Prob repeated many times but should I just give up on being a doctor?

[zzzopiclone9]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I'm posted this in a previous thread but I believe this is more appropriate in this Thread.

Some things about myself:

1. Citizen - Canadian (home province, ontario)
2. 29 year old male
3. 2 degrees - 3 year degree in biology (BsC in Science) - Graduated 2011 cGPA - 3.79, 4 year degree in Pharmacy - Graduated 2015. - cGPA - 3.3
4. 3 years - working experience as a registered pharmacist
5. Working towards Ceritified Diabetes Educator Certificate
6 . Volunteer Experience - not the greatest -> Some hospitals, some community societies, coaching experience years ago -> definitely need work
7. I have not written the MCAT yet.
8. Debating whether I should work on a masters in public health to improve my gPA -> What are your opinions?
9. Current Yearly salary where I am at is 110 K/annual.

In my current position, what do you think I can do to improve my chances of increasing my chances of getting into medical school. In addition at 29 years old this September do you think I'm kinda starting late lol. Anyways any opinions would be great. Thanks for your time guys!

 

[workaholic181]

I'm posted this in a previous thread but I believe this is more appropriate in this Thread.

Some things about myself:

1. Citizen - Canadian (home province, ontario)
2. 29 year old male
3. 2 degrees - 3 year degree in biology (BsC in Science) - Graduated 2011 cGPA - 3.79, 4 year degree in Pharmacy - Graduated 2015. - cGPA - 3.3
4. 3 years - working experience as a registered pharmacist
5. Working towards Ceritified Diabetes Educator Certificate
6 . Volunteer Experience - not the greatest -> Some hospitals, some community societies, coaching experience years ago -> definitely need work
7. I have not written the MCAT yet.
8. Debating whether I should work on a masters in public health to improve my gPA -> What are your opinions?
9. Current Yearly salary where I am at is 110 K/annual.

In my current position, what do you think I can do to improve my chances of increasing my chances of getting into medical school. In addition at 29 years old this September do you think I'm kinda starting late lol. Anyways any opinions would be great. Thanks for your time guys!

I have classmates who are a lot older than you. Honestly nobody cares how old someone else is when you're in med school. I'm friends with classmates who are 10 years older than I am and have kids. It's the shared experience. Dont let age stop you.

I dont see why the GPAs are a big hang up for you.. they seem fine, especially for DO programs if you are open to that.

Why not take the MCAT and see how it goes? I was expecting you to say you had a low MCAT or really low GPA when I opened this thread.. you are really not far from an acceptance timeline wise if you do okay on the MCAT and improve your ECs. Theoretically you could apply next cycle and be starting Fall 2020 in your early 30s, and be an attending by 40.

Only you can decide if the hard work is worth it to you personally.. but there is nothing in your profile that would make me tell you to give up. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[mw18]

I'm posted this in a previous thread but I believe this is more appropriate in this Thread.

Some things about myself:

1. Citizen - Canadian (home province, ontario)
2. 29 year old male
3. 2 degrees - 3 year degree in biology (BsC in Science) - Graduated 2011 cGPA - 3.79, 4 year degree in Pharmacy - Graduated 2015. - cGPA - 3.3
4. 3 years - working experience as a registered pharmacist
5. Working towards Ceritified Diabetes Educator Certificate
6 . Volunteer Experience - not the greatest -> Some hospitals, some community societies, coaching experience years ago -> definitely need work
7. I have not written the MCAT yet.
8. Debating whether I should work on a masters in public health to improve my gPA -> What are your opinions?
9. Current Yearly salary where I am at is 110 K/annual.

In my current position, what do you think I can do to improve my chances of increasing my chances of getting into medical school. In addition at 29 years old this September do you think I'm kinda starting late lol. Anyways any opinions would be great. Thanks for your time guys!

Only get a public health degree if you want one. It won't help gpa-wise and it doesn't really push the needle in any other significant way.

 

[Hi_I'mPaul]

I'm posted this in a previous thread but I believe this is more appropriate in this Thread.

