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[running.till.doctor]

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After some serious medical issues caused me to get very ill during my first semester of medical school, I ultimately didn't do as well as I hoped in my classes. I ended up finishing 1 point below passing in two classes. I found out I will have to repeat my first year and my school has decided to let students know after first semester if they are offered to recess and join the next class to repeat in the fall, or are dismissed altogether. Luckily, they understood the extreme circumstances I was in and offered to allow me to repeat. However, I am extremely embarrassed and concerned about this given I am afraid of how it will affect my future, is delaying my graduation an additional year, and I have no idea what to do with my spring semester now.

I really dont want to move home or take a break. I definitely want to continue my education in some capacity and work to improve so that when I do repeat I will be much stronger. I have thought about research, or trying to apply for the combined MBA/DO program my school offers, or something but honestly I just don't know what options there are or what would look best for residency applications. It is essentially functioning as a LOA due to medical circumstances. I am looking for any recommendations. Obviously something paid like a research position for the spring/summer until I restart in July would be good but I don't even know where to begin looking for that. I am so disappointed in myself and embarrassed.

 

[Nontrad_FL_LGBT]

Get whatever job you can snag at the hospital and get on that clinical grindset tbh. With a repeated year, competitive specialties are pretty much off the table so research isn't that important imo. Make the most money you can instead.

 

[DO2015CA]

Would not recommend attempting a dual degree because it cannot be completed in the 1 off semester which means more coursework back when you resume med school. Highly highly highly discourage that

 

[Ho0v-man]

1) Take time for yourself. You have it and need it right now. You’re still in the “grind like crazy and get a good residency” mode when there’s nothing to do at this moment. Your schools probably not even open this week so just chill.

2) You need to consider your options going forward. A DO with a repeat year is very likely to end up in FM or community IM but may be able to punch up into psych or neurology but that’s about it. If you’re an ortho or bust type or whatever other hyper competitive specialty die hard, then you may need to consider a career change. Competitive specialties are essentially out.

3) Just no to the DO/mba program. You just failed the DO program. Why would you possibly consider repeating it with an additional degree going at the same time? Your school would be borderline predatory to even let you try. Furthermore, mba degrees are much more about making connections than mastering the material. The connections you’d make at one associated with a DO school probably wouldn’t really be worth it.

 

[Goro]

After some serious medical issues caused me to get very ill during my first semester of medical school, I ultimately didn't do as well as I hoped in my classes. I ended up finishing 1 point below passing in two classes. I found out I will have to repeat my first year and my school has decided to let students know after first semester if they are offered to recess and join the next class to repeat in the fall, or are dismissed altogether. Luckily, they understood the extreme circumstances I was in and offered to allow me to repeat. However, I am extremely embarrassed and concerned about this given I am afraid of how it will affect my future, is delaying my graduation an additional year, and I have no idea what to do with my spring semester now.

I really dont want to move home or take a break. I definitely want to continue my education in some capacity and work to improve so that when I do repeat I will be much stronger. I have thought about research, or trying to apply for the combined MBA/DO program my school offers, or something but honestly I just don't know what options there are or what would look best for residency applications. It is essentially functioning as a LOA due to medical circumstances. I am looking for any recommendations. Obviously something paid like a research position for the spring/summer until I restart in July would be good but I don't even know where to begin looking for that. I am so disappointed in myself and embarrassed.

You got sick!

This is not a flaw in your character!

Focus on your iff year and make some money. Doing research is fine.

Once you're back, focus on doing well academically, and save residency thoughts for your clinical years.

The uber-specialties may be ofc the table, but you'll still be a doctor!!!

 

[Dr. Robb Bassett]

Hey “Running”, first off, thank you for sharing this. I just want to say, the vulnerability in your post really speaks volumes about your strength. It takes guts to admit disappointment, fear, and uncertainty so openly, especially in a high-pressure world like med school where everyone seems to be "doing fine" on the outside.

From what you've shared, it's clear you were facing real medical challenges, not a lack of work ethic or capability. And the fact that your school acknowledged the severity and offered a chance to repeat speaks to their belief in your potential too. That’s something worth holding onto as you navigate this next chapter.

Now, about that spring semester — I hear the urgency and desire to do something meaningful, to not just sit idle. Totally valid. This space of time can actually be a gift (even if it doesn’t feel like it right now). You get to be intentional, strategic, and honestly — a little selfish — about investing in you.

A few things to think about:

1. What skills do you want to walk into July with that would make you feel unstoppable?

Whether it’s mastering foundational content, sharpening clinical reasoning, or even building emotional stamina — you have a unique chance to build your toolkit in a low-stakes way. Would auditing a course or reviewing first-year content with spaced repetition tools (like Anki) help you feel stronger?

2. Research could be a great bridge — especially paid roles.

Check with faculty you connected with (even briefly) or search through your school’s med student listserv, research office, or hospital departments. Even cold-emailing researchers with a personalized note about your interest + availability can go surprisingly far. Just be sure to highlight your timeline clearly.

3. The MBA/DO idea is interesting — but ask yourself: is it a true next step, or an effort to feel “back on track”?

If business or healthcare leadership really excites you long term, it might be worth exploring. But if it's more about patching a bruised ego or trying to fast-forward progress, give yourself permission to pause on that decision. This isn’t about catching up to anyone — it’s about coming back stronger, smarter, and more grounded.

4. Residency programs look at the whole story, not just the detours.

What they often care most about is: how did you respond to adversity? Did you show resilience, insight, growth? If you use this time well — even if it’s not “flashy” — it can be one of the most defining parts of your narrative later.

A final question I’ll leave you with:
What would it look like to use this season not to “fix” what went wrong, but to build what comes next?
That mindset shift alone can change how you approach every opportunity from here.

You’re clearly motivated, self-aware, and capable — those qualities don’t disappear because of a tough semester. Whatever direction you take, keep showing up like this. That’s what really gets noticed in the long run.

Wishing you strength and clarity…you’ve got this.