Should I be moving this fast?

[FutureERDoc16]

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Okay, so I know this is technically in the wrong section, but I feel like I can get the best advice from you guys. So, I am a junior in high school and I am graduating a year early (this year). When I graduate high school, I will have completed over a year of college credit (I have a 4.0 college GPA....high school is another story though 😀). Also, I was thinking...if I took a few classes over the summer, I would be officially classified as a junior (biology major). And that would mean that I would start medical school in 2013... I also took a practice MCAT online with Princeton Review and scored a 33 (did horrible on the O. Chem section because I haven't taken O. Chem yet XD)...but anyways, am I moving too fast? I am so ready to just become a doctor, and move on with life...you know? My main goal is to become an ER Physician/Anesthesiologist. If I did the traditional route I wouldn't be able to have a normal life until I was 30. lol. I think the quicker I get out of school and complete my residency, the quicker I will be able to enjoy life and actually begin one. 30 years old is rather old to me. :/ (not to offend anyone)

And also, I'm kind of tired of doctors treating me like a kid. I just got a test back positive for a metabolic disorder called McArdle's Disease? I diagnosed myself. I got a myopathy textbook and began reading after my first case of rhabdomyolysis. When I came in the second time to the ER, I told the attending that I was pretty sure I had McArdle's Disease, and she sort of just blew me off. Like, "I can't believe this kid is really trying to tell me what he has." But turned out, I was right. When I was at the hospital, I became known as the "boy who diagnosed himself" by all of the doctors. And I want to become a Medical Student so I can have more credibility...and I won't be seen as some random teenager who hasn't even graduated high school yet.

By the way, I've taken Bio AP (took anatomy dual to make up for it), AP Chem, English Dual Credit, Calculus Dual, and Physics Dual Credit...the only pre-med class that I am missing is Organic Chemistry (which is really interesting to me actually...we are in a O. Chem unit in AP Chem now, and I feel like I can get an easy A in that class. Everyone thinks its hard in my class though...idk why)

But anyways, am I moving too fast, or will it be worth it?

**Also, I'm sorry for talking "text grammar"...I've been writing college application essays and an english essay all day. I'm so tired of using proper English.**

 

[Dianyla]

Okay, so I know this is technically in the wrong section, but I feel like I can get the best advice from you guys.

Perhaps a helpful mod will move this over to the HS or pre-allo forums (which are frequented by plenty of medical students, residents, and school admins, btw).

but anyways, am I moving too fast? I am so ready to just become a doctor, and move on with life...you know?

Becoming a doctor isn't just a box you check so you can move on with life. Most doctors do not have a "normal life". Strongly suggest that you work on becoming an adult first and a doctor second.

When I was at the hospital, I became known as the "boy who diagnosed himself" by all of the doctors. And I want to become a Medical Student so I can have more credibility...and I won't be seen as some random teenager who hasn't even graduated high school yet.

Congrats on solving your own zebra diagnosis. That doesn't change the fact that you are still a random teenager who hasn't graduated HS yet.

By the way, I've taken Bio AP (took anatomy dual to make up for it), AP Chem, English Dual Credit, Calculus Dual, and Physics Dual Credit...the only pre-med class that I am missing is Organic Chemistry

By the way, many medical schools do not accept pre-med prerequisites done in HS with the AP system. You'd have to check with each school in question, as this can vary.

But anyways, am I moving too fast, or will it be worth it?

Yes, you are moving too fast. Whether it will be worth it to you depends on whether your expectations are realistic. So far the only answer to "Why medicine?" that I'm sensing from your post is that you're very intelligent and you want "credibility" i.e. the respect and esteem of others. Medicine won't necessarily fulfill that need.

 

[oreosandsake]

it's called a troll

 

[Depakote]

moved to the SDN High School forum as it is the appropriate discussion forum and med students, residents and attendings do frequent the forum.

 

[lord_jeebus]

Economically, it makes sense, but being a younger applicant puts you at a disadvantage. I remember interviewing an applicant who was either 16 or 17...good numbers, but it seemed everything he did prioritized getting through the system as quickly as possible, rather than seeking good educational opportunities. I found out that he didn't get in anywhere, but was accepted to a decent medical school in the following cycle.

If you're lucky enough to be smart enough to graduate at an early age, you're also smart enough to accomplish some great things if you take your time.

I don't think residency or medical school have ever gotten in the way of having a normal life. I am in anesthesia.

 

[bawer234]

And also, I'm kind of tired of doctors treating me like a kid.

Lol, get used to it, you are a kid.

 

[rhesuspieces]

If I did the traditional route I wouldn't be able to have a normal life until I was 30. lol. I think the quicker I get out of school and complete my residency, the quicker I will be able to enjoy life and actually begin one. 30 years old is rather old to me. :/ (not to offend anyone)

Ok, I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you aren't a troll.

Your idea that a "normal life" doesn't start until after residency is absurd. In fact, going into medicine pretty much guarantees that you won't ever have a "normal" life. Slow down, buddy. Have a normal life now while you're young, full of energy, and able to enjoy it. Do a full four years of college. Live in the dorms and stay up until 4 AM having a conversation with someone you just met. Learn how to play beer pong. Study abroad. Major in something you love. College is awesome. In 20 years your colleagues will be trading stories about the crazy stuff they did when they were 19 and carefree, and at the rate you're going you'll be sitting there burnt out and counting down the years until retirement.

