Reality Check

[Kev86]

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Greetings,

The reason for my registration on these forums is, simply, to gain a better understanding of what I'm going to face if I decide to try and become a doctor. I've heard that it takes a great deal of hard work and dedication, but what exactly does that mean? If the requirements are to study for years and years, then I feel like that won't be a problem - I never had trouble with that, however, I did have problems with consistently being a hard worker. Back in high school, I was one of those students who slacked off, but I didn't have much trouble when I was forced to learn something (for instance: if it meant not failing...). I guess you could say that I wasn't interested in school, so why would I want to force myself to go through something which demands a much more concentrated interest in school...?

I'm almost 22yrs old now, without a high school diploma, and a diagnosis of schizophrenia. During grade 11, I started to experiment with mild drugs and I made some poor choices with the types of people I let into my life. One thing led to another and before I knew it, I was completely isolated and somewhat disturbed.

I probably should remove the above! I mean, it's bad enough that I've registered on a place like this asking people for a... "Reality Check".

Anyway, I'm currently in the process of changing my life. I have maintained a drug-free lifestyle for about a year now and my mental health has improved. Although, the thought of socializing again, sends shivers down my spine, I still feel like I have it in me to change.

I'm sure that, by now, the prognosis doesn't look good, and some of you must be thinking that I'm not worth your time... Maybe that's correct, but the same can be true for the contrary view. Maybe all that awful experience that I've been through has fueled an unbreakable desire to achieve something which seems so far away - of course, I'm taking about medical school and becoming a doctor!

So, just out of curiosity: what do you think? (possible...?) Also, what are my options (assuming that I have the proper tools for the job (intellect))? I'll do my own research (I've already started), but if you were in my place and wanted to become a doctor, what might you consider as the best form of action? (I'd like to gather some new ideas, test the water, etc). Basically, I'd like to read any thoughts pertaining to this matter. Thank you.


Thanks for your time,

Kev86


P.S. Money won't be an issue.

 

[psy]

You look like you'll have a very steep uphill battle. First of all you will need to get your GED. Then enroll into a university and do well in all of your classes. You said you experimented with "mild" drugs...did you get caught and charged? If there is any record of you using drugs, then chances are very slim. In addition you have schizophrenia. Med school has an agreement form you have to fill out saying you have sound mind and body that can perform all the required tasks in medicine. I'm not sure if having schizophrenia would be a problem, you will have to ask the school. You need worry about getting into a university before you worry about getting into medical school.

 

[tennisball80]

It's gonna be tough man...

If money won't be an issue.

1. Get your G.E.D
2. Get into a college
3. Do well on all all of the classes and maintain a high GPA
4. Get involved in some extra curricular activies and volunteer work
5. Rock on the MCAT
6. Apply early and get accepted

If you are lost and have any problems, come on SDN anytime. We are here willing to help you.

 

[xnfs93hy]

Greetings,

The reason for my registration on these forums is, simply, to gain a better understanding of what I'm going to face if I decide to try and become a doctor. I've heard that it takes a great deal of hard work and dedication, but what exactly does that mean? If the requirements are to study for years and years, then I feel like that won't be a problem - I never had trouble with that, however, I did have problems with consistently being a hard worker. Back in high school, I was one of those students who slacked off, but I didn't have much trouble when I was forced to learn something (for instance: if it meant not failing...). I guess you could say that I wasn't interested in school, so why would I want to force myself to go through something which demands a much more concentrated interest in school...?

I'm almost 22yrs old now, without a high school diploma, and a diagnosis of schizophrenia. During grade 11, I started to experiment with mild drugs and I made some poor choices with the types of people I let into my life. One thing led to another and before I knew it, I was completely isolated and somewhat disturbed.

I probably should remove the above! I mean, it's bad enough that I've registered on a place like this asking people for a... "Reality Check".

Anyway, I'm currently in the process of changing my life. I have maintained a drug-free lifestyle for about a year now and my mental health has improved. Although, the thought of socializing again, sends shivers down my spine, I still feel like I have it in me to change.

