Programs that focus on medically-underserved populations?

[solarsonar]

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Hello fellow SDN'ers,
I am a non-traditional re-applicant who is seeking a medical program that provides specific training to serve vulnerable and underserved populations. As a California resident, I am definitely applying to the UC-PRIME schools, but could you recommend to me any other schools that offer such specialized programs? Given that my MCAT is relatively low (27, with a low verbal score), I plan to apply to schools that will look at its applicants in a more hollistic fashion rather than those that have automatic rejections for score minimums.

So far, my list includes OHSU, University of Washington, University of Chicago-Pritzker, University of Wisconsin, MSU and DO schools including Western University and MSU.

I am also looking for non-dual degree programs (MD/MPH) because I already received my Master's in Public Health from University of Washington this year.

Thank you so much for your help and consideration, and best of luck everyone!! 😍👍😀

 

[CW 2010]

I don't know if Pritzker should be on your list. Pritzker is very, very hard to get into. It's ranked #8 in the country (although, rankings don't always reflect the true quality of the program).
With your MCAT of 27 I am not sure if you would be a competitive applicant there. But let's see what others have to say.

 

[SN12357]

Hello fellow SDN'ers,
I am a non-traditional re-applicant who is seeking a medical program that provides specific training to serve vulnerable and underserved populations. As a California resident, I am definitely applying to the UC-PRIME schools, but could you recommend to me any other schools that offer such specialized programs? Given that my MCAT is relatively low (27, with a low verbal score), I plan to apply to schools that will look at its applicants in a more hollistic fashion rather than those that have automatic rejections for score minimums.

So far, my list includes OHSU, University of Washington, University of Chicago-Pritzker, University of Wisconsin, MSU and DO schools including Western University and MSU.

I am also looking for non-dual degree programs (MD/MPH) because I already received my Master's in Public Health from University of Washington this year.

Thank you so much for your help and consideration, and best of luck everyone!! 😍👍😀

I don't like being negative, but I doubt University of Washington and Wisconsin are worth applying to either (since you're an alum in another program at Washington, I would directly reach out to admissions there and ask for a realistic assessment of your chances). Both schools have very strong in-state preferences. Wisconsin's is less strong than Washington, but OOS matriculants to in-state schools generally have higher stats than the school average. I agree that Pritzker is not realistic, either.

Look at some of the new MD schools--Quinnipiac, Commonwealth, etc.

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

Yeah, like SN said, University of Washington isn't going to be worth applying to in your case. They take a very, very small number of OOS students with near-perfect stats and a proven interest in rural medicine. Wisconsin and OHSU would also be extremely long shots for you. Remember that at almost all state schools, the average stats for OOS are substantially higher than the school's average. With a few thousand people applying for a few dozen OOS seats in the class, adcoms can afford to be choosy about who they let in.

Without knowing your GPA it's tough to know how competitive you are for any MD schools, but based on your MCAT, I'd say you should focus mainly on DO. The good news for you is that many of them have a focus on underserved populations and most of them look at applications holistically. In particular, VCOM is highly dedicated to rural and international medicine. They've got a nice new campus in South Carolina and relatively reasonable tuition. I think Campbell, PNWU and LMU also focus on rural and underserved populations.

 

[Goro]

With a 27, it's highly unlikely that you'd be considered for MD schools, especially for OOS public schools, and the very competitive UC system (unless you're from SoCal and show the commitment to UCI and UCR's mission).

Osteopathic schools are your best bet; they're primary care oriented, and their grads do seek out underserved populations to serve.

Hello fellow SDN'ers,
I am a non-traditional re-applicant who is seeking a medical program that provides specific training to serve vulnerable and underserved populations. As a California resident, I am definitely applying to the UC-PRIME schools, but could you recommend to me any other schools that offer such specialized programs? Given that my MCAT is relatively low (27, with a low verbal score), I plan to apply to schools that will look at its applicants in a more hollistic fashion rather than those that have automatic rejections for score minimums.

So far, my list includes OHSU, University of Washington, University of Chicago-Pritzker, University of Wisconsin, MSU and DO schools including Western University and MSU.

