PT to MD??

[jesse14]

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Here's my deal: I'm starting my masters of science in physical therapy at Queen's University (im from ontario) this sept. I'm super excited to become a physio and i think it's a very good career. However, i know i have a keen interest in medicine. LOng story short... would you guys think that by having my MSc.PT, i would be a more competitive med school applicant if i decide later on that's what i want to strive for? My undergrad grades arn't amazing.. 3.3 overall GPA, but I have a large upswing with my 4th year GPA being 3.75. Also, i havn't taken the med school pre-reqs so I would have to do that as a working PT. This is all just ideas and "what ifs" at the moment. I just want to see what others here think and see a possible flaws or positives with my plan.

Thank you! 🙂

 

[Sara010]

do you want to come to the US as an applicant? That will probably change things.

That said, any experience in a health-care related field is helpful; but you will also need to tease out the reason(s) why you want to go to medicine because you will undoubtedly be asked that in interviews.

 

[PeepshowJohnny]

I think you're best to complete what you've got on your plate before you think further in the future. By the time you've completed your masters in phsyical therapy you may find you love your career and wouldn't quit for anything, a financial situation comes up where you can't see going into huge debt, maybe you're in a long term relationship or married or have kids...etc.

Of course, on the other hand you may find your desire to be an MD just grows as time goes by and you work with doctors. Then's the time to thinking about getting some prereqs done, doing your MCAT, and getting applications in done.

If there does come a time when you're applying to med school (in my personal opinion) being a "nontrad" who's come into medicine from one of our allied professions (nurse, therapist, pharmacist...seen them all) is understandable. It gives you way more credibility in my eyes than the former banker who wants to be a doctor because he wants a "career with meaning" who's probably going to end up disappointed when his soul searching career change leads to manual disimpactions and late night bogus admissions. But once again, this is just my opinion.

 

[samenewme]

One of my classmates is a former PT, and is going through school now with two kids, to boot. It's doable. Take your time, enjoy your school and career, and if the time comes later that you want to switch, drop by OldPreMeds for a little extra advice. There's no hurry right now. Just live your life, get the best grades you can, and enjoy your new profession.

 

[njbmd]

Moved to Non-Traditional Forum

 

[PT33]

It's strange that I'm in the same exact position as yourself. I'm just about finished with my DPT degree and thinking about medical school. I really enjoy PT but think being an MD is a better fit for me. I averaged a 3.4 GPA from both undergrad and PT school. I would have just a few courses to fulfill and the MCAT before application. I know a lot would be riding on the MCAT due to my not so impressive GPA. However I was fortunate enough to be apart of a prestigious research study with two of my faculty members, so I feel that will boost my application. With this said I have a few questions:
A) Do you think a DO program be a better fit for a PT because of the hands on approach?
B) Should I apply ASAP to medical school or gain some experience in my current field?
C) Should I retake courses to boost my undergrad GPA?