I was like you in high school, ready to grow up and save the world. Fortunately, college knocked some sense into me and I learned how to be a person. Honestly, I feel like I'm rushing sometimes by going into medical school straight out of college. Buuut I do hear some crazy stories about MS1 post-exam parties.....😀

 

[avatarftw]

Well, I personally think that you are moving WAY too fast. However, I'm not as ambitious as you are, trying to get into med school by age 20 or so.

Why don't you apply to BS/MD or BS/DO schools if you want to get your medical degree quickly?

Your post is pretty hard core--do you do fun things like hang out with friends or play sports? Those types of experiences are invaluable.

You can't speed up life so fast that you cram a lifetime's worth of experiences in a few years. It depends on your perspective; when I was 17, I thought that 25 was really old. When you get older, you will probably think that "30" years old is really not that old.

Are you getting burnt out? Its not just about developing academically but emotionally and socially and as a person.

Okay, so I know this is technically in the wrong section, but I feel like I can get the best advice from you guys. So, I am a junior in high school and I am graduating a year early (this year). When I graduate high school, I will have completed over a year of college credit (I have a 4.0 college GPA....high school is another story though 😀). Also, I was thinking...if I took a few classes over the summer, I would be officially classified as a junior (biology major). And that would mean that I would start medical school in 2013... I also took a practice MCAT online with Princeton Review and scored a 33 (did horrible on the O. Chem section because I haven't taken O. Chem yet XD)...but anyways, am I moving too fast? I am so ready to just become a doctor, and move on with life...you know? My main goal is to become an ER Physician/Anesthesiologist. If I did the traditional route I wouldn't be able to have a normal life until I was 30. lol. I think the quicker I get out of school and complete my residency, the quicker I will be able to enjoy life and actually begin one. 30 years old is rather old to me. :/ (not to offend anyone)

And also, I'm kind of tired of doctors treating me like a kid. I just got a test back positive for a metabolic disorder called McArdle's Disease? I diagnosed myself. I got a myopathy textbook and began reading after my first case of rhabdomyolysis. When I came in the second time to the ER, I told the attending that I was pretty sure I had McArdle's Disease, and she sort of just blew me off. Like, "I can't believe this kid is really trying to tell me what he has." But turned out, I was right. When I was at the hospital, I became known as the "boy who diagnosed himself" by all of the doctors. And I want to become a Medical Student so I can have more credibility...and I won't be seen as some random teenager who hasn't even graduated high school yet.

By the way, I've taken Bio AP (took anatomy dual to make up for it), AP Chem, English Dual Credit, Calculus Dual, and Physics Dual Credit...the only pre-med class that I am missing is Organic Chemistry (which is really interesting to me actually...we are in a O. Chem unit in AP Chem now, and I feel like I can get an easy A in that class. Everyone thinks its hard in my class though...idk why)

But anyways, am I moving too fast, or will it be worth it?

**Also, I'm sorry for talking "text grammar"...I've been writing college application essays and an english essay all day. I'm so tired of using proper English.**

 

[FutureERDoc16]

Thanks everyone...I guess I should just slow down and enjoy life. And I'm not as good a kid as you might think, actually. I would have PLENTY of stories to tell colleagues about what I did in high school. I'm smart, and I think things through, so I just get away with everything I do. 🙂 and yes, I do hang out with friends (we skip 5th period government practically everyday, pile in my car, and go to mcdonalds for example...and last year, I skipped 3 times and went to a waterpark right next door to my school...and I've never been caught once....and i sneak out of the house all the time and go to parties) ....and I'm a competitive swimmer/lifeguard for sports...I have McArdle's disease (I kind of find the first posts statement about my disorder being some kind of "zebra disease" offensive), so I can't be involved in sports with much running or weight lifting (ex. Football, basketball, soccer)...Don't assume that just because I'm moving fast that I don't have a life. I thought, but I guess I'm wrong, that once you start Medical School, your life would be hell until you pass your board exams after residency. The reason why I'm so in rush is because I enjoy my life, and I also love medicine and would do anything to become a doctor, but if there's a way to balance my social life and my school life/medical career, I'll do it. This was the whole point of my post (sorry I didn't make it clear)...the only reason I'm trying to move so fast is for social benefits...

 

[FutureERDoc16]

And the reason I said "I have a 4.0 college gpa, but high school is another story," is because I'm a party kid. If you met me, you wouldn't even assume that I'm intelligent until you sparked up an educational coversation.

Also, I attend a magnet high school, and I am in the EMT program. I did an emergency medical shadow practically every Monday and Wednesday last summer. I know how to run codes like the back of my hand. I could probably start an IV just as quick as a nurse (one nurse let me try giving him an IV)...I could PROBABLY intubate a patient. When people come into the ER, by the end of the summer, I could literally diagnose 1/3 of the patients. I learned a lot. And the attending there loved me....if I ever came into the ER and diagnosed myself, she would take me seriously. This is what I mean by, "being treated more than a kid". Bcuz obviously I know more than the average 16 year old.

 

[sunshinevet]

And the reason I said "I have a 4.0 college gpa, but high school is another story," is because I'm a party kid. If you met me, you wouldn't even assume that I'm intelligent until you sparked up an educational coversation.

Also, I attend a magnet high school, and I am in the EMT program. I did an emergency medical shadow practically every Monday and Wednesday last summer. I know how to run codes like the back of my hand. I could probably start an IV just as quick as a nurse (one nurse let me try giving him an IV)...I could PROBABLY intubate a patient. When people come into the ER, by the end of the summer, I could literally diagnose 1/3 of the patients. I learned a lot. And the attending there loved me....if I ever came into the ER and diagnosed myself, she would take me seriously. This is what I mean by, "being treated more than a kid". Bcuz obviously I know more than the average 16 year old.

