New Here-Am I Crazy or What?

[dst10spr97]

I came accross this site while browsing on the net for medical school info. I am seriously considering going to medical school. I have always wanted to be a doctor, but just never did it for various reasons. Some background info on me? 31, never married, no children, B.S. in Accounting, MBA with a concentration in finance, have done tax, auditing, financial planning and analysis, etc. Undergrad GPA was 3.03, Grad was 3.18. No science or chemistry courses other than high school. Am I crazy to want to do this? What are my chances of getting in? I am serious and ready to take on the endeavor, but I am scared as well. I know it will take me longer because I will have to take all my post bacc courses. I don't even know where to start, other than reading this board. Do I go see a pre-med advisor and see what classes I am going to need, or what? Please help.

Thanks
From Financial Analyst to MD?

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[UCLA2000]

Why don't you just call the nearest medical school to you and set up an appointment with their counselor.

 

[Kovox]

I'm amazed. Most people with MBA's in finance make more than primary physicians. It's nice to see people coming into the profession because of other reasons besides money.

 

[DoubleDoctor]

First you will need to do all your science prereqs and see how you do with those classes. You can look online at various schools and see what they require because they do vary somewhat. I would see how I do in the sciences before I think seriously think about going to med school because what if you find that you hate the more advanced science classes (just because there is a great deal of advanced sciences in the med school curriculum). College level and above sciences are not that similar to high school science classes, as they are much more extensive and labor intensive. Good luck !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[tBw]

First of all, yes you can do it, if you really want to. It is a long road, but just take it one step at a time.

1. Check out the website www.oldpremeds.net - lots of people just like you, some now doctors, with advice on how they did it

2. set up a meeting with a pre-med counsellor at a local college. However, be prepared for this to be either a waste of time or discouraging. Take it with a pinch of salt.

3. Test your conviction that medicine is right. This is essential for gaining entry to medical school, but this is a big change and a significant time and money investment. You need to be sure this is what you want. So shadow a doctor or volunteer your time.

4. Start back doing the pre-reqs gradually. Going back to school can be tough after a while away. Take just one course to start to see if you even feel like going through all the pre-reqs and med school. The prereqs are 1 year with lab of bio, physics, general chem and organic chem, all for majors. Some schools will also want 1 year of English, 1 year of maths, and some need things like statistics, biochemistry or behavioral sciences. Check individual school requirements in the MSAR (Book from www.aamc.org) once you have a few more of the pre-reqs done and you are sure this is what you want.

finally - good luck

 

[DW]

i see you live in ATL. GA State has a pretty good (and cheap) post baccaluareate program from what i hear, so i'd look into that. i've done about as much research and volunteer work as one man can stand in this city, so if you've got any questions about that, give me a pm

 

[ramonmcguire]

Georgia State is definitely the way to go. Premed adviser is Linda King, 404-651-2291. She will tell you to take one year each (2 semesters ) of chemistry, physics, biology and organic chemistry and will strongly recommend biochem as well. You are not too old. There have been quite a few older students who have gone through premed programs and been accepted. Good luck.

 

[beanbean]

No, you are not CRAZY!!

I am 34, married with two kids, and I am currently a student in the Post-Bacc program at UCONN. There are several UCONN post bacc students who have come from a finance or business background and have done very well in the required science classes.

Talk to some of the medical schools in your area as the above posters have mentioned. You can apply to a formal Post Baccalaureate program or take the courses you need on your own. To me, the biggest assets of being in a program are the other post bacc students (some really great people!) and the advisors at the university and the medical school (also amazing people!).

For me, deciding to finally pursue medicine has been a wonderful experience; lots of work, but truly satisfying. Whatever route you decide to take, I wish you the same. Best of luck.

 

[dst10spr97]

I believe this can be a reality! I don't feel like this is a crazy endeavor anymore, although it will be a long hard road. I want to do this! Thanks to everyone for your feedback.

DST

 

[Patrick Noonan]

If you want the best shot at med school, go through the

Goucher Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program.

They have unparalled success in getting "non-traditional" students into medical school. They have great links, too. Call the director and talk to her about your prospects:

www.goucher.edu

then look for post-bacc premed program. good luck

 

[Iron Horse]

Originally posted by Patrick Noonan
If you want the best shot at med school, go through the

Goucher Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program.

They have unparalled success in getting "non-traditional" students into medical school.

Do you get a commision for every student who enrolls? This is the third time you've made this claim -- just wondering how you determined that Goucher has "unparalleled success in getting "non-traditional" students into medical school"?

 

[Adcadet]

A few comments.

1. No, you're not crazy.

2. If you haven't yet, try to shadow a physician or two or three to see if you really like the profession (perhaps you've done this already). I would recommend shadowing both a medical specialist and a surgeon to get a feel for both sides (medical vs. surgical). Also, it might be nice to start getting medical experience both for you to see the field of medicine, and to start building your application. I bet admissions committees will want to see proof that you know what you're getting into, and a long, serious involvement in a great extra-curricular medical experience is a very good idea. You can also use this as a way to start talking to doctors, and maybe find one to shadow.

3. When you meet with a premed advisor, take anything he/she says with a giant grain of salt. I wouldn't ask "can I become a doctor" so much as "what's the best way for me to become a doctor."

 

[Patrick Noonan]

Originally posted by Iron Horse
Do you get a commision for every student who enrolls? This is the third time you've made this claim -- just wondering how you determined that Goucher has "unparalleled success in getting "non-traditional" students into medical school"?

Since someone asked, Goucher's success at getting its students into medical school is "unparalled" according to the authors of "Princeton Review Complete Book of Medical Schools 2002." After all, 100% of all who finish at Goucher post-bacc prog. and apply to medical school get in. But it's also great because it's $18,000 a year (or so), has small classes for post-baccs only, and has a very competent, supportive faculty and staff which has created links to Pitt, Tulane, Drexel, and others.

Personally, I like Goucher because right now I have 13 interview offers and 2 acceptances. Clearly, one can see why I am so enthusiastic about the place, but in reference to the posted question: no, I am not paid for my comments. In fact, since I don't have a lot of money to give to the Goucher program right now, I like to support it by getting the word out about how it has helped me and others who have finished there.

Essentially, I like to share my thoughts about it because I like to help people- others should know about Goucher and how it can help them become physicians. I'm lucky someone told me about it.

 

[Iron Horse]

I think it's great that you're so happy with your post-bacc experience. I just take issue with throwing around claims like "unparalleled success" without substantiation, no matter who makes the claim. Goucher's web site claims a 94% success rate of grads with recent grad classes having a 100% success rate. Certainly encouraging, but not unparalleled.

Good luck with the application process.