Primary VS. Research

[jake332]

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May I pose a question? I am trying to figure out if there is a difference between post-bac programs for those whoa re interested in primary care instead of research. From what I’ve seen, Hopkins, Tufts, and Columbia are interested in institutional doctors while programs like Bennington and Scripps have more of a primary care slant. I know the focus of many is simply to get into Med school and then begin to think about directions but it seems to me the post-bac school you attend is going to begin your trajectory in a certain direction. My idea is that there is no doubt the top programs are going to get you into med school. That is their job. The question is which programs get you into the schools you want to attend.

Here is the question. Where should a guy go who wants to be a rural primary care practitioner? Between Bennington, Scripps, and Bryn Mawr is it simply a personal choice for the best fit, or is there a large difference in effectiveness between these programs?

 

[jays2cool4u]

May I pose a question? I am trying to figure out if there is a difference between post-bac programs for those whoa re interested in primary care instead of research. From what I’ve seen, Hopkins, Tufts, and Columbia are interested in institutional doctors while programs like Bennington and Scripps have more of a primary care slant. I know the focus of many is simply to get into Med school and then begin to think about directions but it seems to me the post-bac school you attend is going to begin your trajectory in a certain direction. My idea is that there is no doubt the top programs are going to get you into med school. That is their job. The question is which programs get you into the schools you want to attend.

Here is the question. Where should a guy go who wants to be a rural primary care practitioner? Between Bennington, Scripps, and Bryn Mawr is it simply a personal choice for the best fit, or is there a large difference in effectiveness between these programs?

These questions are fun to entertain but right now should be of little concern. Your first objective is to get into medical school. Once you're a med. student then you can dream about practicing rural medicine. Post-bac programs do not gear students toward primary care or research. Their main goal is to help you get into medical school while taking your money. Therefore, you should apply to all the programs that interest you then make a visit to find the best fit.

As far as effectiveness, they all basically get the job done. Its utimately up to you to do well in all your basic science classes and rock the MCAT. Earning a B in organic chemistry at Harvard does not look better than earning an A at State University of Nowhere in organic chem. So, hopefully get my point.

Don't put the buggy in front of the horse.

Jays2cool4u 😎

 

[benelswick]

I have similar tendencies as you do--I start where I want to end up an figure out a pathway back to where I am. I'd say working that way is exhustive but I haven't made a bad decision in a long time regarding school and my career. The previous poster still makes one overidingly good point--become a med student above all else. I really don't think there's a long line of people waiting to do primary rural care so you're in no need of out-smarting the competition. Still there are state schools who focus on developing primary care providers for their rural citizens and will favor students with that goal and have training that will hook you up with that career path, but I just don't know which ones they are b/c i want to work in a big city and haven't researched that topic. good Luck!--Ben.

 

[DrHuang]

Post-bac programs do not gear students toward primary care or research. Their main goal is to help you get into medical school while taking your money.

quoted for truth

 

[Crake]

Go become an NP and save all the money.

 

[jake332]

Crake - Not all doctors live in the cities. You might, but I don’t.

I understand that the primary goal is to get into med school and I thank you guys for reiterating my point. I do think that it is OK to put the buggy in front of the horse and was asked repeatedly about hat during the interview process. Thanks for the clarity benelswick, although I’m not really thinking about outsmarting the competition. I’m looking more along the lines of preparing myself. It sounds like my best bet is to call those schools w/strong programs and ask what they are looking for in an out of state premed. I appreciate the thoughts.

 

[benelswick]

Crake - Not all doctors live in the cities. You might, but I don’t.

I understand that the primary goal is to get into med school and I thank you guys for reiterating my point. I do think that it is OK to put the buggy in front of the horse and was asked repeatedly about hat during the interview process. Thanks for the clarity benelswick, although I’m not really thinking about outsmarting the competition. I’m looking more along the lines of preparing myself. It sounds like my best bet is to call those schools w/strong programs and ask what they are looking for in an out of state premed. I appreciate the thoughts.

yeah jake I think it sounds like you've heard your calling and I agree with you calling strong primary care schools in places that you want to live in is a good strategy. I have heard of people talking about certain protocols of politeness and off-season timing involved in asking for a consult with admissions people, but I don't know I think your sincere interest will get you some feedback.--Ben

 

[Lindyhopper]

I just wanted to throw out the idea of doing a one year cerificate or two year masters at a DO school. As DO programs produce more primary care physicians, it may make sense to do any post-bacc there. Often the post-baccs have informal linkages to the parent program. Generally, it makes sense to do any post-bacc at an institution where you would like to go to the med school.
These one year certificates are hard core anatomy, histology, physiology, biochem etc. .They have the additional benefit of easing the burden of the first year.