Number one reason you are not ready for med school:

You desperately need to get your ego in check...

Seeing things done and doing them is way different. Actually knowing WHY you are making a diagnosis is WAY different to seeing someone with sniffles and knowing out of experience that they have a cold. Seriously dude, you are not god, you cannot walk on water, and you do not know as much as you think you do.

If you do get into med school, you will discover this rapidly.

 

[Seahawk]

Ok so your a cool BAMF, you party your a-off and still make good grades.

Be an egotastical partying maniac, just don't let anyone know.

Nothing wrong with that IMO, if I was in your position with the graduating early and year of college credit I would feel like that too.

Meeting a modest and serious pre-health person is one of my favorite experiences. 75% of the pre-healths are *****s. They want to be a rich awesome doctor and have no other motivation. They are stupid and know nothing about admissions and fail classes.

I have stopped telling people I am pre-dent because I am embarrassed to, because SO MANY PEOPLE are just jokes in pre-health. Embarrassed to be associated with most of them.

(Semi-related rant, sorry)

So just keep making good grades, keep your confidence up, and stay modest.

If you ever become a respectable doctor you will look back at the above posts you made and say "Wow, I was a cocky immature dick." Guarantee it.

 

[ButImLETired]

Number one reason you are not ready for med school:

You desperately need to get your ego in check...

Seeing things done and doing them is way different. Actually knowing WHY you are making a diagnosis is WAY different to seeing someone with sniffles and knowing out of experience that they have a cold. Seriously dude, you are not god, you cannot walk on water, and you do not know as much as you think you do.

If you do get into med school, you will discover this rapidly.

Exactly. One of the most bizarre experiences in med school is that the more you know, the more you realize how much you don't know. I felt a lot more confident and sure of my knowledge and skills before starting med school than I do now, even though I have learned a ton. And I felt a lot more confident coming up with diagnoses before I knew how many more things could be going on. So, to quote good ol' Billy, "there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy".

So, the ER docs are impressed with you now. Fabulous. You're obviously a bright 16 year old who is very interested in their profession. They don't take you seriously, because you're also a painfully arrogant 16 year old who thinks he's about ready to do their job. It's cute when you're this age, and it gets less cute as time goes on. If I were to show up to the ED now and say that I should be allowed to run codes and intubate and put in IV's, I'd get a bad grade for lack of professionalism. Being arrogant is only charming when you're a kid, and after that people start taking you- and your attitude- seriously. So if you want to be treated like an adult, learn to act like one. Or better yet, wait to become one.

Oh, and the "zebra disease" comment isn't offensive. It comes from the saying "when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras" aka Occam's Razor, which is one of the tenets of medical education in general. Meaning, if someone has the sniffles first think it's a cold before thinking he/she is leaking CSF or something. So a "zebra" diagnosis is the one you wouldn't immediately think of. Which you would know if you had had more education.

So yeah, as many have pointed out, you'll likely be re-reading these posts in 10-15 years and think you sounded like a jackass. And indeed you do. Medicine isn't like it is on House, it's a grown-up job. You spend just as much time diagnosing and treating as you do making sure your colleagues and nurses like you so they can make your job easier (hint: acting like you can do their job when you're 16 because you've seen them do it a bunch of times = not a way to make them like you), making your patients trust you so they'll tell you their deepest darkest secrets (being an arrogant douche and being 16= not the way to make them trust you), dealing with mean attendings and insurance companies, explaining to a loved one how their child died...etc etc. There's a reason why it's actually BAD to be too young when you apply to med school. It's a very grown-up job. No one is impressed if you're 20 and a doctor and can't do your job properly.

 

[rhesuspieces]

I have McArdle's disease (I kind of find the first posts statement about my disorder being some kind of "zebra disease" offensive)

I'm not sure you understand what a "zebra" disease is...Dianyla in no way meant it offensively. The saying goes something like "if you hear hoofbeats, don't assume zebras." So if a doctor is presented with a set of symptoms, he/she is trained to think of common diseases (horses) first. It's not lack of intelligence/knowledge, it's pragmatism.

I could probably start an IV just as quick as a nurse (one nurse let me try giving him an IV)...I could PROBABLY intubate a patient.

🤣You are the worst. With that attitude, you're going to kill someone one day...probably by intubating their esophagus.

 

[Gigantron]

I just got a test back positive for a metabolic disorder called McArdle's Disease? I diagnosed myself. I got a myopathy textbook and began reading after my first case of rhabdomyolysis.

Good job Dr. House.

 

[Badger MD]

I'm just wondering if you recognize how arrogant and pretentious your posts sound? 🙁 You're clearly not as smart as you think you are if you try to explain your arrogance with more arrogance.

 

[fishsticks2629]

This guy is too funny..

 

[tabascosauce]

to op: can i have your babies?

 

[necoli]

bust out your undergrad as fast as you like. Then take a chill pill (meaning get a real job, grow up, live a little) for a couple of years. If you insist of looking at this time off from the perspective of a neurotic pre-med, then this period would give you the added benefit of developing unique ECs that most college students would not be able to do... if I were you I would look into joining the Peace Corp or something like that.

 

[avatarftw]

Absolutely bad advice in terms of getting into med school. Why not have great grades, great MCAT score, research, volunteering, etc to get into med school fresh out of undergrad? The two years that you use up in the Peace Corp will cost you HEAVILY since tuition is far outpacing inflation and you will lose two years of attending money. Its a big deal.