I am also looking for non-dual degree programs (MD/MPH) because I already received my Master's in Public Health from University of Washington this year.

Thank you so much for your help and consideration, and best of luck everyone!! 😍👍😀

 

[sazerac]

While PNWU has a rural / underserved focus, they also have a very strong regional bias the last time I checked. They are like the UWash if the DO world.

California resident and low MCAT, that's a toughie.

 

[solarsonar]

Thanks for the prompt replies everybody. Here's a bit more detail on my medical school journey.

-27 year old female, California resident, non-traditional applicant (out of school for 5 years)
-Took my pre-med classes and graduated 2008 from UC Berkeley with a 3.3 Science, 3.5 Cumulative GPA, MCAT 29Q (10PS, 10BS, 9VR)
-Applied for entrance in 2009 and received one interview to the UCLA-PRIME program but did not get in
-Worked as a research assistant for two years at UCSF and continued to shadow physicians and volunteer my time with immigrant/refugee populations
-Applied again for entrance in 2011 and received one interview at the OHSU MD/MPH program but did not get in
-Decided to pursue my MPH at UW (GPA: 3.9) and during the summer in 2012 I studied on my own but sadly my score dropped (MCAT: 26R, 9PS, 10BS, 7VR).
-Decided to give MCAT a one last go and took the Princeton Review Course in early August there was only a slight improvement.. but really what shocked me was the plunge in my verbal considering I was getting 9s and 10s on practice tests (MCAT 27: 12PS, 10BS, 5VR).

So now I am stuck because it is getting late in the 2014 application cycle and I have not submitted my AMCAS yet nor have I received my letters of rec yet. I'm considering postponing my application to June, but it might not even matter since my MCAT scores were lower than I had hoped for.

With that said, I am excited to apply to DO schools, but my clinical experience is limited to MDs and not DOs. I have also heard that DOs do not have the same international recognition as MDs, which conflicts my interest of practicing medicine in global settings. I really appreciate your candidness on which schools I have the best chances of getting into. Any other suggestions for out-of-state schools, international schools, or DO schools to apply to? Thanks so much!!!

 

[Etyan]

So now I am stuck because it is getting late in the 2014 application cycle and I have not submitted my AMCAS yet nor have I received my letters of rec yet. I'm considering postponing my application to June, but it might not even matter since my MCAT scores were lower than I had hoped for.

Considering your prior MCAT scores and how late it is in the cycle, I think it would be HUGE if you could dedicate the next 2-3 months to really knocking the MCAT out of the park. Your graduate performance is pretty awesome and your mission fits well with some UC schools. Get your letters in the system (through interfolio or virtualevals) and have everything ready to go when June 2014 comes around.

Verbal is a tricky beast but it can be done. Good luck!

 

[SN12357]

Thanks for the prompt replies everybody. Here's a bit more detail on my medical school journey.

-27 year old female, California resident, non-traditional applicant (out of school for 5 years)
-Took my pre-med classes and graduated 2008 from UC Berkeley with a 3.3 Science, 3.5 Cumulative GPA, MCAT 29Q (10PS, 10BS, 9VR)
-Applied for entrance in 2009 and received one interview to the UCLA-PRIME program but did not get in
-Worked as a research assistant for two years at UCSF and continued to shadow physicians and volunteer my time with immigrant/refugee populations
-Applied again for entrance in 2011 and received one interview at the OHSU MD/MPH program but did not get in
-Decided to pursue my MPH at UW (GPA: 3.9) and during the summer in 2012 I studied on my own but sadly my score dropped (MCAT: 26R, 9PS, 10BS, 7VR).
-Decided to give MCAT a one last go and took the Princeton Review Course in early August there was only a slight improvement.. but really what shocked me was the plunge in my verbal considering I was getting 9s and 10s on practice tests (MCAT 27: 12PS, 10BS, 5VR).

So now I am stuck because it is getting late in the 2014 application cycle and I have not submitted my AMCAS yet nor have I received my letters of rec yet. I'm considering postponing my application to June, but it might not even matter since my MCAT scores were lower than I had hoped for.