Some things about myself:

1. Citizen - Canadian (home province, ontario)
2. 29 year old male
3. 2 degrees - 3 year degree in biology (BsC in Science) - Graduated 2011 cGPA - 3.79, 4 year degree in Pharmacy - Graduated 2015. - cGPA - 3.3
4. 3 years - working experience as a registered pharmacist
5. Working towards Ceritified Diabetes Educator Certificate
6 . Volunteer Experience - not the greatest -> Some hospitals, some community societies, coaching experience years ago -> definitely need work
7. I have not written the MCAT yet.
8. Debating whether I should work on a masters in public health to improve my gPA -> What are your opinions?
9. Current Yearly salary where I am at is 110 K/annual.

In my current position, what do you think I can do to improve my chances of increasing my chances of getting into medical school. In addition at 29 years old this September do you think I'm kinda starting late lol. Anyways any opinions would be great. Thanks for your time guys!

Definitely would not advise getting an MPH. If anything, apply to a one-year SMP (i.e. an MS in (Bio)Medical Sciences). But, I assume your cGPA from undergrad would be around a 3.5, so that is slightly low for MD but not a problem--a masters is probably not even necessary with your experience. I would say just kill the MCAT and work on non-clinical and clinical volunteering over the next year and you should be a fine applicant for the next cycle.

 

[zzzopiclone9]

I have classmates who are a lot older than you. Honestly nobody cares how old someone else is when you're in med school. I'm friends with classmates who are 10 years older than I am and have kids. It's the shared experience. Dont let age stop you.

I dont see why the GPAs are a big hang up for you.. they seem fine, especially for DO programs if you are open to that.

Why not take the MCAT and see how it goes? I was expecting you to say you had a low MCAT or really low GPA when I opened this thread.. you are really not far from an acceptance timeline wise if you do okay on the MCAT and improve your ECs. Theoretically you could apply next cycle and be starting Fall 2020 in your early 30s, and be an attending by 40.

Only you can decide if the hard work is worth it to you personally.. but there is nothing in your profile that would make me tell you to give up. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Interesting, looked into that DO programs, I am a Canadian Citzen so I'm wondering if there are any DO programs that are Canadian Friendly? Any suggestions

 

[zzzopiclone9]

Definitely would not advise getting an MPH. If anything, apply to a one-year SMP (i.e. an MS in (Bio)Medical Sciences). But, I assume your cGPA from undergrad would be around a 3.5, so that is slightly low for MD but not a problem--a masters is probably not even necessary with your experience. I would say just kill the MCAT and work on non-clinical and clinical volunteering over the next year and you should be a fine applicant for the next cycle.

Thanks for your opinion. I thought for sure I would not be that competitive. :s

 

[workaholic181]

Interesting, looked into that DO programs, I am a Canadian Citzen so I'm wondering if there are any DO programs that are Canadian Friendly? Any suggestions

Michigan state DO literally reserves a certain part of their class for Canadians. I know several Canadians at UNEcom and Kcumb too.

 

[zzzopiclone9]

Michigan state DO literally reserves a certain part of their class for Canadians. I know several Canadians at UNEcom and Kcumb too.

Thanks for your input let me know if any other suggestions. Man tuition in the states is ridicolous

 

[sunshinefl]

Interesting, looked into that DO programs, I am a Canadian Citzen so I'm wondering if there are any DO programs that are Canadian Friendly? Any suggestions

I know of several Canadian classmates. I’m at Nova Southeastern University DO.

 

[zzzopiclone9]

I know of several Canadian classmates. I’m at Nova Southeastern University DO.

Do you mind if I ask how much tuition is a year?

 

[sunshinefl]

Do you mind if I ask how much tuition is a year?

For OOS/International it’s ~$62K/year tuition and fees. I’m IS which is ~7K cheaper.

 

[zzzopiclone9]

For OOS/International it’s ~$62K/year tuition and fees. I’m IS which is ~7K cheaper.

