quick advice please

[Skippygonenuts]

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hi everyone...

I have been waiting on the waitlist at a US med school and it doesn't look like i'll be getting in...i've been considering DPM and decided to look into it today. coincidentally also found out that today is the last day to submit app for class entering September 2010.

You guys think at this point in the cycle i shouldn't submit? My stats are 23 mcat, 3.2 cgpa 3.1 sgpa. 21 years old. Finished a program in medical laboratory science (formerly medical technology) and have had 3.6 - 4.0 each semester for the past 2 years.

You guys think I should apply?? Also, should I apply for the NYCPM class entering september or january?

I don't know much about this since i just started looking into it today so any advice will be appreciated. In the meantime, i will be trying to use the search method.

thanks

 

[krabmas]

hi everyone...

I have been waiting on the waitlist at a US med school and it doesn't look like i'll be getting in...i've been considering DPM and decided to look into it today. coincidentally also found out that today is the last day to submit app for class entering September 2010.

You guys think at this point in the cycle i shouldn't submit? My stats are 23 mcat, 3.2 cgpa 3.1 sgpa. 21 years old. Finished a program in medical laboratory science (formerly medical technology) and have had 3.6 - 4.0 each semester for the past 2 years.

You guys think I should apply?? Also, should I apply for the NYCPM class entering september or january?

I don't know much about this since i just started looking into it today so any advice will be appreciated. In the meantime, i will be trying to use the search method.

thanks

you have nothing to lose by applying, but do not start school unless you have done more research and fully decide this is the path/profession for you.

 

[Skippygonenuts]

you have nothing to lose by applying, but do not start school unless you have done more research and fully decide this is the path/profession for you.

I have done research on the profession itself and scope of practice. of course, not as extensive of research as i have on med schools, so i have more to go. But I have no idea how the application cycle works..when it starts/ends...when is considered early submission, when is late?

Are classes already full by this point? are schools still giving out interviews? are schools beginning to pull people off the waitlist at this point?

Is a 23 mcat and 3.1 - 3.2 cum and sgpa competitive?

So many questions, so little time....any info is appreciated

 

[Marry2Pod]

Skippy, the difference between the September starting class and the January starting class is that the one in January stretches out the coursework to an extra semester so it goes a little slower (which is a good thing)! Either way, podiatry schools do not get as many applications as MD/DO schools so its very likey that they would accept your application despite the deadline. Experience with NYCPM admissions is that they are quite friendly. Good luck!

Ps. This forum has a lot of great information on podiatry!

 

[Skippygonenuts]

Thanks for te advice guys...

I just submitted my app and requested my transcripts to be sent. I know I'm late in the game but do u think I have a chance? Especially for nycpm September class.

 

[Skippygonenuts]

Also, do all schools require a DPM letter? Are there any that don't?

 

[dyk343]

Also, do all schools require a DPM letter? Are there any that don't?

Yes, I believe all schools require a DPM letter.

Have you shadowed a pod? I think you may be rushing this decision a bit. You didnt get into your school of choice this year. I know several people that were in your shoes and are now in med school after repeat tries. Take this next year and research/shadow podiatry or strengthen your app for the MD/DO school apps next year. good luck.

 

[PADPM]

I believe that if you simply know a "little" about the profession, but haven't truly spent time with a DPM, you may be making a mistake based on emotions and panic.

This is a career choice and a potentially expensive error. You decided to choose medicine for a reason, and you should choose podiatric medicine/surgery because that's your PRIMARY choice, not simply because you want to go into "some form" of medicine.

If you have your heart set on going to allopathic/osteopathic medical school, you may always feel cheated. Podiatric medicine/surgery is an excellent field, IF it's what you truly want, not if it's what you are settling for at the time.

Please do yourself a favor and don't rush into a decision based on panic or time restraints. Spend time with at least 2 or 3 DPM's and FIRST see if it's a profession you actually want to choose. That's imperative.

 

[Dental Jarry]

Also, do all schools require a DPM letter? Are there any that don't?

No, not every school requires a letter from a dpm. I know NYCPM doesn't.

 

[Podmeister]

Do yourself a big favor by investing some time into researching the profession. Otherwise, you would end up a being a bitter disgruntled pod asking why you couldn't refill another doctor's prescription or perform open heart surgery.

 

[chicdianne]

you have nothing to lose by applying, but do not start school unless you have done more research and fully decide this is the path/profession for you.

kabmas is right there is no reason for you to apply. As long is there still way don't stop from applying from there. And also one good tip for you have some research first of what profession you will go into. Goodluck to you my dear🙂

 

[DJ Quik]

Podiatry is Podiatry, not General Medicine. If you have to have that MD, do it.
Please shadow a Podiatrist for at least a Day before you decide to do this with your life.

If you choose to go the DPM road, Welcome to the Best profession in Medicine. Make sure to join the AAPPM so you can pay off your student loans when you finish.

 

[Skippygonenuts]

I don't care about the letters after my name at all to be honest..as long as I enjoy what I do. And from what I understand, DPMs are very similar in scope of practice to orthopods who have completed their 5 year residency in ortho followed by another year or 2 in foot and ankle fellowship. I understand there is much more to being a pod than surgery and that for many practicing professionals surgery is a very small part of their practice and that's by choice.

I also realize the tension between MDs/DOs and DPMs regarding scope of practice and feeling like pods may be stealing many patients away from ortho or even from some derms and that many people may receive alot of discrimination because of this whether throughout rotations/residency or during actual practice.

Now pod isn't half as competitive as ortho and you don't have to worry about the stupid match process that could end you up in a speciality you hate. Worst case scenario with pods is you get residency at a place you don't like but if you suck that up you will still be a pods surgeon at the end.

I have contacted a few physicians to look for shadowing opportunities and they may possibly get bac to me tomorrow..or at least their secretary claims they might if they have time.

I know there still may be a lot more for me to know and I'm trying to get there one step at a time.

If anyone has any information they would like to share regarding the professionnor the app process or any positives that caught ur eye or any negatives that pushes you away, please feel free to share it or PM me with any info you may have to help me make an informed decision.

Till them, it's just me and my hand tonight (typing into th search function that is) 👍