With that said, I am excited to apply to DO schools, but my clinical experience is limited to MDs and not DOs. I have also heard that DOs do not have the same international recognition as MDs, which conflicts my interest of practicing medicine in global settings. I really appreciate your candidness on which schools I have the best chances of getting into. Any other suggestions for out-of-state schools, international schools, or DO schools to apply to? Thanks so much!!!

Whoa, you left out a lot of extremely relevant information in assessing your chances for MD. As a multiple-times reapplicant from CA who has consistently failed to break 30 on the MCAT, your chances are vanishingly slim for MD programs.

Your chances are much better DO but that 5 in verbal might lead to auto-rejection in some places. Other people here will hopefully weigh in on the ins and outs of DO admission.

Whatever you do, you should absolutely NOT apply this year. It is extremely late in the cycle.

 

[Goro]

It's less of a problem than you think, and you can apply to most programs without shadowing a DO. Just do your homework.


With that said, I am excited to apply to DO schools, but my clinical experience is limited to MDs and not DOs.


I'd worry about getting into medical school first, before worrying about where you're going to practice around the world.

I have also heard that DOs do not have the same international recognition as MDs, which conflicts my interest of practicing medicine in global settings.




I really appreciate your candidness on which schools I have the best chances of getting into. Any other suggestions for out-of-state schools, international schools, or DO schools to apply to? Thanks so much!!![/QUOTE]

 

[CW 2010]

Maybe you should retake the MCAT and apply next year? It's just not a good trend to have 29 and then 27 on the MCAT. Not to mention that 5VR 🙁

 

[Nasrudin]

I think you're a under a misconception that medical students help anyone medically speaking. Get into medical school. Helping out people in need is just as easy as showing up to clinic. Every medical school in the country serves some segment of the underserved. And you can always volunteer and do anything you like in that regard once you get in. Including going on international health delivery missions.

I tell you one thing you can't do without getting into medical school....you can't practe medicine on anyone. Rich, poor, served, underserved, over served, soft served, youjustgotserved, any type of served.

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

Thanks for the prompt replies everybody. Here's a bit more detail on my medical school journey.

-27 year old female, California resident, non-traditional applicant (out of school for 5 years)
-Took my pre-med classes and graduated 2008 from UC Berkeley with a 3.3 Science, 3.5 Cumulative GPA, MCAT 29Q (10PS, 10BS, 9VR)
-Applied for entrance in 2009 and received one interview to the UCLA-PRIME program but did not get in
-Worked as a research assistant for two years at UCSF and continued to shadow physicians and volunteer my time with immigrant/refugee populations
-Applied again for entrance in 2011 and received one interview at the OHSU MD/MPH program but did not get in
-Decided to pursue my MPH at UW (GPA: 3.9) and during the summer in 2012 I studied on my own but sadly my score dropped (MCAT: 26R, 9PS, 10BS, 7VR).
-Decided to give MCAT a one last go and took the Princeton Review Course in early August there was only a slight improvement.. but really what shocked me was the plunge in my verbal considering I was getting 9s and 10s on practice tests (MCAT 27: 12PS, 10BS, 5VR).

Well, other than your MCAT it looks like you're in pretty good shape. You're basically too late to apply this cycle anyhow, so you might as well not apply until next year. That will give you lots of time to prepare for the MCAT, reviewing and learning new topics as necessary. I know it's your third time taking the stupid test, but stick with it and keep studying.

With that said, I am excited to apply to DO schools, but my clinical experience is limited to MDs and not DOs. I have also heard that DOs do not have the same international recognition as MDs, which conflicts my interest of practicing medicine in global settings. I really appreciate your candidness on which schools I have the best chances of getting into. Any other suggestions for out-of-state schools, international schools, or DO schools to apply to? Thanks so much!!!

