Non-traditional prospective pre-med question

[JoeJoe2482]

Hello everyone!

It’s been a while since I posted anything but I’m looking for some possible feedback on my particular situation.

I am 36 and thinking of switching careers from IT to medicine. My UGPA was terrible in a social science discipline and haven’t taken any of the pre-reqs other than Chem 1 which I performed horribly in but that was way back. I have not taken the MCAT exam and have been thinking of enrolling in a informal post-bacc until I have a GPA worthy of an SMP.

I’m married, work full-time and have a toddler in the house. The main reason why I’m posting is because I’m really feeling scared to fail if I begin coursework and this has prevented me from taking the pre-med courses, plus it isn’t the most viable idea in the terms of loans or time but it has always been an interest of mine and no matter how much I try to escape the idea of becoming a doctor, I can’t.

I guess I’m looking for inspiration from similar people who have been down this path expecting to fail with limited money for school, life responsibilities and time constraints this late in the game.

Thanks guys!!

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[Johnrawlsneuro]

There’s plenty of folks who post here and have pursued a career in medicine in their 30s and beyond here. Goro often remarks that some of his best students have been 30s/40s.

You’re far enough removed from undergrad grades such that crushing a post-bacc would make you competitive for MD and DO schools that reward reinvention. Beyond that you could have a lucrative and rewarding career in medicine as a PA or NP if you prefer a shorter, more risk averse route. Those schools also reward reinvention granted you do really well in your post bacc courses.

Best of luck!

 

[Campana]

I was in a very similar position a few years ago and I'm now getting ready to apply this season.

I didn't want to sacrifice my current income for a somewhat selfishly motivated career move - three kids, at that time: 4, 6, 9. I started off by doing some Kahn Academy chemistry and physics to get my brain thinking again - very different from the cognitive challenges at work.

Plus, I did some clinical volunteering to make sure that I wasn't deluding myself and that I really did want to switch careers.

Only after those conservative moves did I formally jump into post-bacc work.

Those are both free options that actually get you going down the application path anyhow🙂

Good luck!

 

[star.buck]

I hear you with the fear of failing those big mean science classes... my undergrad was over 10 years ago, and the chemistry class I had to take for that “well rounded” bachelor degree was atrocious (as was my grade)... that said, when I went back after a change of heart and change of mind - the classes that baffled me back then were much more interesting and my grades reflected that. I’m now a med student, prepping to start 3rd year.

Campana has great advice, khan academy, volunteering/shadowing is a great place to start. Exposure will help show you if this really is the path you want, and want for your family.

Best of luck to you!