- Joined
- Feb 5, 2007
- Messages
- 1,660
- Reaction score
- 2
I am non-trad. 46. Went to a Caribbean school. Graduated in 2006. Owned my own business for about 16 years previously. Married 18 years, 4 children. Undergrad degree was in nutrition, with minor in chem - GPA 3.58, from United States University.
This year I applied to 50 some FP programs, and 10 IM programs. Received 13 FP invites and one IM invitation to interview for residency. I have had 2 prematch offers. In interviewing, I realized there are alot of benefits to being a non-trad. I am going to begin listing some:
1) Life experience has humbled us as well as built a solid confidence. When I went to my 10 year high school reunion, many of us were finally making good money and felt very successful. Lots of posing and showing off- myself and many others wanted to let others know we were making it. By the 20th high school reunion everyone had experienced enough successes and losses for the most part that everyone was relaxed, I never felt anyone was trying to prove anything. Conversation was not about business or successes, but reminiscences and enjoying each other. Few were still so insecure as to try and show off.
Likewise, many non-trads have had enough life experiences that they can be humble enough to really listen to a patient, not have to prove : "I'm a doctor, dammit". Plus we have enough confidence in who we are that a nurse talking bad to us does not shake us as much, we don't feel a need to retaliate to show them whose boss like 20 somes whose only other jobs were at Burger King. I have to admit I am surprised when I read a post by a recent grad, going into residency who says they have been living at home with mom and dad. I dunno, when I was a young adult it just was expected that everyone leaves home at 18 regardless, unless you are handicapped in some way.
2) We have had enough life experience to understand a wide range of people. We understand financial, family, relationship, social, health, work struggles much better than someone to whom residency is the first real job they have had. Some of us may have health problems now of our own, or watched a parent or family member suffer or die with some disease.
3) One residency director told me that my age, is not a drawback at all. He said he has a constant problem with the 20 somethings because they do not have the attitude of "If I am not early I am late, and I always want to try and do a little more than is asked of me". He said he feels people my age were raised that way. He says his younger residents do not seem to think much of being just on time, or even a few minutes late. I have to admit, I almost freak if I am not early to anything I have to do.
Non-trads are often seen by PD's as already developing a work ethic and a sense of responsibility.
4) Older residents are usually automatically seen as being a "doctor" by patients just due to the age. I have heard younger residents dismay at being treated like a tech or nurse, being asked by patients to run and fetch them some coffee from the cafeteria for example by patients....literally, run and fetch them coffee.
There are more, but being a non-trad certainly does not have to be a disadvantage in the whole process.
This year I applied to 50 some FP programs, and 10 IM programs. Received 13 FP invites and one IM invitation to interview for residency. I have had 2 prematch offers. In interviewing, I realized there are alot of benefits to being a non-trad. I am going to begin listing some:
1) Life experience has humbled us as well as built a solid confidence. When I went to my 10 year high school reunion, many of us were finally making good money and felt very successful. Lots of posing and showing off- myself and many others wanted to let others know we were making it. By the 20th high school reunion everyone had experienced enough successes and losses for the most part that everyone was relaxed, I never felt anyone was trying to prove anything. Conversation was not about business or successes, but reminiscences and enjoying each other. Few were still so insecure as to try and show off.
Likewise, many non-trads have had enough life experiences that they can be humble enough to really listen to a patient, not have to prove : "I'm a doctor, dammit". Plus we have enough confidence in who we are that a nurse talking bad to us does not shake us as much, we don't feel a need to retaliate to show them whose boss like 20 somes whose only other jobs were at Burger King. I have to admit I am surprised when I read a post by a recent grad, going into residency who says they have been living at home with mom and dad. I dunno, when I was a young adult it just was expected that everyone leaves home at 18 regardless, unless you are handicapped in some way.
2) We have had enough life experience to understand a wide range of people. We understand financial, family, relationship, social, health, work struggles much better than someone to whom residency is the first real job they have had. Some of us may have health problems now of our own, or watched a parent or family member suffer or die with some disease.
3) One residency director told me that my age, is not a drawback at all. He said he has a constant problem with the 20 somethings because they do not have the attitude of "If I am not early I am late, and I always want to try and do a little more than is asked of me". He said he feels people my age were raised that way. He says his younger residents do not seem to think much of being just on time, or even a few minutes late. I have to admit, I almost freak if I am not early to anything I have to do.
Non-trads are often seen by PD's as already developing a work ethic and a sense of responsibility.
4) Older residents are usually automatically seen as being a "doctor" by patients just due to the age. I have heard younger residents dismay at being treated like a tech or nurse, being asked by patients to run and fetch them some coffee from the cafeteria for example by patients....literally, run and fetch them coffee.
There are more, but being a non-trad certainly does not have to be a disadvantage in the whole process.