You will need to get a LOR from a DO. This doesn't have to be a big deal. I didn't know any DOs, so I started cold calling. The second or third one I talked to said he'd be happy to have me shadow him for a few hours. He knew I was only there to get a letter, and he wrote a very short one for me. It wasn't much, but it met the requirements and I got interview invites at almost all the DO schools I applied to.

Forget international schools. They are for the truly desperate, and you aren't in bad enough shape to consider them. DO is a much better option. Post a new thread here or on the WAMC forum in a few months when you have your new, improved MCAT score and we'll help you determine how competitive you are for different schools.

 

[pietachok]

Thanks for the prompt replies everybody. Here's a bit more detail on my medical school journey.

-27 year old female, California resident, non-traditional applicant (out of school for 5 years)
-Took my pre-med classes and graduated 2008 from UC Berkeley with a 3.3 Science, 3.5 Cumulative GPA, MCAT 29Q (10PS, 10BS, 9VR)
-Applied for entrance in 2009 and received one interview to the UCLA-PRIME program but did not get in
-Worked as a research assistant for two years at UCSF and continued to shadow physicians and volunteer my time with immigrant/refugee populations
-Applied again for entrance in 2011 and received one interview at the OHSU MD/MPH program but did not get in
-Decided to pursue my MPH at UW (GPA: 3.9) and during the summer in 2012 I studied on my own but sadly my score dropped (MCAT: 26R, 9PS, 10BS, 7VR).
-Decided to give MCAT a one last go and took the Princeton Review Course in early August there was only a slight improvement.. but really what shocked me was the plunge in my verbal considering I was getting 9s and 10s on practice tests (MCAT 27: 12PS, 10BS, 5VR).

So now I am stuck because it is getting late in the 2014 application cycle and I have not submitted my AMCAS yet nor have I received my letters of rec yet. I'm considering postponing my application to June, but it might not even matter since my MCAT scores were lower than I had hoped for.

With that said, I am excited to apply to DO schools, but my clinical experience is limited to MDs and not DOs. I have also heard that DOs do not have the same international recognition as MDs, which conflicts my interest of practicing medicine in global settings. I really appreciate your candidness on which schools I have the best chances of getting into. Any other suggestions for out-of-state schools, international schools, or DO schools to apply to? Thanks so much!!!

My understanding is that while a 27 MCAT might be accepted, a verbal subscore of 5 is going to prevent you from getting any MD interviews. However, I do not know about the DO schools.

What I also know from experience is that your application to DO schools, although their deadlines for submitting AACOMAS extend later than deadlines for submitting AMCAS to MD programs, is not likely to be successful submitted as late as you would be submitting this year. The first time I applied to medical school I made that mistake and got no DO interviews with a 3.5 GPA and 34 MCAT. So, you should not waste your money applying this year if your stuff isn't even ready. I really think it's pretty much a money making scheme on their part -- they get a lot of late applications from MD applicants who start getting worried they aren't getting interviews. The next time I applied and did get interviews, at least one program acknowledged that the class is full before they even get through the pile of applications that come in later in the season (no doubt they cash the application fee).

I feel for you, but I think you're best option is to study and re-take the MCAT. You did really well outside of the verbal -- and you've previously done well on the verbal -- so you can clearly get yourself up to a 30 and be competitive for MD programs let alone DO programs. If you can change your state of residence (easier said than done) -- CA is brutal, and going somewhere else would benefit you, b/c even with a 30, you're not really competitive at CA schools. Your best bet in CA would probably be USC not a UC (maybe UCR would be the exception).

If you cannot get into an MD program in the US, go to a DO program before you go to an international/Caribbean MD program. US schools are under a mandate to increase their capacity and their has been no commensurate increase in residency positions/funding, so the first ones who will be bumped out of getting residencies as the MD classes grow are going to be the non-U.S.-educated MDs.

 

[Nasrudin]

Im not trying to be rude but i'm just not sure what to make these application shenanigans. I would absolutely NOT apply again without applying right at GO to a DO heavy mix and possibly a variety of MD schools where his/her credentials may be more valued. You just can't wander into your 3rd application season late with things in your head about the type of medical school you want.

You're either well cared for and nonchalant. A victim of really bad advice. Or just lacking in common sense.

