Quoted: Re-matriculating to medical school

[NotAProgDirector]

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I was dismissed during my MS3 year for a substance abuse problem. I simply couldn't get it under control, and the Dean had no choice.

I took the action necessary, went to treatment, have been clean for 3 years and working in a lucrative engineering field for 2 years. Paying on my student loans has been a real pleasure (sarcasm).

I am now re-applying to medical school. I am taking the MCAT again this summer. It feels weird going back to the basic sciences after I already passed USMLE Step I with a 214. I also passed my surgery and Ob/gyn rotation with flying colors.

My only shortcoming was, the obvious and well documented substance abuse problem.
Now that I have it under control, I have considered using my sponsor as one of my letters of recommendation for the AMCAS process. I also intend to speak very freely and transparently about the whole situation; I believe open discussion of my story is the only way to truly convey where I was and where I am at now.

I plan to destroy the MCAT just to help my chances. I hope that I can get credit for some of the courses from MSI and MSII, but I doubt that I will. Most allopathic schools seem to require you to start as an MSI. I think the simple fact that I was dismissed, will be a black eye that many medical schools will not tolerate even with a 40 on the MCAT.

any thoughts?

I don't have any experience with this, so can't really give advice. I would expect that your best chance might be with your prior school. Many medical schools will not consider those that have already matriculated to medical school.

Please note that this history will potentially create problems should you get into medical school again when you apply for residency. Relapse rates are very high in substance problems, especially with stress / sleep issues in residency.

This question has been posted on one of the public threads. If anyone was in a similar situation and would like to comment anonymously, post that in your response and I'll remove your name.

 

[nancysinatra]

Please note that this history will potentially create problems should you get into medical school again when you apply for residency. Relapse rates are very high in substance problems, especially with stress / sleep issues in residency.

Although relapse rates are high among substance abusers, research has shown that physicians tend to do very well in treatment. I don't know about medical students, but when there is a lot at stake people tend to be more motivated.