That’s crazy how expensive schools are in the states..,, the most expensive med school I’ve seen in Canada’s is 25 k a year. Cheapest is 5 I

 

[dushash]

That’s crazy how expensive schools are in the states..,, the most expensive med school I’ve seen in Canada’s is 25 k a year. Cheapest is 5 I

It's true, but getting accepted to Canadian med.school is a lot harder. Main reason why people apply to US schools. The thing is physician salary will be more than enough to cover tuition loan anyway, so I wouldn't put it as a deal-breaker.
I'm Canadian MS3 in US school currently. It's doable, but 7 years to become attending is not for everyone. It's hard. A lot of sacrifice. IMHO you need to access your situation, your financial options and decide for yourself. It's a big commitment and there will be no easy turning back.

 

[zzzopiclone9]

It's true, but getting accepted to Canadian med.school is a lot harder. Main reason why people apply to US schools. The thing is physician salary will be more than enough to cover tuition loan anyway, so I wouldn't put it as a deal-breaker.
I'm Canadian MS3 in US school currently. It's doable, but 7 years to become attending is not for everyone. It's hard. A lot of sacrifice. IMHO you need to access your situation, your financial options and decide for yourself. It's a big commitment and there will be no easy turning back.

Yah thats what I kinda figured, so do you mind If I ask do you plan to come back to Canada and where in Canada are you from and what options did you take to meet the financial needs for the tuition. I know there is a maximum provincial loans provides.

Yes I agree with you - right now im 29 years old and I feel like im getting old as much as I want o take medicine as a serious option especially since its a career where you constantly need to educate yourself. I'm working as a pharmacist yes right now I have a six figure salary but argh is it sure does not feel like i can do this long term..

 

[dushash]

Yah thats what I kinda figured, so do you mind If I ask do you plan to come back to Canada and where in Canada are you from and what options did you take to meet the financial needs for the tuition. I know there is a maximum provincial loans provides.

Yes I agree with you - right now im 29 years old and I feel like im getting old as much as I want o take medicine as a serious option especially since its a career where you constantly need to educate yourself. I'm working as a pharmacist yes right now I have a six figure salary but argh is it sure does not feel like i can do this long term..

I'm from Guelph, ON. Yes, I'm planning to return back, but only after I'll become attending in states - since it's very hard to match to Canadian residency. Or I might even stay in states - more money (especially when you convert it to CAD). Meanwhile I'll apply for Canadian license while working in states - it might take some time, but it's not like you are sitting without a job. So it's not really necessary to fully come back to Canada so to speak. It depends on your situation, if you have family or not etc. One thing I know - I've never seen a single MD/DO who regret it or who was living in poverty - you know what I'm saying?

Regarding finances - that's not as easy. Ideally best thing is to get a loan from Canadian bank. Last time I've checked they were giving it under prime % APR - which is basically best deal you can get. You'll need a good cosigner etc. I got only accepted to 1 school in states (due to applying late), so I had no choice - have to pay whatever they asked (still was better than wasting another year), but if you can apply early and broadly - maybe you get lucky to get accepted to a cheaper school (relatively cheap of course - it's still going to be a lot more than Canadian med.schools). In my school tuition is $65k + living expenses. It's expensive, I know, but this is the price to pay - it's take it or leave it deal. I've done lots of calculations and IMHO it's worth it no matter how you look at it. The specialty I'm looking at has $300k USD yearly (about $375k CAD). I only quote it to show that repaying loans will be more than manageable.

P.S. your six figure salary quickly becomes a 5 figure $75-80k CAD (after hefty Canadian taxes) - please don't take it the wrong way, I was in a similar situation. I have 2 kids and a mortgage in Guelph, so I lived on that 6 figure before - it's not bad, but not much really. I mean with 2 kids, mortgage, taxes, etc - I was just barely meeting my ends. Let's just say it was very hard to save money or live lifestyle of your choice.
On the other hand, if you are smart with money and alone and don't have big demands or appetite for things - you might live a comfortable enough life in Canada to not venture to this 7 year journey - it's a big decision. 7 year journey to become attending will be tough, mentally and physically exhausting (I can count less than dozen times when I slept full 8 hours during my MS1-2 years). We passed 130 exams during 2 years. Board exam on top of that and I'm only half way to residency. If you'll decide to do this - you need to go all 100% in - there will be no other way to do it unfortunately. Just my opinion man.