I'll reiterate a well guarded secret about the underserved. They are, as such, because there's no long line of people itching to work with them as a sole focus. These gigs are largely the purvey of physicians with options for little else. Establishing oneself as a leader in that area is simply a matter of wanting to do it. And....this thing about a medical degree.

 

[gyngyn]

CA is brutal, and going somewhere else would benefit you, b/c even with a 30, you're not really competitive at CA schools. Your best bet in CA would probably be USC not a UC (maybe UCR would be the exception)..

I would agree except that USC had a 10th% MCAT of 31 in this year's MSAR, making the low gpa a dealbreaker even if OP could make it to 31.

 

[pietachok]

I would agree except that USC had a 10th% MCAT of 31 in this year's MSAR, making the low gpa a dealbreaker even if OP could make it to 31.

I said best bet, not good bet. And I can further clarify -- minimal but best bet in CA aside perhaps from UCR.

The Keck secondary allows applicants to convey something they cannot on the UCs'. And I do believe it's taken into account. Looking at my classmates, it sure feels like the average is on a skewed rather than bell curve . . . with quite a few non-traditional students (even re-applicants) than you would expect -- ones who look more on paper like her (with a higher MCAT) than like the mean -- hiding in those averages.

That said, I know the bar is set higher every year, and I don't know any MS1's, so for all I know they have new criteria that would automatically screen her out even if she got into the low 30s, AND you have to be really talented to be the applicant who presents yourself in such a way that you seem attractive in spite of your #'s. Nonetheless and with all due respect, I feel like it is an overcall to say her GPA is a "dealbreaker" with an MCAT in the low 30s, unless you're privy to some inside info on current admissions screening.

 

[Nasrudin]

I said best bet, not good bet. And I can further clarify -- minimal but best bet in CA aside perhaps from UCR.

The Keck secondary allows applicants to convey something they cannot on the UCs'. And I do believe it's taken into account. Looking at my classmates, it sure feels like the average is on a skewed rather than bell curve . . . with quite a few non-traditional students (even re-applicants) than you would expect -- ones who look more on paper like her (with a higher MCAT) than like the mean -- hiding in those averages.

That said, I know the bar is set higher every year, and I don't know any MS1's, so for all I know they have new criteria that would automatically screen her out even if she got into the low 30s, AND you have to be really talented to be the applicant who presents yourself in such a way that you seem attractive in spite of your #'s. Nonetheless and with all due respect, I feel like it is an overcall to say her GPA is a "dealbreaker" with an MCAT in the low 30s, unless you're privy to some inside info on current admissions screening.

All fine points. But there is a issue of multiple takes here. I tend to think s/he won't do better. Or much so. There are plenty of US medical schools s/he is capable of getting accepted to. USC is pretty damn expensive. If I was sure I was going to do nothing but work with the most people who have the least ability to pay me, I'd be looking for the cheapest medical school with the cheapest cost of living. Los Angeles is only cheap if you like drive by shootings as front porch evening entertainment.

There is another issue in trying to market yourself as a future doc who will do public service to the poor and that is do you plan on doing it in their area. The whole state of Mississippi is underserved. But what does use does their medical school have for a Californian who wants to travel abroad. Etc.

I've left plenty of more qualified, better funded, more intelligent, but reluctant to leave California premeds in my rear view mirror. Most of them will go on to do something else. There's nothing wrong with that. Like, at all. But there is a point of pointlessness to pointing out things to people.

I made it over people better than me because of my common sense, preparation, and effort. You simply cannot transmit these over the Internet into consciousness and then into action. There's hella premeds in California who won't make the cut for the state schools. And so many of those won't go the next mile. And if so then they're not fit for the thousands to come.

 

[pietachok]

I'm not sure where cost factors into likelihood of getting in if she's hell bent on CA, which was all I was commenting on there. Per my first comment:

CA is brutal, and going somewhere else would benefit you, b/c even with a 30, you're not really competitive at CA schools. Your best bet in CA would probably be USC not a UC (maybe UCR would be the exception).

and in fact:

If you can, change your state of residence (easier said than done)

I just was taking issue with the fact that per GYNGYN's statement, I and many of my classmates don't exist.

