Questions about math

[msdo48]

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Hi all,
Can anyone help me? I'm still at the CC level but I'm not doing well in Geometry. In fact I have a learning disability in math, I found out 3 years ago. I want to be a DO very badly, but I am afraid it will take forever because of the math!! I had to retake Algebra 3 times before I passed it 😡 Anyway, I'm due to transfer to university next fall(06), the only thing I need is the math. It's very frustrating because I also have to take Trig for physics. I've had tutors, I turn in my homework on test day. So far I have failed 2 tests, and if I fail the 3rd one I will have to drop the class 🙁 One good thing, I can take Stats and transfer with that, but I still will have to take the Geometry and trig.How important is the math vs the science? I'm under the impression that science is way more important. I'm better in science,but I still have to bust my behind. Any advice?? I hated nursing and don't want to go back there!! (I was a nursing assistant). Sorry for the long post, but I'm at my wits end. Any advice?? I appreciate it!! Thanks, msdo48 🙂

 

[dochall22]

practice makes perfect. try to understand it. not just answer the questions. try to step back, and realize what it is your trying to do. if you cant' do that, then have someone explain the "big picture" before you try to decipher each little step. sometimes people get wrapped up in the small things and get confused of why they do certain steps, but if you realize your main objective, then each step, it explained right, will make more sene

 

[Nate]

I am not saying this to be mean, so bare with me. The reason it is hard to get into medical school and the academic standards are so high is because medical school is challenging. I understand that you want to be a physician but step back and look at the big picture. If high school level math is giving you this much trouble and you have to “bust your behind” in entry level college science, will you be able to handle med school science classes? Please realize that we take around 30 credits worth of pure hardcore science a semester and that this is graduate level. This is the perfect time to evaluate if this career path is the right one for you, not everyone is cut out to be a physician, even if they want to be. Good luck on your decisions.

 

[BradenDO]

I am not saying this to be mean, so bare with me. The reason it is hard to get into medical school and the academic standards are so high is because medical school is challenging. I understand that you want to be a physician but step back and look at the big picture. If high school level math is giving you this much trouble and you have to “bust your behind” in entry level college science, will you be able to handle med school science classes? Please realize that we take around 30 credits worth of pure hardcore science a semester and that this is graduate level. This is the perfect time to evaluate if this career path is the right one for you, not everyone is cut out to be a physician, even if they want to be. Good luck on your decisions.

This is true, but my first thought was how this person will do in chemistry and physics... I have a good understanding of math and I still have to see a tutor for physics. Sooo...on top of what you said, Nate, I'd say it's something to think about. 😳

 

[iwillbesoon]

If it's really what you want to do, I say give it a try. I have a sister who is mentally disabled, and she continually surprises me with what she can handle on her own. She wants to be a psychologist. A bit of advice for you to consider: what about applying to a physician's assistant program? If you're completely against that, at least consider it as a back-up plan. Also consider applying to those medical schools that have extended 1st and 2nd year programs. They spread them out over three years, which might help you.

 

[FutureDocDO]

If math isn't your strong point then you might want to take math, chemistry, and physics at your community college before transferring. It has been said on SDN that summer courses are "easier" so you might want to go that route. I think it seems "easier" because they are only a month or two in length and so everything is still fresh in your mind for the finals. Good luck.

 

[OSUdoc08]

Hi all,
Can anyone help me? I'm still at the CC level but I'm not doing well in Geometry. In fact I have a learning disability in math, I found out 3 years ago. I want to be a DO very badly, but I am afraid it will take forever because of the math!! I had to retake Algebra 3 times before I passed it 😡 Anyway, I'm due to transfer to university next fall(06), the only thing I need is the math. It's very frustrating because I also have to take Trig for physics. I've had tutors, I turn in my homework on test day. So far I have failed 2 tests, and if I fail the 3rd one I will have to drop the class 🙁 One good thing, I can take Stats and transfer with that, but I still will have to take the Geometry and trig.How important is the math vs the science? I'm under the impression that science is way more important. I'm better in science,but I still have to bust my behind. Any advice?? I hated nursing and don't want to go back there!! (I was a nursing assistant). Sorry for the long post, but I'm at my wits end. Any advice?? I appreciate it!! Thanks, msdo48 🙂

You don't use math in medical school. You don't use physics either. I made C's in all of those, and I can't do math.

