Re-Applicants that work in healthcare

[TxRadTech]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Are there any re-applicants out there that applied after working in healthcare like nurse, tech, PA, etc. I work in healthcare and this is my first cycle to apply. I would like to think that my experience working in healthcare would give me a leg up but then again I have heard stories for instance a physical therapist that ended up applying several years...I just wondered if there are any other stories out there where you thought you were a shoe in because you already work in healthcare but it ended up taking a few tries to get in....

 

[FTFY]

Hi!

I am reapplying this year, and have been working in healthcare for a number of years. I do not work giving direct care to patients, but still work closely with patients from the administrative side. While I may not have a definitive answer, from my experience I found that it was helpful in showing that I was dedicated to the field of medicine and knowing what it was like to work within healthcare. However, it was not necessarily the most helpful in interviews. I found that they were not all that interested in what I had done, but more interested in how I thought, and if I had any unique experiences with patients because of my job.

After going through exit interviews I understand more as to why they did not ask me questions pertaining to my job. It is more important to them that you will be a good fit for the program and be successful within the program than having knowledge as to how to do a specific job. I don't agree with this fully, as I understand that through school one will learn to be a doctor and work within the field, but will be lacking fundamental knowledge of being an employee, working for a company, or being a business owner.

I feel that there's a lot to be gained from working in the healthcare field prior to matriculating. But, many schools do not find this necesary. So, if this is important to you and they are not asking questions, then take time at the end of the interview when they ask if there's anything else you would like to add to interject why an experience was important to you, unique, and will help you be a better doctor and student within their program.

 

[TxRadTech]

Hi!

I am reapplying this year, and have been working in healthcare for a number of years. I do not work giving direct care to patients, but still work closely with patients from the administrative side. While I may not have a definitive answer, from my experience I found that it was helpful in showing that I was dedicated to the field of medicine and knowing what it was like to work within healthcare. However, it was not necessarily the most helpful in interviews. I found that they were not all that interested in what I had done, but more interested in how I thought, and if I had any unique experiences with patients because of my job.

After going through exit interviews I understand more as to why they did not ask me questions pertaining to my job. It is more important to them that you will be a good fit for the program and be successful within the program than having knowledge as to how to do a specific job. I don't agree with this fully, as I understand that through school one will learn to be a doctor and work within the field, but will be lacking fundamental knowledge of being an employee, working for a company, or being a business owner.

I feel that there's a lot to be gained from working in the healthcare field prior to matriculating. But, many schools do not find this necesary. So, if this is important to you and they are not asking questions, then take time at the end of the interview when they ask if there's anything else you would like to add to interject why an experience was important to you, unique, and will help you be a better doctor and student within their program.

Thank you for your insight. This gives me something to think about. I think after you work in healthcare for a number of years you are put in different situations that just blend in together. I know I have dealt with some trying situations that really made me think or plan...but for me I kind of just do my job, learn from my experiences and move on...I dont dwell on things so it is hard for me to pinpoint situations that really stand out in my mind. Maybe I should start a journal

 

[hawkbit]

I dont dwell on things so it is hard for me to pinpoint situations that really stand out in my mind. Maybe I should start a journal

That sounds like a great idea... I'll probably try do that! I'm in a similar place... non trad premed with 5 years working as a rad tech and sonographer. Good luck!

 

[TxRadTech]

That sounds like a great idea... I'll probably try do that! I'm in a similar place... non trad premed with 5 years working as a rad tech and sonographer. Good luck!

Oh cool! It's not very often I come across a fellow rad tech thats on the medical school track. We should keep in touch. Are you interested in becoming a radiologist?

 

[GoZags]

That sounds like a great idea... I'll probably try do that! I'm in a similar place... non trad premed with 5 years working as a rad tech and sonographer. Good luck!

I was in touch with a gentlemen last cycle who was a rad tech who got accepted with a 27O and middle of the road GPA but his service in health care really elevated him above other applicants. I think they do value direct contact with patients because its more consistent with your goal of becoming a physician interacting with patients on a daily basis....at least thats what I have ascertained applying last cycle and getting a couple interviews.

 

[TxRadTech]

I was in touch with a gentlemen last cycle who was a rad tech who got accepted with a 27O and middle of the road GPA but his service in health care really elevated him above other applicants. I think they do value direct contact with patients because its more consistent with your goal of becoming a physician interacting with patients on a daily basis....at least thats what I have ascertained applying last cycle and getting a couple interviews.

Thanks GoZags for sharing that!

 

[studiddy]

I'm reapplying after being on a couple alternate lists last year. I've been an RN for a couple years doing OR and ICU stuff before moving into the administrative side of things. In interviews nobody was terribly interested in the work itself but rather asked about what I felt I had gained from it. The important thing (at least in my mind) is to understand that whatever you did in no way prepared to be a doctor but realize that your work most likely gives you an insight that others might lack. Whatever relevant skills you have which other applicants might lack can and will be learned quickly in school, but there are subtleties to patient care that do take time and are harder to teach. I don't think it hurts you unless you consider it a real advantage, if you know what I mean.

 

[hawkbit]

Oh cool! It's not very often I come across a fellow rad tech thats on the medical school track. We should keep in touch. Are you interested in becoming a radiologist?

Sorry, I missed your post. I usually hang out in the non trad forum. I'm actually considering either family medicine or gen surg; of course I'm open to having my mind changed in school. 😉
How close are you to applying?

 

[drgioiadds]

Reapplicant as well. Worked in direct patient care for 9 years. Strong GPA, mediocre MCAT.

 

[TxRadTech]

Sorry, I missed your post. I usually hang out in the non trad forum. I'm actually considering either family medicine or gen surg; of course I'm open to having my mind changed in school. 😉
How close are you to applying?

My applications are in. However took July mcat, didnt do so great... 24M (8/8/8) Hoping maybe someone at least gives me an interview...Ill be retaking and applying again next year if I have to. I like radiology and emergency medicine.