 

[Nasrudin]

I'm not sure where cost factors into likelihood of getting in if she's hell bent on CA, which was all I was commenting on there. Per my first comment, overall, I don't think she's really competitive in CA, and she'd do far better moving (in fact, in my first response, I suggested she change her state of residence for reapplying).

Sure USC would be a good fit. I'm thinking more in terms of the hypocrisy of medical institutions than your comment, in that, they drive people into ridiculous debt and then try to act like working for less is the moral high ground. And they do it with such un-ironic grandiosity that they actually evaluate students for submission to such morality while simultaneously sucking the marrow from their financial futures. And without the least bit of shame in doing so.

The fact that USC filters for die hard public servants in that regard is just funny. I'll allow them the space in my mind for doing so only if they're considering me for a job as a residency applicant. But as a m1. It's untenable nonsense. Consume it if you like. Or as you must more accurately. I would have to stay in California.

 

[Nasrudin]

Sorry. I guess I only read the OP's post in any detail. We're on the same page.

Also, since my ideas were muddled, I'd like to add that public service is perfectly noble. Who doesn't want to work for the good guys. It just kind of blows my mind how we talk about these things like they're buzzwords on a resume. And how schools give us a script to repeat and tell us we might get a call back, when it's really the amount of hair gel they liked. Or didn't.

For instance I'm interested in a program in California that does very good public medicine. But they also pay top dollar. And are in one of the most beautiful areas of the country I've ever seen. They get Ivy League applicants. Now let's put that program in northern Mississippi and pay dirt. And where would all these polished applicants be talking earnestly about their commitment to public service.

I just hate the fake BS that seems to crop up everywhere at any application point in the process.

Underserved....give me a break....they don't need a publicist or an institution to claim them or a mission trip to some exotic place. And right now the docs who take care of them in the highest numbers didn't even train in the states.

 

[gyngyn]

The Keck secondary allows applicants to convey something they cannot on the UCs'. And I do believe it's taken into account. Looking at my classmates, it sure feels like the average is on a skewed rather than bell curve . . . with quite a few non-traditional students (even re-applicants) than you would expect -- ones who look more on paper like her (with a higher MCAT) than like the mean -- hiding in those averages.
.

Good to know.

 

[QofQuimica]

All fine points. But there is a issue of multiple takes here. I tend to think s/he won't do better. Or much so. There are plenty of US medical schools s/he is capable of getting accepted to.

Agree. Three strikes and it's time to move on.

OP, the test is standardized. You took it three times and scored in the mid to high twenties three times. Assuming you put forth your best preparation effort, that's where you shake out in the standardization curve, and taking the test a fourth time is unlikely to lead to a different outcome. You're not supposed to do much better if you re-take a standardized test where you made your best effort, and most people don't do much better on a re-take unless there was some kind of extenuating circumstance surrounding why they did poorly on their first take. Save your time and money and don't bother trying to beat the curve.

Agree with those who are suggesting that you apply next June and to DO schools. Look for schools that will take your best subscore from each section, because you'll have a really decent MCAT with that. (Maybe some of the current DO applicants can tell us which schools do that these days?) Also agree with the advice to take things one step at a time. Get into (and through) med school first. Then you can worry about how to use your degree to serve the underserved. I'd also agree that there are more than enough underserved patients here at home to make ten careers out of serving the underserved. For sure there's no need to go abroad looking for them.

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

I forgot to mention that a DO degree will by no means keep you from doing international medical work. Some countries don't recognize the degree, but there are plenty that do. Even if you are set on practicing in a country that doesn't, there are ways around that. I know Mercy Ships takes DOs. They cover most of West Africa, and places don't get much more underserved than that. You could also go on a team that also includes an MD and work under his license as a "student." Unless you're planning on staying for years nobody is going to quibble about the exact nature of your medical degree anyhow, even if they understand the difference between MD and DO, which they won't.