I have all A's in medical school.

 

[msdo48]

Hmm-If you don't use it, why is it necessary? 😕 Doesn't make sense to me but I guess most schools want us to be "well-rounded". Ha!!
Thanks!! ms do 48 🙂

 

[FutureDocDO]

Hmm-If you don't use it, why is it necessary? 😕 Doesn't make sense to me but I guess most schools want us to be "well-rounded". Ha!!
Thanks!! ms do 48 🙂

It's all about weeding out. They want to stress us out on all fronts. 🙂

 

[Sundarban1]

If math isn't your strong point then you might want to take math, chemistry, and physics at your community college before transferring. It has been said on SDN that summer courses are "easier" so you might want to go that route. I think it seems "easier" because they are only a month or two in length and so everything is still fresh in your mind for the finals. Good luck.

I don't think this is the best route. Summer school courses are accelerated and often assume a lot of basic math therefore don't go into any details. So if math is not your strong point, I would not recommend summer school for either chem or physics (both of which are VERY math intensive).

Don't give up however.

 

[FutureDocDO]

I don't think this is the best route. Summer school courses are accelerated and often assume a lot of basic math therefore don't go into any details. So if math is not your strong point, I would not recommend summer school for either chem or physics (both of which are VERY math intensive).

Don't give up however.

That's true but I always do better during the summer. I am not that great at math either. I guess it depends on how you learn. I wouldn't recommend taking more than two summer classes at once though. The pace is extremely fast but if you have a short attention span then summer courses are great.

 

[DarkWingDuck]

Maybe you can try Gen. Chem I, Summer A, and Gen. Chem. II Summer B. Or the same for Physics. I would not take both physics and chem at the same time during the Summer.

 

[msdo48]

Aww,gee,thanks you guys!!! I'm flattered!! 😀 Everybody had good answers. I am not giving up,I will definitely work to get up to par!! I believe that since I want this bad enough, I will do it, regardless!! 👍 Besides, I love science!! 😍 😍 Anyway, thanks for everybody's input and I will keep you posted. BTW, I want to go to Western University. msdo48 😀 😀 🙂

 

[Dead]

Spend time with the material. A LOT of time. And make sure you actually understand why you do what you do in math. Study smart. If you're frustrated, come back later and try to work the problems out. Math is great because there's always an answer to be worked out. I struggled with math all through high school, but in college I've had a fine time with it. If you have the mindset that you can't do it, you won't. There was no reason I couldn't rock math in high school, but I was too intimidated by it.

Good luck!

 

[scotty_premed]

I was Intimidated by math as well. I took a summer course. What I found to be convinient is you pretty much know exactly whats going to be on the test. I have ZERO math background and finished with a high A in Col. Alg. only because of simple repetition of the material and not over analyzing it.

 

[czyja]

Any advice?? I hated nursing and don't want to go back there!! (I was a nursing assistant). Sorry for the long post, but I'm at my wits end. Any advice?? I appreciate it!! Thanks, msdo48 🙂

Get a geometry template - if you dont already have one. Clear diagrams, with color are a help. Relax and visualize in your mind what is happening geometrically. Think about the relationships. Don't fret either-just take it one problem at a time. Many folks before you have learned geometry. Good luck.

 

[MikeyLu2010]

im sure some sort of number crunching is required for being a physician..what about figuring out drug dose for multiple drug therapy?..im only a premed..so im pulling this example out of my *ss!@!@

 

[ShyRem]

many drip drugs are dosed IV in mg/kg/min. And lest you say you have time to go look it up, peds doses are also mg/kg. ACLS drugs are mg/kg (think cardiac arrest situations). Even dopamine gives the hardiest new docs fits. So, yes, number crunching is necessary, and quickly at times. You get used to it. Find a seasoned resident to give you the quick'n'dirty formulas.

 

[Raven Feather]

many drip drugs are dosed IV in mg/kg/min. And lest you say you have time to go look it up, peds doses are also mg/kg. ACLS drugs are mg/kg (think cardiac arrest situations). Even dopamine gives the hardiest new docs fits. So, yes, number crunching is necessary, and quickly at times. You get used to it. Find a seasoned resident to give you the quick'n'dirty formulas.