I'm sure that, by now, the prognosis doesn't look good, and some of you must be thinking that I'm not worth your time... Maybe that's correct, but the same can be true for the contrary view. Maybe all that awful experience that I've been through has fueled an unbreakable desire to achieve something which seems so far away - of course, I'm taking about medical school and becoming a doctor!

So, just out of curiosity: what do you think? (possible...?) Also, what are my options (assuming that I have the proper tools for the job (intellect))? I'll do my own research (I've already started), but if you were in my place and wanted to become a doctor, what might you consider as the best form of action? (I'd like to gather some new ideas, test the water, etc). Basically, I'd like to read any thoughts pertaining to this matter. Thank you.


Thanks for your time,

Kev86


P.S. Money won't be an issue.

Go to adult high school, take the SAT's if you haven't already. Another poster said to get your G.E.D, I don't know what that is but I would just go to night school and get a diploma.

The bottom line is that you need to get accepted to college, even if it is a community college. You can go to the CC for a year or two, get a high GPA, transfer to a nice four year school. There are PLENTY of schools, preferably state schools that can give you FANTASTIC financial aid. For example, University of Kentucky is a school I want to attend which will DEFINITELY prepare you very well for medical school, its a top national uni, one of the best in KY and its only 22k OOS which includes tuition and room and board.

So, get into a four year school, continue volunteering and looking "competitive" for medical school I guess. Take your pre reqs, get a high GPA (3.5-4.0), and own your MCAT and you should have NO problem getting in.

I think this is the best way of doing things. I really cannot help you with medical school though, that's going to be tough.

 

[MilkmanAl]

Like others have said, the first step is getting your GED. You'll then need to enroll in college. A 4-year institiution is preferable, but going to a community college and transferring to a 4-year program is fine. You'll need to pull down excellent grades in all of your classes and do well on the MCAT. Last year, the average matriculant had a 3.65 GPA and a 31 on the MCAT (roughly 80th percentile). Both of those numbers are quite difficult to achieve.

Most importantly, you'll need to keep your schizophrenia in check and find a way to maintain your motivation to power through your work. Assuming that the mental health issues are under control (via, medications, therapy, etc.), you'll still have to draw on what sometimes seems like superhuman drive if you want to get through all the work.

Once you've squared away all your pre-requisite classes and gotten into med school, you're going to have another 4 years of school and 3-7 years of residency ahead of you. That puts you in your mid/late 30's before you'll be a doctor. Whether or not you want to spend that much of your life chasing a profession is something you'll have to consider.

If you can't conquer your social fears, life is going to be rough, to say the least. Going through a pre-med program without any support will be very hard, and getting through med school alone will be far worse.

I don't think you're a lost cause, by any means. You certainly have some significant problems to face, but you have the same chances as anyone else who's just starting college. Good luck!

 

[xnfs93hy]

Greetings,

The reason for my registration on these forums is, simply, to gain a better understanding of what I'm going to face if I decide to try and become a doctor. I've heard that it takes a great deal of hard work and dedication, but what exactly does that mean? If the requirements are to study for years and years, then I feel like that won't be a problem - I never had trouble with that, however, I did have problems with consistently being a hard worker. Back in high school, I was one of those students who slacked off, but I didn't have much trouble when I was forced to learn something (for instance: if it meant not failing...). I guess you could say that I wasn't interested in school, so why would I want to force myself to go through something which demands a much more concentrated interest in school...?

I'm almost 22yrs old now, without a high school diploma, and a diagnosis of schizophrenia. During grade 11, I started to experiment with mild drugs and I made some poor choices with the types of people I let into my life. One thing led to another and before I knew it, I was completely isolated and somewhat disturbed.

I probably should remove the above! I mean, it's bad enough that I've registered on a place like this asking people for a... "Reality Check".

Anyway, I'm currently in the process of changing my life. I have maintained a drug-free lifestyle for about a year now and my mental health has improved. Although, the thought of socializing again, sends shivers down my spine, I still feel like I have it in me to change.