However, if you want to do the Peace Corp or whatever for other reasons, its a great idea. Seeing the world while you are young is a unique experience.

To the OP: Your posts are pretty arrogant. Its a fine line between confidence and arrogance; better to be humble since there is always somebody that is better than you at something. A person may be great at school but lack social skills and proficiency in sports, for example. Alternatively, I doubt that a lot of professional athletes could do a lot of the things that we can do in the classroom.

bust out your undergrad as fast as you like. Then take a chill pill (meaning get a real job, grow up, live a little) for a couple of years. If you insist of looking at this time off from the perspective of a neurotic pre-med, then this period would give you the added benefit of developing unique ECs that most college students would not be able to do... if I were you I would look into joining the Peace Corp or something like that.

 

[necoli]

Absolutely bad advice in terms of getting into med school. Why not have great grades, great MCAT score, research, volunteering, etc to get into med school fresh out of undergrad? The two years that you use up in the Peace Corp will cost you HEAVILY since tuition is far outpacing inflation and you will lose two years of attending money. Its a big deal.

However, if you want to do the Peace Corp or whatever for other reasons, its a great idea. Seeing the world while you are young is a unique experience.

To the OP: Your posts are pretty arrogant. Its a fine line between confidence and arrogance; better to be humble since there is always somebody that is better than you at something. A person may be great at school but lack social skills and proficiency in sports, for example. Alternatively, I doubt that a lot of professional athletes could do a lot of the things that we can do in the classroom.

Oh good gravy. The OP needs to grow up. No way would I want a 24 year old version of the OP running around as an intern. My post was intended to lead the OP on a route that would make him a better person, and ultimately a better doctor.

 

[avatarftw]

I'm sorry, I thought you were giving general advice for all applicants. Each person has their special circumstances and different maturity levels.

Its not bad to be confident, but when you're acting like the biggest hot shot then it can be unpleasant to be around that guy or girl.

Oh good gravy. The OP needs to grow up. No way would I want a 24 year old version of the OP running around as an intern. My post was intended to lead the OP on a route that would make him a better person, and ultimately a better doctor.

 

[orthomyxo]

it's called a troll

👍

If OP is so damn smart, why didn't he/she drop out of high school and get a GED instead of going through the motions with 2 years of college credit? LOL @ being a junior in high school while being a junior in college.

If you are real, do you mind doing my organic homework? It should be so simple for you. I mean, after all you're in the organic unit of AP chemistry. You're basically a pro at naming alkanes!!

 

[spacecowgirl]

I thought this story sounded familiar.

 

[SitraAchra]

And the reason I said "I have a 4.0 college gpa, but high school is another story," is because I'm a party kid. If you met me, you wouldn't even assume that I'm intelligent until you sparked up an educational coversation.

Also, I attend a magnet high school, and I am in the EMT program. I did an emergency medical shadow practically every Monday and Wednesday last summer. I know how to run codes like the back of my hand. I could probably start an IV just as quick as a nurse (one nurse let me try giving him an IV)...I could PROBABLY intubate a patient. When people come into the ER, by the end of the summer, I could literally diagnose 1/3 of the patients. I learned a lot. And the attending there loved me....if I ever came into the ER and diagnosed myself, she would take me seriously. This is what I mean by, "being treated more than a kid". Bcuz obviously I know more than the average 16 year old.

Your problem is you have no idea how little you know.

You are annoying, go away.

 

[MossPoh]

Your problem is you have no idea how little you know.

You are annoying, go away.

Many of us had similar attitudes when we were that age. We were invincible intellectual juggernauts crushing those mental midgets while bending spoons with our mind.

 

[da8s0859q]

Many of us had similar attitudes when we were that age. We were invincible intellectual juggernauts crushing those mental midgets while bending spoons with our mind.

Yeah, I deleted a post of mine here because of that. We all wanted to be badasses when we were 16. It's just that most of us weren't quite like... uh, this.

 

[JohnJ]

The OP is a little cocky... well, very cocky.

 

[Aaja]

I know how to run codes like the back of my hand. I could probably start an IV just as quick as a nurse (one nurse let me try giving him an IV)...I could PROBABLY intubate a patient. When people come into the ER, by the end of the summer, I could literally diagnose 1/3 of the patients.

A most hilarious post. Can't wait to see the wards crush your ego into smitherines if you ever even get accepted into med school. When I was your age I had ZERO interest into going to med school. I even went to a party once and found out the father of one of my classmates at the party was a doctor. After seeing the wrinkles and exhausted look on his face I told myself I'd never go to med school.

... And yet I'm going to get my MD degree in 6 months. I was planning on doing a semi legal thing to get a sort of temporary medical license last Friday but my heavily bureaucratic job as a government doctor foced me to leave too late and couldn't go to the office to expose my case. Oh well, maybe next week I'll sneak out of my patient consult early and invent a decent excuse or something.

I knew nothing about medicine when I got into it and feel better that I wasn't an arrogant pseudo know-it-all. Thinking you can maybe to a procedure and actually doing it yourself are two totally different things. I've never intubated before but I've used the laringoscope on newborn babies to remove meconium. It's A LOT harder than you think.

I bet if you saw someone doing a double axel in an ice rink you'd think you could PROBABLY be able to pull it out easily. 😆 I've done figure ice skating for almost 10 years and have always struggled to even do a single axel. I'm far better at doubles and death drops. I bet doctors were laughing at your back when you told them you self diagnosed an ultra rare disease most doctors don't even know it even exists. Stop looking at webMD and get a real job to get mistreated to humble your ego a little.

