Recommendations for the next step

[Wolverine318]

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So here is my deal. I am currently a PhD in biophysics at the University of Michigan. My thesis topic is in technique development of Raman microscopy. My undergraduate degree is in applied physics where I graduated with a 3.7 in physics and math and a 3.5 overall. At Michigan I have achieved candidacy and basically assured myself at least a MS. I entered graduate school being interested in a pure research degree but after seven years of both undergraduate and undergraduate research I find that physical research is not my true interests. I was basically 50/50 in deciding between going for a PhD or a MD speciallizing in pathology. I have pretty much decided after I defend I am not going for a postdoc to continue my research career. Now, as a doctoral candidate I get to take three credits for free while I am doing research. I would like to use these credits to prepare for applying for medical school. The classes I have taken in chemistry and biology are orgo, first year graduate biochemistry, physical biochemistry (protein/DNA/lipid chemistry and thermodynamics), cell biology, protein/DNA dynamics, and spectroscopy. Should I take some genetics and histology courses? Are there any other courses that would help round out my med school application?

 

[pdlaw2000]

so long as you don't apply to the same schools that I do. God, I feel so inadequate now.

Go Blue

PD

 

[Scottish Chap]

As long as you have all of the core prerequisites (chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, physics - all with a year of lab) taking more classes won't make a huge difference to medical school admissions committees or your preparation for medical school. If you really struggled with one of the prerequisites or obtained a low grade, you might use that time to audit a course for the sake of being fully prepared for the MCAT.

I would use the time to volunteer and/or to obtain experience around physicians. Even though you say you're going for pathology now, the majority of applicants change their minds at least once and it won't fly with the admissions committee unless you can convince them that you know what you're getting into.

If you've not already done so, please check out the PhD-to-MD forum. Several of us with backgrounds similar to yours have posted there. Here's the link: http://74.202.11.228/showpost.php?p=6420517&postcount=6

Good luck with your thesis and with your medical school applications!

 

[Empi]

I feel pretty weak as well.