Spring semester junior: pre-optometry to pre-med

[deleted841854]

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Hi,

I am currently a spring semester junior majoring in Chemistry with a premed emphasis. I thought I wanted to become an optometrist up until this semester after shadowing a few OD's in the area and found the profession not what I thought it was going to be. I am looking into medical school, however, I am not sure if I will be able to make this transition. I have almost all prereqs done (besides possibly microbiology), and will just be finishing up my degree classes in the fall and spring before graduating.

About me:

Spring Semester Junior
gpa: 3.783
science gpa: 3.897
Research experience: 2 semester (did learn some skills but found that it was not the right environment for me and decided to drop it)
Work: Supplemental instructor for a chemistry course, Pharmacy technician at CVS.
volunteer: Senior outreach program for about a year
Shadow: Optometrist and a few Ophthalmologists.

What I am most afraid of is not having much clinical experience, shadowing and volunteering. I know if I choose this route I'll be spending a year after graduation to strengthen up my application (gap year). I will begin volunteering at a hospital in the fall and hopefully searching for more opportunities.

A few questions:
I did not enjoy the research setting and will try not to get in a lab again, will this effect my application? Will I have enough time to catch up on those EC's and apply during the gap year? I was not involved heavily in premed clubs (I am currently in the Preoptometry and Chemistry club on campus), will joining these clubs as a senior be too late?

Thanks,

rod

 

[stickgirl390]

I did not do any scientific research, but was able to secure two MD interviews. I think if other areas of your application are unique/show dedication and passion for medicine, you don't have to force the research-path.

Did you take the MCAT? That should definitely happen before you decide if/when to apply.

I would strongly recommend shadowing a physician before applying as well. Since shadowing is what turned you off of optometry, you want to ensure medicine isn't going to give you the same feeling.

 

[deleted841854]

I am planning to take that next summer after graduation. Youre right, shadowing is definitely something needed. What other ways to get clinical experience? And will volunteering at hospitals for a year be enough? Im afraid that time is not on my side. I have not been in those premed clubs like my peers, or have multiple years of shadowing and volunteering or clinical experience. I know I have a solid gpa, which is looking to go up with my grades for this semester.

 

[stickgirl390]

Applying to medical school is a marathon. Don't give yourself a deadline: apply when your application is truly the best it can be. I waited 5 years after getting my bachelors before applying. I'm not suggesting you take that much time, but hoping you'll see that waiting isn't a bad thing.

Shadowing is more for your benefit to see if you like the career. Adcoms like to see shadowing in the sense that they know you are aware what is required of a physician. Volunteering is more important though, both clinical and not. A year is more than enough time. The goal is to gain meaningful experience that shows a dedication to medicine, giving back to the community, and helping others. There really isn't a timeline for that.

Don't worry about school clubs. I was in two of them (premed being one) and it wasn't brought up at either of my interviews. Join if it interests you, but it isn't necessary for applying.

 

[aymar]

Research is more of a check-box. If you have it, that is enough, unless you want to apply MD/PhD or to a research heavy school. Otherwise, two semesters should be sufficient. I had two years of clinical volunteering (senior year and year of application) when I applied, and got 3 MD interviews. Looks like you are already taking a gap year (based on the timing of your MCAT) so you definitely have some time. I would suggest getting some primary care shadowing experience over the next year. Also make sure that you have your gap year job lined up prior to submitting AMCAS so that those experiences can be considered as well. I would suggest something in a clinical setting.

 

[deleted841854]

Thanks Aymar and stickgirl390. I plan not to take 5 years after my bachelors to apply, but I do need to realize taking some time to strengthen my application is necessary and important.