 

[45408]

If I did the traditional route I wouldn't be able to have a normal life until I was 30. lol. I think the quicker I get out of school and complete my residency, the quicker I will be able to enjoy life and actually begin one. 30 years old is rather old to me. :/ (not to offend anyone)

Your plan guarantees that you wouldn't have a normal life until 30, if ever. It's really not hard to live a relatively normal life through college and med school.

And also, I'm kind of tired of doctors treating me like a kid.

But anyways, am I moving too fast, or will it be worth it?

You are a kid. The fact that you don't realize it strongly reinforces it.

You are clearly moving way too fast.

Thanks everyone...I guess I should just slow down and enjoy life. And I'm not as good a kid as you might think, actually. I would have PLENTY of stories to tell colleagues about what I did in high school. I'm smart, and I think things through, so I just get away with everything I do. 🙂 and yes, I do hang out with friends (we skip 5th period government practically everyday, pile in my car, and go to mcdonalds for example...and last year, I skipped 3 times and went to a waterpark right next door to my school...and I've never been caught once....and i sneak out of the house all the time and go to parties) ....and I'm a competitive swimmer/lifeguard for sports...I have McArdle's disease (I kind of find the first posts statement about my disorder being some kind of "zebra disease" offensive), so I can't be involved in sports with much running or weight lifting (ex. Football, basketball, soccer)...Don't assume that just because I'm moving fast that I don't have a life. I thought, but I guess I'm wrong, that once you start Medical School, your life would be hell until you pass your board exams after residency. The reason why I'm so in rush is because I enjoy my life, and I also love medicine and would do anything to become a doctor, but if there's a way to balance my social life and my school life/medical career, I'll do it. This was the whole point of my post (sorry I didn't make it clear)...the only reason I'm trying to move so fast is for social benefits...

You pile into your car during 5th period to go to McDonalds, but you don't want doctors to think you're a kid? 😎

 

[Seahawk]

You pile into your car during 5th period to go to McDonalds, but you don't want doctors to think you're a kid? 😎

Dude, what is your problem, most docs love to pile all of their staff into cars and go eat an artery clogging meal every day after their 5th patient of the day. This kid is clearly ready for the field of medicine, however, I don't know if the field of medicine is ready for him.

 

[GeorgiaBrown13]

Hmmm....

I usually stay away from any thread besides stalking the pre-allo section (in the process of applying this year) but I stumbled across this and really!
I will be 27 when I enter med school, if I get in (notice I said if, keep it humble man!) and I still feel I am kinda on the young side. One thing I know for sure from being in the biomedical field for the past couple of years is that nothing in this field is for certain, even with the credentials. But, I have also learned that humbleness and the right attitude along with credentials will take you places you thought impossible. Like so many other people have said before, the most important thing is to stay humble if you really want to get in to med school. I can guarantee no adcom is going to be impressed with your application if it sounds as if getting accepted would be an entitlement. If you lurk over to the pre-allo threads you will see that it is a long road to not only med school, but residency and then practice. A career in medicine is one of those unique careers that requires a passion for life long learning and the ability to relate to your patients on all levels. Go to prom, have some relationships, get a job, work in your community, and get involved in something out of medicine but don't rush your education, because it seems you still have a lot of growing to do. But hey, that's just my two cents dude.

 

[GeorgiaBrown13]

👍

If OP is so damn smart, why didn't he/she drop out of high school and get a GED instead of going through the motions with 2 years of college credit? LOL @ being a junior in high school while being a junior in college.

If you are real, do you mind doing my organic homework? It should be so simple for you. I mean, after all you're in the organic unit of AP chemistry. You're basically a pro at naming alkanes!!

+1

 

[FutureERDoc16]

I'm really not trying to be cocky. I was really surprised at the responses to this post. Kinda funny I thought. 28+ year olds talking to a "kid" like that. I understand I don't know anything. Did I ever say that? Did I ever say that I should just skip medical school and become a doctor? No. How can ANY of you be doctors if you make assumptions like that. That tells me how you think, and I wouldn't want you diagnosing me, ever. And yes, I can intubate, I can start IV's, I can run codes. Why? Because as mentioned above, I am in an EMT program. (EMT-Paramedic to be more specific). So I've seen what medicine is like. I've worked with patients, doctors, and nurses. Today, I learned how to draw medications and give it IM to a patient in severe pain, and yes I was a nervous wreck. The nurse said it was cute....I'm so used to working on manikins and already dead patients in the ER, I never really had to worry about the patient...will I hurt the patient, will I do something wrong and anger the patient, etc. And I understand that I am arrogant and cocky, but I have a reason to. And if I'm not, I will never succeed in life. I know I came off a little too much, but I don't want to be seen as "oh, he's 16...that's all that matters". What I said above is all true. I may be an arrogant little brat to you because I have probably achieved more than that average Joe, but I'm sorry, I can't help what I've achieved in life. I understand completely that there is a lot more for me to learn, and I understand that I will probably not get much sleep in med school, but I really don't know where the assumption came that I know everything? I was trying to come to a point, as stated above, "that I know much more than the average 16 year old." I'm not trying to be rude, and I really don't know how that could be so? The comments posted by you so called doctors, medical students, and pre-med students were very rude. I know I can be cocky sometimes, but how else will I prove my point?


**Also to that guy on alkanes....I really really hope that you are talking about some kind of advanced chemical reaction worksheet over alkanes, because otherwise it is just pure memorization....not trying to be cocky, just wondering how you are planning on getting into med school without being able to memorize.

