NOT a premed...what to do?

[Grambo70]

At the end of this summer, I'll be entering my 3d year of undergrad. I've recently become very interested in studying Osteopathy. However, this sort of goes against my previous plans. I'm most of the way through a major in Economics, with a minor in classics. The plan had been to finish that up and go to seminary. I had always dismissed medicine(ie the MD) as little more than a glorified mechanic, and it seems to me that most MDs treat their patients a lot like mechanics treat cars. But Osteopathy seems so different! What an interesting way to serve people. But, as I said, I'm planning to finish my econ degree. The question is, can I get into one of the COM's without a degree in bio or chemistry? Please let me know what you guys think

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[Bradleyp]

Although there is a big difference in true osteopathy and osteopathic medicine, I understand what you re trying to say. I think if you are really interested it is not too late. You will have to do your prerequisites, which are a good bit of fairly tough classes and quite different than economics, and this may extend your undergrad years. You should look into it more and then decide the route you need to take. Good luck and hope to see you as a DO one day.

 

[DrMom]

You don't have to have a science degree. You do need to take the prereqs (1 yr each bio, gen chem, org chem, physics...beyond that, check with the schools you are interested in). Also prepare and do well on the MCAT.

Before you get too involved in this, go shadow some DOs to see how different docs actually practice. Not all DOs really incorporate the osteopathic philosophy, so see different ones. You don't want to take 20+ extra hours and an obnoxious entrance exam without being sure that you really want to do this.

Good luck!!

 

[scamp]

Grambo70
It's not too late! I, too, just finished my sophomore year and although I have been thinking about medicine for months, just decided to pursue it a couple of months ago. As a sociology major, I also do not have the science requirements out of the way. You can absolutely be a competitive applicant without a science major. Tons of SDNers have been accepted with non-science degrees, and medical schools state no preference when it comes to majors. In my case, the school I'm transferring to this summer has an Interdisciplinary Dept. where students can design their own degree- I have designed one that combines the science pre-reqs for med school and courses in the social sciences. I will not be able to take the MCAT and apply until April 04 (right as I graduate) because it takes time to get through the pre-reqs. So my advice, if you really want to do this, is talk to an advisor or figure out for yourself how you could finish your degree with the science reqs as well. You probably won't be able to apply for two more years, and it may take you longer to finish your degree (I will have to take lots of summer classes and fairly heavy loads to finish on time.)

Good luck to you!

scamp

 

[DOtobe]

Grambo,
You have a good chance of getting into medical school with your an economics degree. You may even be at an advantage when you apply to medical school. Since most medical school applicants are bio/chem majors, your application will stand out because of your "different" major. As long as you have all your pre-reqs, you have just as good a chance as anyone else. Good luck!

 

[thirdangel]

Hi Grambo
I have a degree in Economics and I was in the same situation a few years ago except that I decided a month before graduation.
There are a few things you can do.
One, you can start taking the prereq science classes now along with your courses for Economics and then just take the rest after you graduate as a continuing adult student if your school offers that - or you can apply for a second bachelors.
Two, you can finish out your economics degree while you shadow a DO or volunteer to make sure that it is what you really want to do. Then you can either take the prereq classes on your own, or you can enroll in a post-bachelors pre-medical program.

Of course it is important to get good grades, volunteer, collect letters of recommendation, study for the MCAT, etc...

I don't think Economics will hold you back any, especially if you have a good GPA in your science courses and have a good MCAT score. I have a few friends who are in medical schools or doing their residency right now who have economics degrees... One applied while she was an undergrad and two did it after working for a few years.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

 

[oldman]

going into medicine does not require you to be a bio/chem major.

you just need the prereqs of basic sciences done.

 

[Dr. MAXY]

Just liki others have mentioned earlier, you do not need a science degree to go into medicine. As a matter of fact you can go into medicine with any Bachelors degree ( Even Pornography degree), as long as you complete your prerequistes and take the MCAT.
I will shadow some DO's as well as MD's to see if there is any difference in the way they practice.
GOOD LUCK

 

[Dr JPH]

Not having a science degree will more than likely gain you favor in the application process.

Take the prerequisites (make sure you cover all the bases for all the schools you intend to apply to).

Speak to a pre-professional advisor at your current school.

Apply and get accepted.

Good luck.