Nontrad MEDEVAC Pilot/ U of M SMP help

[ozzyman11]

Hello!

I'm currently serving overseas as a MEDEVAC helicopter pilot with the Army National Guard. Due to my close interactions with paramedics and providers that I fly and work with, I have become quite interested in pursuing a career in medicine.

Here is a little bit about myself:

West Point grad with 2.58 GPA (graduated about a decade ago)
Environmental Sciences Major
33 years old

Since I have a super low GPA, seems like an SMP is a good place for me to start. I have family in Michigan so I have been doing research on the MS in physiology (research track) SMP at the University of Michigan.

1) Can any current students for this SMP offer insight into the program? For example, where do most graduates end up? was it helpful in getting into an MD program? did anyone flow into University of Michigan medical school?

2) Assuming I get a killer GRE score, is getting into this SMP even a realistic goal for myself? What can I do to increase my chances?

3) Do SMP/MD programs take prestige of undergrad school into account?

4) Best way/recommendations on how to leverage my experiences flying a MEDEVAC helicopter in my applications and as a career changer?

I'm not geographically restricted to the Ann Arbor area but staying with family (if everything falls into place) would save a ton of money.

Thanks for any advice you can offer!

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[deleted1103055]

Hello!

I'm currently serving overseas as a MEDEVAC helicopter pilot with the Army National Guard. Due to my close interactions with paramedics and providers that I fly and work with, I have become quite interested in pursuing a career in medicine.

Here is a little bit about myself:

West Point grad with 2.58 GPA (graduated about a decade ago)
Environmental Sciences Major
33 years old

Since I have a super low GPA, seems like an SMP is a good place for me to start. I have family in Michigan so I have been doing research on the MS in physiology (research track) SMP at the University of Michigan.

1) Can any current students for this SMP offer insight into the program? For example, where do most graduates end up? was it helpful in getting into an MD program? did anyone flow into University of Michigan medical school?

2) Assuming I get a killer GRE score, is getting into this SMP even a realistic goal for myself? What can I do to increase my chances?

3) Do SMP/MD programs take prestige of undergrad school into account?

4) Best way/recommendations on how to leverage my experiences flying a MEDEVAC helicopter in my applications and as a career changer?

I'm not geographically restricted to the Ann Arbor area but staying with family (if everything falls into place) would save a ton of money.

Thanks for any advice you can offer!

Did you read the admission requirements for that program?

Minimum competitive Science GPA = 3.0 Coursework Track / 3.5 Research Track
Minimum competitive Overall GPA = 3.0 Coursework Track / 3.5 Research Track

Application Information | Molecular & Integrative Physiology | Michigan Medicine

This program considers applications on a modified rolling admission basis. Some decisions will be sent out following each review*, but the class will not be filled until all completed applications have been reviewed.

medicine.umich.edu

Perhaps I misunderstood you but I dont think your West Point GPA will help. Besides, they seem really uptight and why bother? If you are really that driven, and only you know, consider a DIY Post Bacc program with no GRE scores or cumbersome application process with minimum GPA scores. You are starting over after a long absence. That is Ok. you arent the first one. The UM SMP is already saddling you with burdens and all you need is to reinvent yourself with pre-med science courses, a far better GPA and impressive MCAT score.

Consider a resource on here that some who seek reinvention find helpful:

Goro's advice for pre-meds who need reinvention

So you want to be a doctor, but your GPA is terrible. Is that the end? Rule #1: Take a deep breath, and stop fussing. The sky is not falling. But you are going to need to reinvent yourself. This will take both time and money. And always remember that you’re in a marathon now, not a sprint...

forums.studentdoctor.net

be careful overseas….esp out in the chopper!

🙏🏼

 

[ozzyman11]

Thank you for the reply! great info in the post you shared!

 

[deleted1103055]

Thank you for the reply! great info in the post you shared!

youre welcome but you really should take advantage of @Goro on here. He is a legendary specialist on the topic of people just like you, and you can not beat the price.

 

[Goro]

West Point grad with 2.58 GPA (graduated about a decade ago)
Environmental Sciences Major
33 years old

First off, many thanks for your service to our country!

3) Do SMP/MD programs take prestige of undergrad school into account?

Nope. A 2.5 from Harvard will be looked at the same as a 2.5 from Kutztown State.

4) Best way/recommendations on how to leverage my experiences flying a MEDEVAC helicopter in my applications and as a career changer?

This will be more relevant when you eventually apply to med school.

For you, I recommend either a postbac program for career switchers, or do a DIY post bac.

You're going to need the pre-reqs anyway.

 

[ozzyman11]

First off, many thanks for your service to our country!

Nope. A 2.5 from Harvard will be looked at the same as a 2.5 from Kutztown State.





This will be more relevant when you eventually apply to med school.

For you, I recommend either a postbac program for career switchers, or do a DIY post bac.

You're going to need the pre-reqs anyway.

Thanks for the advice! much appreciated

 

[Goro]

now send him a photo of you in your chopper rescuing our men and women in uniform, and you might even earn some leverage at his medical school. Work it, man!

That will work for any med school!