 

[FutureERDoc16]

And also, there again. An assumption. Just because I said organic chemistry was easy, as far as I've covered, doesn't mean I'm ready to take a final exam for a sophomore level organic chemistry course. It just means that the basics that I've covered, gives me sight into what I will be dealing with later on...and to me its not hard.

That's like trying to ask a high school girl who says she's good in biology to take a college level biology exam lol. Just because she says she good in biology doesn't mean she's ON THAT LEVEL.


I really hope that made you feel better. Because my post never said anything about me skipping sophomore college o. chem because it was below my level. I just said that I feel like it'll be an easier course for me. I'm not trying to compare myself with you or say that I am "better" than you. I'm just trying to provide reasons to support why I should skip an extra year. At the end of the day, that's all I was asking. And look at the replies? Very doctor-like (cough)

 

[MilkmanAl]

Did I ever say that I should just skip medical school and become a doctor?

Hmmm...

And also, I'm kind of tired of doctors treating me like a kid. I just got a test back positive for a metabolic disorder called McArdle's Disease? I diagnosed myself. I got a myopathy textbook and began reading after my first case of rhabdomyolysis. When I came in the second time to the ER, I told the attending that I was pretty sure I had McArdle's Disease, and she sort of just blew me off. Like, "I can't believe this kid is really trying to tell me what he has." But turned out, I was right. When I was at the hospital, I became known as the "boy who diagnosed himself" by all of the doctors. And I want to become a Medical Student so I can have more credibility...and I won't be seen as some random teenager who hasn't even graduated high school yet.

It doesn't take much to read between those lines, my friend.

And I understand that I am arrogant and cocky, but I have a reason to.

What reason would that be?

"oh, he's 16...that's all that matters"

Honestly, that really is all that matters at this point, assuming that being 16 means you aren't in college yet. There's a TON of maturing that happens between 16 and the 23 or 24-ish age of a typical med school matriculant, whether you want to believe that or not. I wasn't anywhere near as arrogant when I was 16, but I definitely thought I had things figured out pretty well. In truth, I probably did, compared to most people my age. As Voltaire says, though, "better is the enemy of good." You don't have it figured out, so chill and stop thinking you're amazing. Like LET said, arrogance loses its cuteness as you age. You've past the cute threshold, I believe.

I may be an arrogant little brat to you because I have probably achieved more than that average Joe, but I'm sorry, I can't help what I've achieved in life.

However, you are completely in control of your attitude. That - not your accomplishments - is what needs checking.

just wondering how you are planning on getting into med school without being able to memorize

Compared to most of my classmates, I'm not terribly good at memorizing things. It makes classes like anatomy a lot harder, but there's usually at least a little conceptualizing to be done.

P.S.: You can quit dropping the "bad doctor" bomb whenever you like. For many reasons, it just makes you look silly. Save some face, and quit while you're not as far behind as you could be.

 

[FutureERDoc16]

And lastly...as for the "entitlement" and the "wanting to be seen as more than a kid"...the point I was trying to get at, is simply, if I am in a paramedic course should I not be treated as a paramedic student? Shouldn't I be given a little more credit than a 16 year old kid who doesn't know how to do anything but have sex, eat, and sleep? That's it, that's all. I wasnt trying to say that I should be a doctor. Whenever I am around a doctor, I always see them as my superior...a high superior.....I would never compare myself with them unless I am one myself. Again, where was this assumption made? I think the majority of the people who replied did so because they thought i was comparing myselves to them. I'm not. And even if I am, I think it's quite hilarious that insults are being thrown at me by people 10 years + older than me, but yet.....maybe you should look at yourself. If I am so called a "kid" why am I being insulted like one of your peers for asking for advice?

 

[FutureERDoc16]

What are you talking about? A med student still has no where near as much credit as a doctor. A first year med student doesn't know anything. A first year med student is far from a doctor

 

[FutureERDoc16]

And FYI...I've never in my life been called arrogant or cocky. Until I heard it from you guys. I think that says something...

I know I am...but not very

 

[MilkmanAl]

On the internet, you're faceless. I'd imagine your friends and family are much less likely to call you out for being hopelessly self-absorbed than a bunch of similarly faceless online strangers. You may not come off as arrogant in person after just one or two meetings, but the content of this thread is more than enough for me (and many other people, it appears) to conclude that you're basically insufferable on the inside. Fortunately, chances are very good that things will change as you grow up, but just keep in mind how you sound to others when you say stuff like what you have in this thread. Read it from time to time so you can remember what not to do, because you've put on a clinic in that department.

In short, you're right: the fact that you're getting called arrogant does say something. It says that you've never been around people willing or able to give you an honest appraisal of how you present yourself.

Since you're set on this whole medicine thing, I'd go with what was suggested above and pursue a combined college/MD program of some sort. For one, you can bypass the med school interview (which will be extremely helpful to you if your attitude somehow does not change), and you don't have to fiddle with all the bad stuff becoming a qualified applicant entails. Of course, you'll likely sacrifice the ability to explore other subjects you might enjoy and perhaps a year (or several years) of college at the altar of fast-track science education for those perks.

 

[FutureERDoc16]

Thanks for replying to my question. 🙂 but no. My friends are pretty much straight forward. If they have something to say, they say it. And as for my family.....my mom calling my bothers girlfriend a *****, and telling him he probably got HIV from her for no reason.... is proof that my family is pretty straight forward too.

