 podiatrists in my area, and saw a lot of really cool foot and ankle surgeries, I also saw a lot of nail clipping, but that comes with the territory. However, I started having this nagging feeling that I wouldn’t be satisfied with my scope of practice being limited to the foot.

I ended up taking the MCAT last spring after studying hard for 3 months, and did alright. I didn’t knock it out of the park by any means but I scored in the mid 500’s. I submitted apps to D.O programs and recieved several acceptances including to one well respected state school which I will be attending.

Actually today shadowed a pediatrician D.O who practiced gen Peds who has a pretty great schedule of 7:30 am -5pm mon-thurs with a half day on Friday. He told me as a D.O he had many opportunities to specialize but he enjoyed outpatient gen Peds.

Sorry this is getting super long, but the points I wanted to get across is that on SDN sometimes it seems like you need to be a rock star to get into programs, I’m proof that this isn’t true. Also, Podiatry is a great field and I truly respect the amazing physicians I shadowed, but you have to be knowledgeable about the field, good and bad, and it isn’t for everyone and shouldn’t just be a fall back option.

Agree 100%. If you want it work for it. Check out the Underdog threads and you’ll see people with subpar stats such as myself that worked their butts off for an acceptance.

 

[de Ribas]

Agree 100%. If you want it work for it. Check out the Underdog threads and you’ll see people with subpar stats such as myself that worked their butts off for an acceptance.

I have seen it. Most people have either very high MCAT or very high GPA. Didn't really see a point in that thread.

 

[mywoes242]

Thank you guys for all your advice. I definitely have a lot to think about. At the end of the day I believe I can be happy as a podiatrist, but I just don't feel right giving up so easily on md/do route. I am not sure what specialty I would favor more, but I know I have an interest in surgery which is why podiatry is so appealing to me. But who knows. I am not going to give up my acceptance just yet, but I will start studying for the MCAT and maybe take it by may or June depending on my how well I am doing on my practice full lengths. If my score is good enough I can fully decide what my next steps are.

Thanks guys!