SDN standards vs. Majority

[KiddCo]

So I have been shadowing doctors across various specialties the last 2 weeks. A few of them were surprised at the effort I was putting in to shadow and do ECs before even applying.

I asked a few questions about their experience applying and what they did to prepare. Not many of them shadowed or did anything substantial when it compares to the advice we often read from members from this forum. A few of them were only a couple years out of residency as well, so these aren't old timers. One of the residents I bumped into said he had a 3.1 undergrad and took the mcat 4 times.

So with the information I've learned from both this forum and in person doctors/residents, it makes me feel like those who participate in this forum may be overachievers, or at least more commited.

Looking for some discussion or insight from others on this. Was my experience a deviation from the norm?


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[DocJanItor]

Generally, yes, people who participate in SDN, premed reddit, etc. are going to be higher on the bell curve than those who do not. They want to maximize their chances of being accepted by creating the best application that they can. This doesn't mean it always works, but I would say the average SDNer who heeds good advice is ahead of the average non-SDNer.

That being said, the med school application process has become significantly more competitive even in the last 5-10 years. Many doctors who were accepted 10 years ago with a 3.1 gpa, 30 MCAT, and no volunteering would be totally out of luck in the current environment.

 

[Goro]

So I have been shadowing doctors across various specialties the last 2 weeks. A few of them were surprised at the effort I was putting in to shadow and do ECs before even applying.

I asked a few questions about their experience applying and what they did to prepare. Not many of them shadowed or did anything substantial when it compares to the advice we often read from members from this forum. A few of them were only a couple years out of residency as well, so these aren't old timers. One of the residents I bumped into said he had a 3.1 undergrad and took the mcat 4 times.

So with the information I've learned from both this forum and in person doctors/residents, it makes me feel like those who participate in this forum may be overachievers, or at least more commited.

Looking for some discussion or insight from others on this. Was my experience a deviation from the norm?


Sent from my SM-G930V using SDN mobile

SDNers are definitely overacheivers, if not even hyperacheivers. But if you mind the angst and neurosis, it's a great resource.

In general, 50 hrs of shadowing will be fine. Ideally, some of it should be done with longitudinal care providers. Spending all of it with someone who is an uber-specialist (like an Orthopod) telegraphs a "specialty or bust" mindset. This is not a good thing.

Keep in mind that a lot of doctors out there in the field are far removed from the admissions process. Someone who had a 3.1 GPA and a 4x MCAT taker is a distinct outlier. Was he a DO? DO schools are far more forgiving on stats.

 

[KiddCo]

SDNers are definitely overacheivers, if not even hyperacheivers. But if you mind the angst and neurosis, it's a great resource.

In general, 50 hrs of shadowing will be fine. Ideally, some of it should be done with longitudinal care providers. Spending all of it with someone who is an uber-specialist (like an Orthopod) telegraphs a "specialty or bust" mindset. This is not a good thing.

Keep in mind that a lot of doctors out there in the field are far removed from the admissions process. Someone who had a 3.1 GPA and a 4x MCAT taker is a distinct outlier. Was he a DO? DO schools are far more forgiving on stats.

I have 20 hours with an Internist at an outpatient clinic and about 47 hours with various specialties and a PA. One of the Doctors I spoke with said he was was a student interviewer for an adcoms committee when he was in school. I believe he went to a school in Chicago if that matters.
I am uncertain as to how close or removed the others were to adcoms, but the point you were getting across has not escaped me Goro.

Not certain on if DO or MD on the resident, my interaction with him was brief.

 

[GenSurgONLY]

SDNers are definitely overacheivers, if not even hyperacheivers. But if you mind the angst and neurosis, it's a great resource.

In general, 50 hrs of shadowing will be fine. Ideally, some of it should be done with longitudinal care providers. Spending all of it with someone who is an uber-specialist (like an Orthopod) telegraphs a "specialty or bust" mindset. This is not a good thing.

Keep in mind that a lot of doctors out there in the field are far removed from the admissions process. Someone who had a 3.1 GPA and a 4x MCAT taker is a distinct outlier. Was he a DO? DO schools are far more forgiving on stats.

This:

But if you mind the angst and neurosis, it's a great resource.

Not yet. Skin still thickening Lol
Being on SDN, I now I see how JD felt when dealing with Dr. Cox.