 

[45408]

I'm really not trying to be cocky. I was really surprised at the responses to this post. Kinda funny I thought. 28+ year olds talking to a "kid" like that. I understand I don't know anything. Did I ever say that? Did I ever say that I should just skip medical school and become a doctor? No. How can ANY of you be doctors if you make assumptions like that. That tells me how you think, and I wouldn't want you diagnosing me, ever. And yes, I can intubate, I can start IV's, I can run codes. Why? Because as mentioned above, I am in an EMT program. (EMT-Paramedic to be more specific). So I've seen what medicine is like. I've worked with patients, doctors, and nurses. Today, I learned how to draw medications and give it IM to a patient in severe pain, and yes I was a nervous wreck. The nurse said it was cute....I'm so used to working on manikins and already dead patients in the ER, I never really had to worry about the patient...will I hurt the patient, will I do something wrong and anger the patient, etc. And I understand that I am arrogant and cocky, but I have a reason to. And if I'm not, I will never succeed in life. I know I came off a little too much, but I don't want to be seen as "oh, he's 16...that's all that matters". What I said above is all true. I may be an arrogant little brat to you because I have probably achieved more than that average Joe, but I'm sorry, I can't help what I've achieved in life. I understand completely that there is a lot more for me to learn, and I understand that I will probably not get much sleep in med school, but I really don't know where the assumption came that I know everything? I was trying to come to a point, as stated above, "that I know much more than the average 16 year old." I'm not trying to be rude, and I really don't know how that could be so? The comments posted by you so called doctors, medical students, and pre-med students were very rude. I know I can be cocky sometimes, but how else will I prove my point?


**Also to that guy on alkanes....I really really hope that you are talking about some kind of advanced chemical reaction worksheet over alkanes, because otherwise it is just pure memorization....not trying to be cocky, just wondering how you are planning on getting into med school without being able to memorize.

I've achieved more than you at this point, which makes you more of an arrogant brat that if you had achieved more than me. So you think you can run a code. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

I was already an EMT, and now I'm a surgery resident, and running a code is a pretty sobering thought for me.

And FYI...I've never in my life been called arrogant or cocky. Until I heard it from you guys. I think that says something...

I know I am...but not very

Yes, it says that at least you have the good sense not to say such ignorant things in person.

 

[jake2]

The OP sounds like a troll more than anything else really, though a pretty amusing one as trolls go. I'm almost rooting for him/her.

That being said, I got into med school at 17 (not a BS/MD program but straight MD) and it's really not as uncommon as people think. Probably about a dozen people or so annually get into med school in their late teens. A 12 year old got into UChicago a few years back.

I'm towards the end of residency now, and I get asked a lot if I think in retrospect it was a good idea. Hindsight being 20/20, probably not. There are probably other jobs that would have been a better fit for me and my personality. Don't get me wrong, I did well in med school (it was a top 10 school and I wound up getting into a top program in a competitive specialty), and I really do like my job now. I can't help but wonder if there was something I would have liked more though.

That's the problem with medicine, once you commit to it, there really is not a good way out if you decide you don't like it. The loans are too much to quit and do anything else. And at 17 it is hard to know what your options even are let alone which one is the best fit for you, at least for me it was. Hell, your personality is still developing so how can you even fit anything to it yet? I personally didn't know finance existed as an industry really and had no idea what life was really like as a research scientist or lawyer or entrepreneur etc. I thought I did, but such is the naivite of youth I suppose.

I wouldn't listen to those who say you'll be too immature or won't be able to communicate to your patient's because you don't have life experience. I was 19 on clinical rotations (surgery to ob/gyn) and did just fine and know others in the same position. I wouldn't listen to those who say you'll miss out on life. Turns out, life, fun, love, family, travel, hell even video games truck on even with med school and residency in the background. I would think about other options though. You don't want to look back and think "what if"...

/End self-reflecting philosophical diatribe

 

[45408]

Thanks for replying to my question. 🙂 but no. My friends are pretty much straight forward. If they have something to say, they say it. And as for my family.....my mom calling my bothers girlfriend a *****, and telling him he probably got HIV from her for no reason.... is proof that my family is pretty straight forward too.

He said willing and able to make such an assessment.

 

[HK35]

What are you talking about? A med student still has no where near as much credit as a doctor. A first year med student doesn't know anything. A first year med student is far from a doctor

wrong thing to say here kid, first year med students have worked there asses off to get into college, we were all once teenagers, you just haven had the life experiences yet that everyone here has had. your 16 you think your invincible and thats natural but you can come on this forum, telling us your doogie howser and how your a prodigy with out backlask. you cant play with fire without getting burnt. If your as smart as your say you are, more power to you, but coming on here telling med students that your smarter than them or that they dont know anything is a bad, move. btw most med schools dont accept AP credit so congrats but ur still behind. you need to grow up and be more mature. if you dont want to, move to another country like pakistan where theres no malpractice and you can practice all you want.

 

[SitraAchra]

FutureERDoc16, you are comically naive.

Everything you say embarrasses yourself further. Your experience as an EMT is light years behind the clinical experiences of an RN, let alone an MD. You DO realize that anyone with a GED can become an EMT, yes?

Please just go away and become a bitter Paramedic convinced they could have been a physician if they wanted to, because odds are that is exactly where you are headed.

There is no where to begin to address your ill-conceived notions of your place in the continuum of medical professionals, mainly because you aren't one. You have mimicked clinical tasks but you have no idea what complications can exist and how to deal with them.

You don't know what you don't know, giving you false security.

Your arrogant, naive attitude will immediately close off all opportunity for advancement.

In summary: Go away, no one takes you the least bit seriously.

 

[Geekchick921]

I keep seeing this thread pop up as the most recent one on hSDN, and all I can think of everytime I see the title is, "No... no you shouldn't. But congratulations on your new-found superpower."

