Greetings,
Throughout most of my life there have been two things that have interested me greatly: Mechanical Engineering and Medicine. I always expected myself to become a combat medic or a paramedic - my passion was sparked by my brother who was a paramedic. I always thought being a doctor was out of my reach - I was not born rich or into a family of doctors. I have decided however, that I am not going to allow this to hinder me. I want to be an Orthopedic Surgeon. This medical profession combines by two passions. I am no stranger to orthopedic care either - despite my young age (22) I have experienced ACL repair, meniscus repair and trimming, and installation of a metal plate in my arm. Orthopedic care is incredibly fascinating. The human body is a true marvel of engineering. I do realize that the path to become what I want to be, is a difficult one. With that being said, I do have a few questions I would like to ask the community. I apologize in advance if these questions are too long. I look forward to any advice that is given.
I did not attend college directly after High School. Not because I was a lazy bum, I began working immediately after school. I work in purchasing (Industrial MRO sales), full time. While this is an enjoyable and professional career option, it is not what I am passionate about. Coming from a poor family who has no college graduates, I knew that I would have to work to afford college. Unfortunately, college kept getting put back. I have tried to go twice now. On the first attempt - I was in a motorcycle accident and broke my arm - which required surgery. So college was put on hold. The second time I tore my ACL and both meniscus in my left knee - and then ended up with two blood clots in my right lung. Again, the week before college began. I am determined that come this spring semester - nothing will stop me. However, working full time and commuting 1+ hour each way to work - the best college option I have is community college. My local CC is partnered with a university to provide transfer programs. My current projected college path path is acquiring an Associate of Science then transfer to the university to complete my B.S Chemistry with a minor in Biology or Psychology. On that note - I am not seeking a degree in Chemistry in an attempt to make myself look better to medical school. Chemistry is the building blocks of life. I fell in love with it in 9th grade, and planned on being a Chemistry major before I even considered being a doctor. The hidden question in all this: Will this college path have a negative impact on me applying to medical school? I know community college isn't the greatest, but as long as I finish a BS at a major university does it matter? I am not attending it out of ease of classes, only because I will be working full time with a commute and the college offers night time and online classes that will work more around what I am able to attend. I do not know if this will have an effect on anything.
Seeing as I will be attending college at the ripe old age of 23 (My clock will tick one over before the spring semester), does this make me too old to pursue a medical degree?
I suffer from Bi-Polar disorder. Will this disqualify me from medical school? It is under control with medication.
I know not everyone who aspires to become a doctor, makes it into medical school. I do backup plans. If I cannot get into medical school, I will try Pharm school. If this fails as well, I will continue my chemistry education and go into chemistry R&D. That being said, I will not give up easily on becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
Thank you very much for reading my post. I greatly appreciate any and all advice that is offered.
Throughout most of my life there have been two things that have interested me greatly: Mechanical Engineering and Medicine. I always expected myself to become a combat medic or a paramedic - my passion was sparked by my brother who was a paramedic. I always thought being a doctor was out of my reach - I was not born rich or into a family of doctors. I have decided however, that I am not going to allow this to hinder me. I want to be an Orthopedic Surgeon. This medical profession combines by two passions. I am no stranger to orthopedic care either - despite my young age (22) I have experienced ACL repair, meniscus repair and trimming, and installation of a metal plate in my arm. Orthopedic care is incredibly fascinating. The human body is a true marvel of engineering. I do realize that the path to become what I want to be, is a difficult one. With that being said, I do have a few questions I would like to ask the community. I apologize in advance if these questions are too long. I look forward to any advice that is given.
I did not attend college directly after High School. Not because I was a lazy bum, I began working immediately after school. I work in purchasing (Industrial MRO sales), full time. While this is an enjoyable and professional career option, it is not what I am passionate about. Coming from a poor family who has no college graduates, I knew that I would have to work to afford college. Unfortunately, college kept getting put back. I have tried to go twice now. On the first attempt - I was in a motorcycle accident and broke my arm - which required surgery. So college was put on hold. The second time I tore my ACL and both meniscus in my left knee - and then ended up with two blood clots in my right lung. Again, the week before college began. I am determined that come this spring semester - nothing will stop me. However, working full time and commuting 1+ hour each way to work - the best college option I have is community college. My local CC is partnered with a university to provide transfer programs. My current projected college path path is acquiring an Associate of Science then transfer to the university to complete my B.S Chemistry with a minor in Biology or Psychology. On that note - I am not seeking a degree in Chemistry in an attempt to make myself look better to medical school. Chemistry is the building blocks of life. I fell in love with it in 9th grade, and planned on being a Chemistry major before I even considered being a doctor. The hidden question in all this: Will this college path have a negative impact on me applying to medical school? I know community college isn't the greatest, but as long as I finish a BS at a major university does it matter? I am not attending it out of ease of classes, only because I will be working full time with a commute and the college offers night time and online classes that will work more around what I am able to attend. I do not know if this will have an effect on anything.
Seeing as I will be attending college at the ripe old age of 23 (My clock will tick one over before the spring semester), does this make me too old to pursue a medical degree?
I suffer from Bi-Polar disorder. Will this disqualify me from medical school? It is under control with medication.
I know not everyone who aspires to become a doctor, makes it into medical school. I do backup plans. If I cannot get into medical school, I will try Pharm school. If this fails as well, I will continue my chemistry education and go into chemistry R&D. That being said, I will not give up easily on becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
Thank you very much for reading my post. I greatly appreciate any and all advice that is offered.