 

[zzzopiclone9]

I'm from Guelph, ON. Yes, I'm planning to return back, but only after I'll become attending in states - since it's very hard to match to Canadian residency. Or I might even stay in states - more money (especially when you convert it to CAD). Meanwhile I'll apply for Canadian license while working in states - it might take some time, but it's not like you are sitting without a job. So it's not really necessary to fully come back to Canada so to speak. It depends on your situation, if you have family or not etc. One thing I know - I've never seen a single MD/DO who regret it or who was living in poverty - you know what I'm saying?

Regarding finances - that's not as easy. Ideally best thing is to get a loan from Canadian bank. Last time I've checked they were giving it under prime % APR - which is basically best deal you can get. You'll need a good cosigner etc. I got only accepted to 1 school in states (due to applying late), so I had no choice - have to pay whatever they asked (still was better than wasting another year), but if you can apply early and broadly - maybe you get lucky to get accepted to a cheaper school (relatively cheap of course - it's still going to be a lot more than Canadian med.schools). In my school tuition is $65k + living expenses. It's expensive, I know, but this is the price to pay - it's take it or leave it deal. I've done lots of calculations and IMHO it's worth it no matter how you look at it. The specialty I'm looking at has $300k USD yearly (about $375k CAD). I only quote it to show that repaying loans will be more than manageable.

P.S. your six figure salary quickly becomes a 5 figure $75-80k CAD (after hefty Canadian taxes) - please don't take it the wrong way, I was in a similar situation. I have 2 kids and a mortgage in Guelph, so I lived on that 6 figure before - it's not bad, but not much really. I mean with 2 kids, mortgage, taxes, etc - I was just barely meeting my ends. Let's just say it was very hard to save money or live lifestyle of your choice.
On the other hand, if you are smart with money and alone and don't have big demands or appetite for things - you might live a comfortable enough life in Canada to not venture to this 7 year journey - it's a big decision. 7 year journey to become attending will be tough, mentally and physically exhausting (I can count less than dozen times when I slept full 8 hours during my MS1-2 years). We passed 130 exams during 2 years. Board exam on top of that and I'm only half way to residency. If you'll decide to do this - you need to go all 100% in - there will be no other way to do it unfortunately. Just my opinion man.

Man thanks for the reply back I appreciate your input greatly. So out of curiousity did you move your entire life down to the states? Like your wife and two kids? Thats unreal man, your going to make a great doctor boss. To be honest yeah I do have a six figure salary but blah pharmacy is kinda boring i kinda feel like im working at mcdonalds , I am actually really looking into medicine but I feel old being 29 and if i get in it prob won't be until I'm 31 years old - so I'd be like 36 years old minimum (family medicine route)...In all honest I'm all game to work hard man, once I have a goal I'm quite dedicated to getting the job done.

The nice is that I am single, no kids, no mortgage and just working as a professional pharmacist. I wouldn't be doing medicine for the money in all honesty, but its just the initial investment is crazy I already have two degrees which I paid for using student loans and paid the debt 3 years ago. (BTW man props to you making solid money with kids and a family and taking that huge risk).

So yeah to be honest I'm not sure if I am even that competitive if I optimistically calculate my cGPA for both degrees it would be around 3.65. Some people say I am still competitive in Canada and the fact that I'm already working as a working healthcare professional might be an edge, since I have medical knowledge as well. The down part is I have not written the MCAT and I don't volunteer much / have much research experience.....to be honest i hate to say it pharmacy degree was prob the worst choice for me (but thankful as I can get a job anywhere really- Mcdonalds in every corner lol jk)....i should of went into medicine right away....I jsut didn't think I was smart enough or good enough....but after working as a professional pharmacist I feel that I can keep up.