 

[CurrySpice]

Try one of the BS-MD programs if you want to speed through college:

http://www.villanova.edu/artsci/healthprofessions/affiliates/medicine/ (3+4)

http://www.science.psu.edu/premed/premedmed/accelerated-premed-medical (2+4)

 

[ButImLETired]

Oh, where to begin, where to begin...

What are you talking about? A med student still has no where near as much credit as a doctor. A first year med student doesn't know anything. A first year med student is far from a doctor

I actually agree with you here. A first year med student DOESN'T know a darn thing. And yet a first year med student DOES know 100x more than you do. Feel free to do the math.

As I mentioned in my previous post, one of the cool/humbling things about med school is that the more you know, the less you know- in the sense that as you further your medical education, you realize just how much there is to know and how little you have learned. That's why they say that to be a doctor you have to be willing to be a lifelong learner- the information is virtually limitless, and the more you learn, the more you realize that medicine is like an iceberg, or really an ocean full of icebergs, and chances are you'll only ever see the tip of about 99.9% of them.

That humility, that knowledge that there is so much to learn, the whole "ars longa, vita brevis" concept Hippocrates brought forth is a sign that you're finally starting to get it. I don't blame you for not knowing it yet- BECAUSE YOU'RE A KID. But what you don't understand is that the more you argue you're right, that you know a lot, that you know what's entailed in this job when people WAY further than you in your education are the first to admit they don't know anything- the younger you seem. This is the same argument I hear anesthesiologists have with people who don't know the field and who think the job is "easy" because all they have to do is push drugs and sit by the patient's head. Again, it's a case of "you don't know how much you don't know". Which is fine, but you're smug about it, and that's NOT fine.

And FYI...I've never in my life been called arrogant or cocky. Until I heard it from you guys. I think that says something...

I know I am...but not very

I have also never in my life been called a btc*, but I'm quite certain others have thought it of me before. Besides, most friendships at age 16 or 17 are based on random things you might have in common, not a deep emotional connection with a very strong understanding of each other's qualities and flaws. I assure you, once cockiness stops being charming and people start growing up and realizing what it is that "bugs" them, this attitude of yours will become a problem.

Thanks for replying to my question. 🙂 but no. My friends are pretty much straight forward. If they have something to say, they say it. And as for my family.....my mom calling my bothers girlfriend a *****, and telling him he probably got HIV from her for no reason.... is proof that my family is pretty straight forward too.

I'm quite certain that mostly indicates you have deeper family issues than you might think. I don't know how that results in your definitely not being arrogant...


The last thing I want to say is- be careful. As Prowler says, even for a surgery resident running a code is a big deal. Coming up with a zebra diagnosis before having any evidence is (dumb and) a big deal. As SitraAcra says, not knowing what you don't know lulls you into a false sense of security. A monkey can tie a knot or write down the word "propranolol" on a prescription pad, but that doesn't make it a surgeon or a cardiologist. You need to learn your limits, because being overconfident in your skills is dangerous for other people. Like, very dangerous. One of the main things you're taught in med school is to absolutely never be afraid to say when you don't know something, and to always be aware of your limits. Mistakes are made when people who don't know what they're doing, think they do and are too proud and stupid to face reality.

For your sake, and for the sake of your future patients (if you'll get there), I hope this is a reality check.

 

[avatarftw]

Please be less arrogant; its fine to be confident but you don't want to be "that guy" that thinks he's all hot stuff.

You'll get put in your place faster than you thought possible. A lot of people in med school are the ones that were perfect High School students, ivy league graduates, and they have accomplished a lot more than you have up to this point.

Even if you are as sweet of a person and student as you portray yourself to be, don't be a jerk.

I'm really not trying to be cocky. I was really surprised at the responses to this post. Kinda funny I thought. 28+ year olds talking to a "kid" like that. I understand I don't know anything. Did I ever say that? Did I ever say that I should just skip medical school and become a doctor? No. How can ANY of you be doctors if you make assumptions like that. That tells me how you think, and I wouldn't want you diagnosing me, ever. And yes, I can intubate, I can start IV's, I can run codes. Why? Because as mentioned above, I am in an EMT program. (EMT-Paramedic to be more specific). So I've seen what medicine is like. I've worked with patients, doctors, and nurses. Today, I learned how to draw medications and give it IM to a patient in severe pain, and yes I was a nervous wreck. The nurse said it was cute....I'm so used to working on manikins and already dead patients in the ER, I never really had to worry about the patient...will I hurt the patient, will I do something wrong and anger the patient, etc. And I understand that I am arrogant and cocky, but I have a reason to. And if I'm not, I will never succeed in life. I know I came off a little too much, but I don't want to be seen as "oh, he's 16...that's all that matters". What I said above is all true. I may be an arrogant little brat to you because I have probably achieved more than that average Joe, but I'm sorry, I can't help what I've achieved in life. I understand completely that there is a lot more for me to learn, and I understand that I will probably not get much sleep in med school, but I really don't know where the assumption came that I know everything? I was trying to come to a point, as stated above, "that I know much more than the average 16 year old." I'm not trying to be rude, and I really don't know how that could be so? The comments posted by you so called doctors, medical students, and pre-med students were very rude. I know I can be cocky sometimes, but how else will I prove my point?


**Also to that guy on alkanes....I really really hope that you are talking about some kind of advanced chemical reaction worksheet over alkanes, because otherwise it is just pure memorization....not trying to be cocky, just wondering how you are planning on getting into med school without being able to memorize.