Non-trad... comm. college, confused, a few unusual takes on things

[lronClad]

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My long term projection is to graduate as a physician-scientist. That's the "prize" I'll keep my eyes on.

A few questions are at hand... I know they may seem kind of nebulous and clueless, but I'm trying to plan with limited prior knowledge I have.

A) I read a lot of "chances of making it threads" and base my application standards on some of the accomplishments of the more eye-catching candidates... should I get started on things like volunteering, shadowing, and research in my first two initial years, or should I wait until I transfer to a 4-year? What are some good places to start/apply?
B) My immediate intent is to get an AS in psychology (community college), work in the field (addictions counselor/social worker), catch up on anything I'm behind in (only covered pre-calc in high school, looking to sharpen my math proficiency) then transfer to take my medical pre-reqs in a 4 year, then apply. Is this a good start?
C) After banking some cash from the aforementioned job, I plan to shelve my "rent" payments, and take the plunge into an "on-campus" loan-saturated med-school student lifestyle. At least for my first two years, so I am not distracted by a full-time job on top of it all.
D) Should I pursue my Ph.D prior to matriculation? Or, in the case of a MD-PhD, is the PhD achieved after the MD?
E) What are some advice you'd give someone starting at square 1? What is something that makes an offbeat non-trad, CC-applicant shine in the application process?

The reason for such a staggered entry (comm college, etc.) is because I have to (unfortunately) schedule my education around my finances instead of vice-versa.

My finalized intent is to treat patients primarily, and pursue secondary research on "the side".

A little bit of background info on me: I'm 25, been in the workforce for 11 years, been on my own since 17, and had some career changes, but medicine has always been something I wanted to do. I originally intended to work a "small career", such as construction or trucking, to finance these efforts into the field of medicine, but then I realized there is no such thing as a "small career". Its impossible to work any lucrative job that pays above min. wage full-time, take the work-required courseload, AND go to school on top of it all, so... I've decided to cut the crap, start over, and schedule part-time work around full-time school vs. part-time school around full-time work (Most jobs had me working 60+ hours a week...)

I read alot of the threads on here all the time, and some say that community college is a controversial method of entry; but usually for pre-requisites only? If community college is such an anchoring factor, what are some ways to offset that? What are mistakes to avoid?

Thank you for your time; I apologize if anything has already been asked in abundance. I'm just hoping to coordinate myself with the timeline.

 

[stayathomemom]

A) I read a lot of "chances of making it threads" and base my application standards on some of the accomplishments of the more eye-catching candidates... should I get started on things like volunteering, shadowing, and research in my first two initial years, or should I wait until I transfer to a 4-year? What are some good places to start/apply?

Start as soon as you can. If you are able to space it out over 4 years, you don't have to do so much of it at once and you are able to dedicate much of your time to your studies.

B) My immediate intent is to get an AS in psychology (community college), work in the field (addictions counselor/social worker), catch up on anything I'm behind in (only covered pre-calc in high school, looking to sharpen my math proficiency) then transfer to take my medical pre-reqs in a 4 year, then apply. Is this a good start?

It's not a bad start. It's not the boring usual BS in biology. Bonus points for being able to do something useful with it.

C) After banking some cash from the aforementioned job, I plan to shelve my "rent" payments, and take the plunge into an "on-campus" loan-saturated med-school student lifestyle. At least for my first two years, so I am not distracted by a full-time job on top of it all.

Ok, but just be careful, accrued interest on student loans are

D) Should I pursue my Ph.D prior to matriculation? Or, in the case of a MD-PhD, is the PhD achieved after the MD?

I'm not exactly sure so I hope someone clarifies, but I believe for MD/PhD you do the foundational classroom stuff first, then do the PhD part, then do clinicals. It takes closer to 6 years than 4. I've heard people express that getting your PhD first is pointless, but I dunno.

E) What are some advice you'd give someone starting at square 1? What is something that makes an offbeat non-trad, CC-applicant shine in the application process?

Life experience, demonstrated responsibility, clinical experience. Making sure your time during the gaps in your education were fruitful in some way.

My finalized intent is to treat patients primarily, and pursue secondary research on "the side".

I do believe that simple (ha!) MDs can do research sans PhD. I hope someone can clarify on the benefits of also having a PhD.

I read alot of the threads on here all the time, and some say that community college is a controversial method of entry; but usually for pre-requisites only? If community college is such an anchoring factor, what are some ways to offset that? What are mistakes to avoid?

I think CC is ok for your associates, but take your pre-reqs from a 4 year institution. Get involved in some extracurriculars, especially if you can be in a leadership role that suits you. Make the most of it.