I'm sure that, by now, the prognosis doesn't look good, and some of you must be thinking that I'm not worth your time... Maybe that's correct, but the same can be true for the contrary view. Maybe all that awful experience that I've been through has fueled an unbreakable desire to achieve something which seems so far away - of course, I'm taking about medical school and becoming a doctor!

So, just out of curiosity: what do you think? (possible...?) Also, what are my options (assuming that I have the proper tools for the job (intellect))? I'll do my own research (I've already started), but if you were in my place and wanted to become a doctor, what might you consider as the best form of action? (I'd like to gather some new ideas, test the water, etc). Basically, I'd like to read any thoughts pertaining to this matter. Thank you.


Thanks for your time,

Kev86


P.S. Money won't be an issue.

A 3.65 isn't that hard to get, a decent MCAT score of 31 IS. The only reason I say this is because my cousin is in his last year of college (not insanely smart) and he has a 3.9. I mean, I guess it depends on your study habits and stuff but if you bust your ass then a 3.65 shouldn't be that bad.

Medical condition. Don't sweat it, like Milkman said, get it under control. I have a lazy eye but have a special prescription to fix it. I also have hand tremors and tics, I take drugs for it, not a huge deal.

Can't really comment on the age thing, that is, again, something he will have to figure out on his own. He is 22 so he will be at least 30 by med school graduation.

I agree that you have to get over not being social. Volunteering at the hospital actually helped me do that. Even when you are volunteering, YOU HAVE TO talk to patients, it is inevitable. I suggest doing this. Grin and bear it, that is what I did and I'm glad I did.

Just enforcing what Milkman said and giving you my opinions and experiences. I hope this helps a little bit and good luck. You can do whatever you want in life. Take care.

 

[MilkmanAl]

A 3.65 isn't that hard to get, a decent MCAT score of 31 IS.

That's entirely dependent on your school and your major(s). I found doing well on the MCAT was easy, but my 3.0-ish physics GPA was pretty high compared to most other physics majors'. It just wasn't high for med school.

 

[fang]

Kev86,

It's great you're asking for some feedback before embarking on this process. I'm not one to discourage anyone from doing anything they really want, but I think you have some unique challenges in trying to become a physician.

1. Medical school and residency are extremely emotionally demanding. People with no prior mental health issues whatsoever are depressed, scared, isolated, etc. You are around people who are sick and sometimes dying >=12 hours a day, and you are responsible for how they fare. You have to negotiate a complex political work environment with nurses, aids, residents, attendings, not to mention the patients and their families. You are "on the spot" often when you present patients, need to do a procedure quickly, or are asked to make a decision before you have all the information. Because you work 100 hrs a week, there's no time to unwind and get your head together.

I'm not sure what the status of your schizophrenia is, but if you are vulnerable to stress then med school/residency will be very difficult, and may create an unsafe situation for your patients if you can't predict when you might have a difficult time.

2. You've got to love school, at least a little bit, and constantly apply yourself or you'll fall off the treadmill. From where you are now to getting a license, you'll need to take the SAT, MCAT, Steps 1-3, and then boards every 7 years after that, not to mention all the exams, and the fact that you have to study daily to keep up to date.

3. You don't have to go through the ringer and get an MD to help people! With your background, you might be in a perfect place help other people with mental health or substance use issues... have you thought about other options like being a psychologist, psych case manager, psych nurse, etc? These are positions with more time flexibility and less emphasis on perfect GPA's and multiple tests. And in my little experience in psych I think these types of providers made just as much if not more of an impact than the MD's there.

Just a few thoughts-- good luck whatever you do!

 

[Law2Doc]

Let's not put the cart before the horse. This path is a very long one and many many people change their minds along the road and find other "better fit" options. So approach this with baby steps. The first step is to get a GED or high school diploma and get into college. I see no point looking further down the road than this at this juncture. Baby steps.