Hello all,
I'm graduating this year with a masters in biomedical engineering. I was a two year volunteer at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis then became a FORE-SCI scholar there working in analgesic effects of NRM stimulation to alleviate spinal cord injury pain. I subsequently conducted my own research in the biomaterials lab on hydrogel scaffolds for use as axonal regeneration matrices
for partial SCI. Recently I completed an NIH grant for the investigation of electroactive polymer scaffolds for use in the same therapeutic area and received an NIH stipend to further investigate the aforementioned topics. This is the good.
The bad is that during my undergraduate career, I had five renal surgeries and worked a 40+ hr/wk restaurant Job to help support myself and my family after my family declared bankruptcy and my GPA dropped substantially. My GPA, suffice it to say, is abysmal (2.75). My MCAT practice scores are in the 35 range.
Questions:
(1) I chose engineering as an undergraduate because I wanted to be a technically skille surgeon - particularly neurosurgery. I have acquired a unique subset of skills that I feel are very beneficial in my intended future career. If I get the privilege of being accepted into medical school, what are the first steps I should take in working towards a neurosurgery residency?
(2) As far as research is concerned, will my previous backgroud be taken into account when and if I interview for NS residency? Basically, does my masters in engineering help my cause?
(3) I currently work for a top 2 biomedical device company as a staff engineer and biomedical consultant. Although our products aren't NS related, will my experience here help me as well?
(4) Aside from acing the USMLE, what are some other things I can do in medical school to facilitate entry into NS residency? I've contacted the residency coordinator at the school I'd like to attend and he Told me that I wad the type of student that NS residencies like to get to know early in their medical school careers. Should I follow up immediately if I'm accepted to medical school?
(5) because of my GPA, I am humbled and know that attending a U.S medical school is a longshot (I do have a 4.0 in grad school). If I have to attend a foreign medical school like Ross in the Carrib, will it effectively eliminate my chances at a NS residency? I know it's near impossible to get a NS as an IMG.
(6) how can I shadow a neurosurgeon? I've scrubbed in on 2 cases where I was a junior consultant (perfusion specialist) but never as a casual observer. How can I shadow a practicing NS?
Thank you all so much for answering any questions and for all of your help. I have thought logically and at length, trying to dissuade myself from choosing this path, knowing it will compromise my future family and friends, however, I believe that it is a calling. I am eager to demonstrate my competency in medical school if I get the chance. The rest of you involved in NS are an inspiration!
My question: assuming I get into
I'm graduating this year with a masters in biomedical engineering. I was a two year volunteer at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis then became a FORE-SCI scholar there working in analgesic effects of NRM stimulation to alleviate spinal cord injury pain. I subsequently conducted my own research in the biomaterials lab on hydrogel scaffolds for use as axonal regeneration matrices
for partial SCI. Recently I completed an NIH grant for the investigation of electroactive polymer scaffolds for use in the same therapeutic area and received an NIH stipend to further investigate the aforementioned topics. This is the good.
The bad is that during my undergraduate career, I had five renal surgeries and worked a 40+ hr/wk restaurant Job to help support myself and my family after my family declared bankruptcy and my GPA dropped substantially. My GPA, suffice it to say, is abysmal (2.75). My MCAT practice scores are in the 35 range.
Questions:
(1) I chose engineering as an undergraduate because I wanted to be a technically skille surgeon - particularly neurosurgery. I have acquired a unique subset of skills that I feel are very beneficial in my intended future career. If I get the privilege of being accepted into medical school, what are the first steps I should take in working towards a neurosurgery residency?
(2) As far as research is concerned, will my previous backgroud be taken into account when and if I interview for NS residency? Basically, does my masters in engineering help my cause?
(3) I currently work for a top 2 biomedical device company as a staff engineer and biomedical consultant. Although our products aren't NS related, will my experience here help me as well?
(4) Aside from acing the USMLE, what are some other things I can do in medical school to facilitate entry into NS residency? I've contacted the residency coordinator at the school I'd like to attend and he Told me that I wad the type of student that NS residencies like to get to know early in their medical school careers. Should I follow up immediately if I'm accepted to medical school?
(5) because of my GPA, I am humbled and know that attending a U.S medical school is a longshot (I do have a 4.0 in grad school). If I have to attend a foreign medical school like Ross in the Carrib, will it effectively eliminate my chances at a NS residency? I know it's near impossible to get a NS as an IMG.
(6) how can I shadow a neurosurgeon? I've scrubbed in on 2 cases where I was a junior consultant (perfusion specialist) but never as a casual observer. How can I shadow a practicing NS?
Thank you all so much for answering any questions and for all of your help. I have thought logically and at length, trying to dissuade myself from choosing this path, knowing it will compromise my future family and friends, however, I believe that it is a calling. I am eager to demonstrate my competency in medical school if I get the chance. The rest of you involved in NS are an inspiration!
My question: assuming I get into