Nothing a PDA program wouldn't calculate for you--when docs order things in mcg/kg/min, they do just that "2mcg/kg/min" the pharmacist calculates and the nurses double check the calculation. Do not think docs figure things like that out in heads, they don't.

 

[ShyRem]

Really. Hmmm. at our hospital (and at least four other hospital facilities I worked with in other areas), the pharmacist mixes the drip and sends it up to the ER. I have never (ever) seen the pharmacist in the ER to calculate a drip rate. Never. And the nurses will double-check the DOCTOR's calculation, but it just makes you look like a dumb-a$$ to them and will get you some ... er... 'interesting' time working with them. Also, I have never seen a doc use a PDA program to figure drip rates. I only know of one doc who even carries a PDA with him while he's working.

And, by the way, to pass ACLS and PALS you DO have to do the drip rates in your head. Believe me. I teach ACLS (and PALS). You do have the luxury of asking your teammates for help however. But it still makes you look pretty stupid to be unable to calculate something as basic as drug dosages.

 

[OSUdoc08]

Really. Hmmm. at our hospital (and at least four other hospital facilities I worked with in other areas), the pharmacist mixes the drip and sends it up to the ER. I have never (ever) seen the pharmacist in the ER to calculate a drip rate. Never. And the nurses will double-check the DOCTOR's calculation, but it just makes you look like a dumb-a$$ to them and will get you some ... er... 'interesting' time working with them. Also, I have never seen a doc use a PDA program to figure drip rates. I only know of one doc who even carries a PDA with him while he's working.

And, by the way, to pass ACLS and PALS you DO have to do the drip rates in your head. Believe me. I teach ACLS (and PALS). You do have the luxury of asking your teammates for help however. But it still makes you look pretty stupid to be unable to calculate something as basic as drug dosages.

Sorry.

We have a pharmacist in our ER.

I have my ACLS & PALS certifications (not to mention NRP & BTLS), and do not know the drip rates. (I have a laminated card in my pocket with them written on there.)

Lata.

 

[Sundarban1]

Aww,gee,thanks you guys!!! I'm flattered!! 😀 Everybody had good answers. I am not giving up,I will definitely work to get up to par!! I believe that since I want this bad enough, I will do it, regardless!! 👍 Besides, I love science!! 😍 😍 Anyway, thanks for everybody's input and I will keep you posted. BTW, I want to go to Western University. msdo48 😀 😀 🙂

I have to slap you with a fine for overuse of smilies.

 

[Raven Feather]

Sorry.

We have a pharmacist in our ER.

I have my ACLS & PALS certifications (not to mention NRP & BTLS), and do not know the drip rates. (I have a laminated card in my pocket with them written on there.)

Lata.

Same here, and I am ACLS certified, also a Registered Nurse. When an order is based on mcg/kg/min, it also has to be converted into hourly rate for the most the pumps--not something one can quickly figure out in one's head. I have yet to have a doctor give me an order already calculated out to pt's weight and hourly drip rate.

A nurse should ALWAYS double check calculations because by law if a Doc orders a wrong dose, guess who is held accountable? The one who gave it, which is usually nurses.

But anyway, Im not trying to argue--different hospitals have their own ways of doing things...I have seen docs with PDAs and using them, usually in the dictation room.

 

[mx_599]

Hi all,
Can anyone help me? I'm still at the CC level but I'm not doing well in Geometry. In fact I have a learning disability in math, I found out 3 years ago. I want to be a DO very badly, but I am afraid it will take forever because of the math!! I had to retake Algebra 3 times before I passed it 😡 Anyway, I'm due to transfer to university next fall(06), the only thing I need is the math. It's very frustrating because I also have to take Trig for physics. I've had tutors, I turn in my homework on test day. So far I have failed 2 tests, and if I fail the 3rd one I will have to drop the class 🙁 One good thing, I can take Stats and transfer with that, but I still will have to take the Geometry and trig.How important is the math vs the science? I'm under the impression that science is way more important. I'm better in science,but I still have to bust my behind. Any advice?? I hated nursing and don't want to go back there!! (I was a nursing assistant). Sorry for the long post, but I'm at my wits end. Any advice?? I appreciate it!! Thanks, msdo48 🙂

now would be a good time to start studying for the MCAT